Travel

[Lipstickdiva]

@rrpell, my husband and some friends stayed there a number of years ago when they went to visit a friend who is a doctor.  The doctor booked the hotel for them and they had no idea even after they were given the name of the resort.

They pulled up and my husband said he thought they had the wrong place.  LOL  He said it was a very nice place.

I know a few HSN hosts have mentioned that place and a couple of them were married there and/or had their reception there.    

I have only been to Florida once on a girls trip.  Unfortunately, our trip was cut short due to a hurricane.  However, we flew into Tampa for a family anniversary party then drove down to Fort Myers Beach and rented a condo, which was unbelievably fabulous and not at all expensive.  But we were only there 1 day and had to get a flight out so I really don't know what there was to do.  LOL 

[Miss Shelly]

We enjoy staying at Sailport Waterfront Suites. They have 1 and 2 bedroom condos on Rocky Point which is just over the causeway from Clearwater Beach and near the airport.    Location is central to all Tampa has to offer.   I love looking out over Tampa Bay, especially at night.  Infact,  we are booked for a week in late June when my oldest daughter who lives in Vegas is  coming home to introduce her new boyfriend to  us. Since he's never been to FL, figured we would stay there instead of our boring little town.

[crazered]

what is the name of the resort?

[rrpell]

@Lipstickdiva

Gosh, a hurricane?  Too bad you had to leave but it was for a good reason

I wonder if it was Hurricane Charley? That was a very bad hurricane.  I took a trip to Captiva (an island near Fort Myers Beach) after that hurricane hit and I was so sad.  All the beautiful palm trees had been ripped out of the ground and the peaceful and serene landscaping around the houses was destroyed.   The island next to Captiva, North Captiva (which is only accesible by water taxi), was split in two. The surging water from the hurricane created a pass.   It was a big mess.

I went back three years later and was surprised.  It had changed so much!   New trees had been planted and the landscaping was beautiful again. I couldn't believe how things could change in such a short amount of time.

Funny you should mention HSN hosts.  I was eating lunch at the Don Cesar (along with the other vacationers dressed in bathing suit coverups and shorts) and noticed a group of nicely dressed people eating lunch, outside.  The waitress told me they were from HSN 

[Lipstickdiva]

@rrpell, for the life of me I cannot remember which hurricane it was and I cannot even remember what year this was but I know it was after Charley.  LOL  I remember that initially they thought Ft. Myers was going to take a direct hit and our first day there they were moving all the lobby furniture to the 4th floor of the condo complex and told us that at 6:00 that night, the elevators were being shut off and we'd have to walk up the steps and we were on like the 7th floor. They advised we get out of there.  We asked when the last time was they moved all that furniture, etc. and they replied "not since Charley."   As we left, people were boarding things up.

Initially we thought about just moving elsewhere in Florida and staying.  Good thing we didn't do that because this hurricane kept moving all over the state.  I don't think it was particularly damaging, not as damaging as they thought, it just wouldn't go away. 

[Nannerbelles]

We go to the Treasure Island/St. Pete Beach area every year.  Laid back and fun.  Research you hotel wisely is you don't like older hotels.  It's fun to stay right on the beach and close to John's Pass and other attractions.

[homedecor1]

I live outside Tampa area - Clearwater beach is my fav! Yet, when my friends & family visit we go to Treasure Island, Readington Beach or Madeira Beach areas.

Lots of traffic (usual) but great beaches & restaurants. My friend gives us her place so I'm not familiar with hotels in Treasure Island. Johns Pass is a nice shopping area.

On the other hand, if you want Clearwater Beach area - definitely Marriot or Don Caesar (pink hotel) both are expensive - great accommodations & right at/on beach. 

[Evie2004]

---

@I am still oxox wrote:

I found Sanibel very boring and expensive, limited dining on the island and there is a toll every time you leave and enter.

---

Agree with boring/ unless you are into seashells! But, the Ding Darling Nature preserve is a nice way to pass the time..escorted tours on a tram or self-guided..nice gift shop & information areas.

Crazy traffic during the day.

[itsmagic]

---

@StylishLady wrote:

Porta Gorda? If you mean Punta Gorda, I'd suggest you go a little further south and treat yourselves to Sanibel Island near me for a more laid back and easy going atmosphere.

---

@StylishLady I love staying on Sanibel Island when vacationing in Florida. Really enjoy walking the beach, shelling, riding bikes and just relaxing.