DVC Red Sox Fans - Need advice re: Ft Myers Area! NAPLES info too :)

[Boardwalk III]

Hi all,

I'm hoping to take my teenage boys to Red Sox Spring Training in March in Ft Myers. Any good suggestions for properties in the Ft Myers area? I am looking for a nice resort/hotel, on or near the beach, preferably with a pool. I heard Sanibel was nice and within driving distance to the Red Sox in Ft Myers. If anyone has knowledge of nice places to stay there (or anywhere else within 1/2 hour drive of Ft Myers) I'd really appreciate it. I do not need to use points for this - can pay cash.

Thanks

 

[dianeschlicht]

OOO! As Twins fans, we would be interested in this information as well! We had thought about combining a DVC/WDW trip with spring training, but with the distance between Ft. Myers and Orlando, I doubt we would do that.

 

[nickglover]

Casa Ybel on Sanibel is a nice property with suites, right on the beach. I think they are in II, also. You will need to ask if everything is open (pool, etc.) because they had damage from Hurricane Charlie over there. The toll on and off Sanibel is fairly high.. seems like at least $3 each way.

There are some nice properties on Fort Myers beach, also.

 

[WKUMAD]

We have owned a condo in South Ft. Myers for the last 10 years. I am also a rabid Red Sox fan and go to 8 to 10 spring games each spring. Our condo is located about 25 minutes from the Stadium which is in downtown Ft. Myers. First thing, you don't want to stay in or near downtown Ft. Myers. Second you need to buy your tickets in January when they go on sale. All of the spring games sell out. The tickets have gone up every year and the parking is limited and costly.
Don't know what type of accomodations you would like. They will all be rather expensive. I would recommend the Hampton Inn on Summerlin as a nice motel-hotel. Located fairly close to the beaches and plenty of restaurants. Fort Myers Beach is an option but is real crowded, especially during March. And the traffic on and off the island is awful. Sanibel Island is an option but would put you about close to an hour to the Red Sox and awful traffic, plus the causeway to traverse. I think they have just gone up on the bridge to $6.00 per crossing to pay for a new one.
I would recommend a location on Daniels, Summerlin. There are motel-hotels on Daniels near I-75 and the Airport. There is a nice new Hilton Garden Inn on Summerlin, very well located. Also a Fairfild Inn that is rather new on South 41, well located.
You can send me a PM for further info. All accomodation are expensive in March. A 2 BR condo on the beach will run in excess of $1200 for a week

Go Red Sox

 

[Boardwalk III]

Thanks for the great info - you guys are the best!


GO RED SOX!!!!!!

 

[Doug Wolfe]

Just want you to know the Cardinals are spotting you an early lead. Build up your hopes & then dash them just like the 1986 Mets did.

By the way, I hear Bill Buckner is playing 1st base for you the rest of the series.

 

[scott.campbell]

We vactioned at Sanibel Harbour Resort which was excellent, good pool, sports bar etc.

 

[Boardwalk III]

More good info - keep those suggestions coming. Is it really an hour from Sanibel to Ft Myers? And is the traffic that bad?

Also, Doug, give us poor Bostonians a break - we REALLY need a World Series win! I think we're all going to need serious therapy if we don't pull this one off!

Thanks,

Cindy

 

[BAYBREEZEDISNEY]

We will be headed for BWV March 12-19, 2005 and thought about driving to Ft. Myers...any thoughts?

Thank you for the advice on buying tickets in January. Has anyone seen the 2005 spring training schedule for the Sox yet?

Go Socks!!

 

[TheWho]

I also agree w/ Scott. The Sanibel Harbor Resort is real nice. The pool is great and if you have a high floor, the sunset view over Sanibel Island is outstanding!!!!

 

[Cyndy]

We have a place at Ft. Myers Beach and in the spring (various spring break weeks) the traffic in the area can be worse than you can imagine.....remember that on all islands there is usually only 1 or 2 ways back to the mainland. Note that this has never stopped us from enjoying the area, both Sanibel and Estero but, just plan for the traffic. Usually it is worst in the late afternoons and early evenings, but it can be slow all day, any day. Enjoy the games!

 

[Paticake]

We liked Diamondhead on Ft. Myers beach. You will need to make sure what places are open due to hurricane damage. I know that some hotels on Ft. Myers beach and Sanibel were very damaged. My Dad lives in Punta Gorda and they are still recovering. He just got his roof!

 

[WKUMAD]

Boardwalk III

No exageration. From the Sanibel Beach areas it would be at least 50 minutes to the Red Sox. Our condo is close to Summerlin about halfway between Sanibel and the Stadium. It takes me 25 minutes to the Stadium(done it many times and that is if I hit the green lights just right). We are also about 25 minutes from Sanibel and a little more to the Beach area on Sanibel. Believe me the traffic is heavy in March. Heck, it's heavy in Dec, Jan and feb. Worse in March. Getting off Ft Myers Beach can take as long as 45 minutes to the bridge and it is only about 3 miles from most of the condos on the beach to the bridge. The latter could be 1 1/2 hours to the stadium.

By the way Summerlin is the only road that goes to and from Sanibel. It feeds all the way from Summerlin to Colonial Ave in Ft. Myers.
All the games start at 1:05(95% are in the daytime) To park plan to be there by 12 noon.
By the way, the Sox play the Twins four or five times. The Twins stadium is easier to access then the Sox. It is located on Six Mile Cypress. But I much prefer the Sox field.

 

[jade1]

Yea Diamond Head last spring break was very good. Had a 1BR and kitchen/pullout for around $200. It was not far over the bridge so it was pretty close to the action of FM Beach, we were on the side view of the gulf. Certainly not as luxurious as Sanibel though. Nice pool and right on the beach.

 

[Boardwalk III]

I truly appreciate everyone's numerous suggestions - it is such a great help. I am beginning to hear more and more that Sanibel was devastated and today a friend suggested Naples to me as an option. He said it is 1/2 hour or so from Ft Myers and hasn't has as much damage? true?

All good Naples suggestions also welcome - again, hoping to find a nice resort on or near beach with a pool - I do not need to use points, can do cash. And have 2 teenage boys.

Thanks again!

 

[WKUMAD]

Boardwalk III
Naples pretty much escaped. I have a brother who has a house in Naples and he lossed one shingle(tile) off his roof.
Againi your problem to the Sox will be traffic. Only 2 ways to go North on uS 41 or North on I-75. Allow 1 1/2 hours to Sox field. That is if there is not a wreck on I-75, which seems like almost a daily occurence. You could also think Bonita Beach area.
I would still vote for Summerlin Rd or Daniels Parkway in Ft. Myers. On the days you don't go to a game you can drive over to Ft. Myers Beach or Sanibel.

 

[Boardwalk III]

Again - thanks everyone!

All I have to say at this point is:


RED SOX ROCK!!!!!