5 Best Hotels in Marco Island, The Lower Gulf Coast

For a great location at a good price, check into this modest, but appealing, two-story motel at the north end of the island on the Marco River, close to the Gulf. Its white facade and turquoise trim set the tone for the clean units, most of which are decorated in their own individual style. King-size rooms have a balcony or walled-in terrace, and some have great water views. You can arrive by boat and dock at the hotel or, if coming by land, use the dock as a fishing pier.

Smaller and not quite as busy as the area's other big-brand hotel, this 11-story property has spacious rooms featuring a contemporary, beachy style and private balconies with full or partial ocean views. The large pool area has comfy loungers, the stand-alone spa has 11 treatment rooms and a full range of pampering services, and the on-site dining options offer something for every palate.

A grandiose circular drive and rocky waterfalls front this sophisticated hilltop resort with twin 11-story towers and villa-like suites, the island's longest stretch of sand (over 3 miles), a massive spa, and three pools—including one with slides and water features. Shops, a dozen stylish restaurants with impressive menus, and large, sleek rooms equipped with plug-in technology add to the feeling that leaving the resort would be a silly idea, unless, perhaps, you're a golfer: the hotel's two courses are 10 minutes away by shuttle. The Lanai Tower offers opulent, adults-only, condo-style accommodations, and guests staying on floors six to nine have exclusive access to the luxurious Paradise by Sirene amenities, activities, and dining.

At this 12-story, beachfront class act, one of the island's first condo-style hotels, all the well-equipped one- and two-bedroom suites face the water and look down onto the crescent-shaped pool. Bathrooms have marble floors, walls, and vanities, plus separate tubs and showers. Full kitchens have high-end GE appliances. The Sale e Pepe restaurant wins raves for its Southern Italian cuisine and luxe dining room, which spills out onto a beachfront terrace. Don't miss the ringing of the bell celebration at sunset, a tradition you won't soon forget.

In the heart of Old Marco, this Victorian with tin roofs and royal-blue shutters and awnings used to be the only place to stay on the island, though the original, circa-1883 building now houses the restaurant, and today's guests check into newer two-bedroom condo suites. The number of available accommodations changes as owners add or remove their individually owned units from the rental pool.