Our Favorite Fort Myers Beach Hotel
Pink Shell Beach Resort & Marina is our favorite Fort Myers beach hotel, for so many reasons. This stunning resort is a lovely getaway for both couples and families. Located just 20 minutes from the airport and 45 minutes from I-75 if you’re driving, this beautiful property has a huge variety of activities and dining options, along with beautiful accommodations and stellar amenities.
Named one of the top resorts in Florida by Condé Nast Traveler’s 2020 Readers’ Choice Awards for the fifth year in a row, there is so much to do right at the resort that you can stay put for your entire vacation!
Entering Estero Island
Pink Shell Beach Resort & Marina is located near the northern tip of Estero Island in Fort Myers Beach. This resort offers stunning water views and sunsets that never seem to end.
To the north lies San Carlos Bay while the south is all Gulf of Mexico waters. When you arrive, you’ll be greeted by Florida’s signature white sand beaches, beautiful palms, views of the water that go on and on, and that gorgeous pool.
You’ll also be greeted by incredibly helpful and polite staff, all waiting to help you in whatever way they can.
Pink Shell offers a variety of rooms and villas for guests to enjoy. All of their accommodations feature decor with that perfect beachy vibe for vacation fun.
I stayed in a one-bedroom White Sand Villa and I loved having so much room. I had a large kitchen equipped with everything I needed to cook in my room. This room is perfect for a couple or a family with young kids.
The King bedroom was lovely with a dresser for putting away clothes as well as a nice-sized flat-screen TV.
If traveling with kids, the separate bedroom is a little escape for Mom and Dad and the kids will love the sleeper sofa in the living room. Larger families might prefer a 2 bedroom villa.
The bathroom is spacious and had an entry from the main part of the room or the bedroom.
You’ll even find robes and slippers from the spa in the closet. Such a nice touch.
The screened-in porch is off the bedroom and lovely for an afternoon read or watching the sunset.
Having all the comforts of home makes the resort truly feel like a relaxing home away from home versus a hotel room.
What to do at Pink Shell Beach Resort & Marina
From chilling by the pool to sunbathing on the beaches, watersports, fishing, a spa, and more, this gorgeous resort offers something that everyone in the family will enjoy.
Every day is filled with as much or as little adventure as you and your family would like, and it’s all available to Pink Shell’s guests.
Beach and Pools
Pink Shell offers a variety of resort-style swimming pools including their signature zero-entry Octopool boasting waterfalls, giant shells, sponges, and underwater speakers.
There’s also a splash area for the kids with fountains and sprayers. For a more laidback pool vibe, the Sanibel View, for guests aged 17 and older, is a great spot to enjoy.
Of course, guests will also have access to the resort’s private beach located just steps from the main building and waiting to be enjoyed.
Marina
For boating enthusiasts, the marina is a must. Featured in the Top 25 Best Places to Tie Up in North America, Pink Shell Marina is a playground for boaters.
And the resort doesn’t only take its guests into account. It created 20 mini reefs beneath the marina’s waters to serve as homes for marine life and clean up the water at the same time.
Daily Activities
Pink Shell Resort & Marina offers a variety of fun daily activities for families to enjoy from beach volleyball to arts and crafts.
Nature Tours take place every day at 2 pm, and kids who are staying for the week can become a Pink Shell Junior Ranger.
Beach Volleyball
Head to the beach for some friendly competition at the beach volleyball court. Multiple games are held daily.
Of course, you can just sit and watch, too. Sometimes a good book is all you need.
Seaside Campfire
Enjoy an outdoor camping experience from 5 PM to 10 PM. It’s a great way to spend an evening. Be sure to opt for the S’mores package for the full campfire experience.
Dive-In Movies
Head to the Octopool for a poolside night at the movies complete with free popcorn. The pool is beautiful at night.
Arts and Crafts
Enjoy some creative family-fun with the various art activities held by the resort. You’ll find options from sand art to tie-dye classes. Be sure to pick up the list of daily activities.
Watersports
Pink Shell Resort & Marina offers a variety of watersports to enjoy while staying at the resort.
Check with the concierge when you book if you are interested in renting a WaveRunner or booking a Parasailing adventure as advance reservations are suggested.
Ask about dolphin tours and other ways to explore this beautiful region.
Kayaking and Stand-Up Paddleboarding
For a more relaxing day on the water, request a kayak or paddleboard. The calm Gulf waters are perfect for paddleboarding, and kayaks are available in solo or double varieties, and they are complimentary to guests on a first-come-first-served basis.
Pink Shell Spa and Fitness
The Spa and fitness options available at Pink Shell Resort & Marina allow guests to relax and unwind while staying on their fitness routine.
Aquagene Spa
Aquagene Spa is a 6,000-square-foot full-service oasis waiting to relax and revitalize guests. The spa has guests covered from head to toe, offering all sorts of therapies and spa services, including facials, body wraps, massage, and more.
Yoga Classes
Stretch, strengthen, and achieve inner focus at the resort’s yoga classes held right on the beach. Follow along with knowledgeable instructors while taking in beautiful views of the water.
Dining at Pink Shell Resort & Marina
Along with all the wonderful activities, Pink Shell Resort & Marina also offers fantastic dining options, as well. From the relaxing bar to romantic seaside dining, both restaurants at Pink Shell boast amazing food and atmosphere.
Bongo’s Bar & Grill
Enjoy great pub eats poolside. Bongo’s earned a four-star rating from reviewers on TripAdvisor, and it shows in every part of their restaurant.
From great views to a relaxed atmosphere and dining options like their fan-favorite Bongo’s Burger, Chicken Chop Chop Salad, chicken fingers, and more, pair your meal with tasty frozen cocktails for the adults or kid-friendly beverages for the younger set.
Bongo’s also has a special sunset celebration each evening as well as live music on Friday and Saturday nights.
Rae’s on the Beach
Located inside the Pink Shell Resort & Marina, Rae’s on the Beach offers a variety of classic Italian dishes like Fettuccine Alfredo, Spaghetti Bolognese, and Pappardelle.
I ordered the Seafood Cioppino at the suggestion of my server. Loaded with fresh mussels, clams, shrimp, grouper, and calamari in a slightly spicy tomato sauce, it was delicious.
Ina-Rae’s Favorite Chicken, Calamari, and pasta are a few guest favorites. You’ll also find a variety of wines, craft beers, and cocktails to enjoy along with your meal and beautiful views.
I asked my server to recommend a wine and it paired perfectly with the fresh Grouper in a rich red sauce. It was divine and a huge portion that I took back to my room for lunch the next day.
You can see the sunset from any table at Rae’s. Reserve in advance as you really don’t want to miss dining here. Be sure to save room for dessert!
Dinners on the Beach
Romantic, candlelight beachside dining is offered by the resort for those who want an evening to remember. Featuring four-courses, white-linen service, and wine from their exclusive beachside vintner’s list, this intimate setting makes for a memorable date night.
Exploring Fort Myers Beach
If you do decide to spend some time off the resort, check out these activities that are within Fort Myers Beach.
At the end of the Estero Boulevard, you’ll run right into Bowditch Point Regional Park offering walking trails and a boardwalk. Part of the Great Florida Birding Trail, this is a great opportunity to spot Reddish Egrets, pelicans, and even an occasional Bald Eagle.
The Ostego Bay Marine Science Center is small but offers a glimpse into Southwest Florida marine life through exhibits, touch tanks, aquariums, and other displays.
Less than a mile away from Pink Shell Beach Resort on Estero Boulevard, you’ll find Times Square, an area with beachy shops and restaurants that would make for a fun afternoon or evening.
If you decide to venture out to explore more of Fort Myers, be sure to visit the Edison and Ford Winter Estates.
Pink Shell Beach Resort is Where to Stay in Fort Myers Beach
From delicious dining options to watersports, daily activities, and much more, Pink Shell Beach Resort & Marina offers so much to guests. It’s the perfect Fort Myers beach hotel for making life-long memories. Let me know if you visit!
Pink Shell Resort is located at 275 Estero Blvd., in Fort Myers Beach, Florida, just about 20 miles from the Southwest Florida Airport.
The resort doesn’t offer transportation from the airport. You could rent a car, but honestly, there is a lot to do right at the resort, including the two dining options.
I’d personally recommend an Uber or taxi. It will probably cost around $60. one way.
Fort Myers Beach Trolley Service offers transportation to many local spots like Times Square. and other areas of Fort Myers Beach.
Parking is complimentary for one car if you are staying in the studio or one bedroom and two cars if staying in a two bedroom.
There is a resort fee of $39 per night. This includes free wifi, valet parking, kayak and paddle board use, access to all pools, towels, and free local and long-distance calling.
Check-in is at 4 pm, but if you need to check-in earlier, give them a call and they will try to accommodate you. Check out is at 11 am.
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