After endless searching for the "perfect" place to spend Christmas with the family, I discovered Palm Terrace. A gem indeed.

My husband and 2 boys (aged 7 and 10) drove from Michigan to spend a warm sunny Christmas in Fort Meyers Beach. Upon our arrival, we learned there was a plumbing problem with our original apartment - the owners upgraded us to a larger apartment at no additional charge - which we were welcomed to stay in until new guests arrived...almost our entire stay!

Apartments are very clean - kitchens are stocked with everything you need - bathrooms are beyond clean - big towels are provided - expandable clothes hanging rack for wet suits and towels - clothes baskets for dirty clothes - comfy furniture - air conditioning - fans - clean heated pool - laundry facilities - apartments are stocked with cleaning supplies for the quick one-two - movies and books to use free of charge - beautiful landscaping - outdoor grill. Pool always has plenty of chairs and umbrellas - owners were always available to answer questions and full of suggestions for eating, shopping, and seeing the sites.

A couple of highlights: The Fish House (located down the street from the Palm) has great food - the Good Will store (just across the bridge off the island) had lots of t-shirts and other stuff the higher priced gift stores have on the island. My boys got alligator heads for $4 and on the island, they were $10. We also picked up a couple of beach towels for $4.99. Lover's Key - trolley picks you up in the parking lot and brings you to the beach - AND then when you've had enough, it brings you back to your car...price is included in park entrance fee - there are WAY more shells here than Sanibel. Next year, we're bringing our bikes to tour the park - fishing pole are a must have. There is also a movie theater right down the street that we hit for the "must see" Christmas movie. The theater has servers bring your drinks and snacks...they also have a full menu so you can grab dinner and movie in the same place! We didn't eat here, so I can't comment on the food.

Apartments are located right across the street from the beach - the Palm has a private beach entrance. And it really is "just across the street". When we were there (week of Christmas) the road was not as busy as you read on other posts here. Sure there were times of day it got busy, but for the most part - the island was quiet and crossing to the beach was easy. When we were leaving (December 29th), I could tell the traffic was starting to pick up...more people on the island and more cars on the street. The people that live on the island will stop and wave you through....when in Fort Meyers, do as the locals do. : )

As we were shopping, we noticed a flyer for a candle light Christmas Eve service put on by a local church...ON THE BEACH! With the candles and the waves and the guitar - it was awesome.

We loved Fort Meyers and enjoyed our stay at the Palm very much - and we can't wait to return next Christmas!