Palm trees, both real and painted, decorate The Outrigger Beach Resort. This resort is for people who don't plan to spend too much time in the room. The efficiencies, with small kitchens, have the best views, of the beach, pool or garden. The standard guest rooms, while less expensive, are on the second or third floors and have less interesting views. Fortunately, the Resort offers 340 feet of beautiful beach, a heated pool, picnic area, and a Deckside Café and Tiki Bar, so staying in the room isn't necessary.

The spirit of Old Florida is captured at the Edison Beach House, located on Estero Island. Every room in the suites-only hotel boasts a kitchen, laundry facilities and a breathtaking view of the Gulf of Mexico from a private balcony. The 24 suites are available in seven floor plans, but spring breakers beware: the hotel only to rents to those over the age of 26, and all suites are non-smoking. As an added attraction, the hotel received a Coastal Friendly Award for its efforts to protect the sea turtles. Personal checks are not accepted.

The most attractive feature of Motel 6 is the price. You get a nice, comfy room for very reasonable rates. It is perfect for the budget traveler who doesn't need the fancy stuff. It is on the banks of the Caloosahatchee River, across the river is downtown Fort Myers or the River District. It is close to the canaled neighborhoods of Cape Coral. You are allowed one pet per room. Senior citizens get a discount.

If you want a hotel with personality, the Rock Lake Resort is the place to stay. The historic resort was originally built in 1946, when a lake was constructed of coral. Nine cottages (18 units) ring the lake. Each unit has a kitchen, a porch looking onto the lake, and dolphin statue that shoots water back into the lake. Billy Creek allows direct access for small boats to the Caloosahatchee River, and there are also nature trails. The resort is half a mile from downtown.

The Howard Johnson Express Inn is convenient to downtown Fort Myers, which is only about two minutes away. They offer a continental breakfast in the lobby, featuring over 15 items, from 6am to 10am daily. The rooms have coffee makers, modem lines, and free local telephone calls, with no surcharge for long distance calling card calls. Although there are no on-site restaurants, there are several eateries within walking distance. There is also a pool.

The Comfort Inn on Boatways Road is located right off Interstate 75 at exit 25, one of the first into Fort Myers if you're driving south. The rooms are convenient and affordable but sparse. There is an outdoor pool and hot tub, and the rooms have cable TV, modem lines, and coffee makers. For safety, there are interior corridors, and dead bolts and peepholes on the doors. There isn't a restaurant on site, but surrounding eateries include Cracker Barrel and Perkins within walking distance.

The 24-story Ramada Inn & Suites at Amtel Marina is located on the Caloosahatchee River in downtown Fort Myers, 15 minutes from both the beach and Southwest Florida International Airport. A shuttle provides transportation to the airport and local attractions, and they have two side-by-side pools, a basketball court, and tennis court. La Tiers restaurant offers breakfast, lunch, dinner, and Sunday brunch buffets, and acclaimed Thai cuisine. The meeting space can accommodate large or small groups, and there is 40,000 square feet next door at the Harborside Convention Center.

Courtyard Fort Myers / Cape Coral is a convenient and comfortable option for business travelers. Centrally located between the Southwest Florida Regional Airport, Interstate 75 and downtown, the rooms offer data ports, a work desk and sitting area. The restaurant serves a buffet breakfast only. There is a swimming pool, whirlpool and exercise room, plus a shower massage for after your workout. Evening meetings can be held in the lounge or in one of two meeting rooms during the day. Restaurants, such as Peters La Cuisine and Prawnbrokers, are nearby.

The Best Western Fort Myers Inn and Suites is a 3-mile drive from Interstate 75, and is within driving distance of downtown. The conference room only seats 15, so large meetings aren't an option, but if you're in town to catch the Seminole Gulf Mystery Murder Train, it's just across the street. The non-descript four-story building houses 92 rooms and 13 suites, with an outdoor heated pool. If you're tired after a long day of driving, pounding the pavement or flying, you can rent movies or Nintendo games.

The Holiday Inn is centrally located in downtown Fort Myers, and has many amenities geared towards business travelers. Rooms on the Executive Level offer a work area with computer and fax hook-ups, plus a refrigerator, coffee maker, microwave, speakerphones, a private access and foyer, and a complimentary newspaper. For female business travelers, there are oversized vanities and reserved lighted parking spaces. The business center features fax, copier, and computers, while meeting rooms seat 80 people. For larger meetings, the Harborside Convention Center is within walking distance.