The Westin Cape Coral Resort At Marina Village

Towering at 19 stories, the Westin Cape Coral Resort at Marina Village makes a grand first impression as guests drive down the property’s palm tree-lined driveway. A spiral staircase wraps around an artistic sculpture hanging from the ceiling above the ground floor of the lobby, where there’s a grand piano. Cream-colored and wood furniture create a modern look in the spacious reception area, which has a fish tank, concierge desk, two Apple desktop computers, and a printer. Overall, the hotel's setting is peaceful and appealing, with romantic sunset vistas on patios and walkways that lead past docked boats. Guests can explore the area on the free bikes -- for kids and adults -- parked under the porte cochere. With romantic waterfront terraces and a gazebo, the Westin Cape Coral Resort is a popular wedding venue as well. It attracts all types of guests, mostly families and couples on holiday, and the property is shared with time-share owners.

The hotel offers a quiet location on the Tarpon Point Marina, with 175 boat slips. It’s a 30-minute drive from the hotel to Fort Myers Beach -- home to lively Times Square -- or a one-hour trip via a free water taxi. There's direct access to the Promenade Shops on the marina, where guests can rent kayaks and arrange for boat trips and fishing charters. Within a 20-minute drive is the Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall, and family-friendly attractions -- including the Sun Splash Family Waterpark, Ford Winter Estates, and the Shell Factory and Nature Park -- are within a 30-minute drive, as are Spring training at Hammond Stadium and Southwest Florida International Airport. Sanibel Island is a 45-minute drive from the hotel, and Captiva Island is less than an hour away. 

The 263 rooms at the Westin Cape Coral Resort are elegantly styled with homey overtones. Expect to see neutral carpeting and drapes, and dark-wood contemporary furniture. Rooms have plush tan carpets that compliment the beachy tones throughout, though mostly empty walls feel a little barren except for the odd framed print here or there. Screened-in balconies offer lovely views of the mangroves or waterfront, especially from Deluxe Rooms and the one- to three-bedroom Suites that are on higher floors. Suites have kitchens (with stainless steel refrigerators, stoves, microwaves, and dishwashers), living rooms, dining areas, and washer/dryer combos. Two- and three-bedroom Suites have two or three bathrooms. The two-bedroom, two-level Admiral Suite has three bathrooms, a laundry room, pool table, kitchenette and kitchen, gulf and river views, and an upstairs wraparound balcony. All rooms have flat-screen TVs, irons, free Wi-Fi for Starwood Preferred Guest members, and bathrobes. Non-suite rooms also have mini-fridges and coffeemakers. Bright, modern bathrooms have hairdryers, granite countertops, shower/tub combos, separate showers, or both. Some suites have whirlpool tubs. 

The hotel is a bit secluded from most attractions in the area, but there's plenty on-site to keep guests occupied even without having direct beach access. The main pool, with ample lounge chairs and a hot tub, is on the waterfront. The hotel also has a lap pool and lagoon pool that are shared with time-share owners, so they can get crowded. Also on the water, with a fire pit on the terrace, is Marker 92 Waterfront Bar and Bistro serving wood-fired American dishes. The Nauti Mermaid Dockside Bar & Grill sits on the water as well, and serves burgers and sandwiches. There's a large marina on-site where guests can rent kayaks, and there the hotel also has tennis courts. The fitness center has modern cardio and weight machines, free weights, mounted flat-screen TVs, and chilled towels and water. New Balance workout gear can be rented for a fee. Children can keep busy at the Westin Kids' Club, which has a colorful playroom and outdoor activities and offers half- and full-day sessions. The Esterra Spa & Salon has seven treatment rooms, hair and nail services, a steam room, and sauna. Bike rentals are free. The Tangent business room can be rented hourly for small meetings, and the hotel also has 15,000 square feet of event space, plus waterfront terraces and a gazebo for weddings. Wi-Fi is free for SPG members.