BOOKING:
Though we looked at a variety of traveler websites, the best price remained that which the hotel itself offered when we called. They also offered to match any price we would find elsewhere. Shop around, then ask for a price match with the hotel. It's worth it.
RATE:
We were off season, so we had good rates. Considering the room size, and the hotel's location, it is a very good value room.
HOTEL LOCATION:
On the far side of Estero Island, the hotel gives onto a very large Fort Myers Beach. Located 6.5 km (4 miles) from Times Square, the beach's "downtown" where you find a few more restaurants, music in the evening, and the local youth, you will likely not have to deal with bothersome guests or noisy nights. However, you will be located about 2.5km (1.6 miles) from the nearest Publix grocery store.
TRANSPORTATION:
For guests coming in by plane, car rental is an issue worth mentioning. Minimal research will soon have you knowing about the bus trolley on Estero Boulevard. It is however extremely limiting in the timing of your activities, in the range you will have, and in your carrying capacity (if you go grocery shopping, for example). Conversely, you will need transport to and from the airport, for which the best rate was 100$ total (back and forth). Considering the car rental was 112$ (tx incl) + gas, we figured it was worth renting, and indeed it was. Outside the range of Fort Myers Beach, you will find nice restaurants, very fun activities, and visit the area with all the freedom the car allows.
ROOM:
The room was very roomy... For two people, we had a 6-people suite: kind sized bed in a TV-equipped room with its own bathroom containing a jacuzzi thub (all rooms have one), two single beds in their own TV-equipped room with the second bathroom, and a sofa-bed in the living room with yet another television. All rooms have a view onto the beach through a large and covered balcony (very appreciated if you go out at night, doesn't really diminish the view) accessible through one of three sliding doors. The room was also doted with a fully equipped kitchen (ceramic kitchener, large oven, ice-cube dispensing refrigerator) and a small dining room. The room was clean upon arrival, and we maintained it as such with minimal effort. Thus, there is no real need for a daily maid if you can take care of yourself.
We could cook our meals with food purchased at the Publix nearby, use the barbecues outside, and eat on tables outside without feeling cluttered at all.
One downside was the presence of water bugs, which apparently are a standard for South Florida. Despite keeping the room cold and all food away, these little bugs akin to small ants kept crawling all over the kitchen.
IN GENERAL:
I find the Pointe Estero Beach Resort to be a hotel located in an area of Florida where mostly retirees live, giving it a calmer, laid back atmosphere rather than a lively party-all-night atmosphere. The hotel is closer to a large motel than a southern resort like you'd find in Mexico or Cuba, without any restaurants and with few people.
The beach is great and public, though locals charge 20$/day for 2 chairs + umbrella. Considering you can purchase the whole kit anew for 50$ in local (thus probably overpriced) stores, either buy those and leave them there, or bring your own. Also, don't be fooled by the beach's size. Sure it's 300 meters wide, but this doesn't make all of it useable. The most enjoyable part of the beach is still that closest to the water!
