May 23, 2005

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                           

CONTACTS:  Nancy Hamilton, Lee Rose, Jessica Doyle (239) 338-3500

Hot bargains available for summer visitors at The Beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel

LEE COUNTY, FL (May 2005) Summer is an ideal time for travelers to visit The Beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel.  It is a little less crowded and a lot less expensive.  The area's unspoiled natural beauty, world class sunsets and the glistening Gulf waters draw visitors to this tropical island getaway with its stretches of white sand beaches and islands waiting to be explored.  

Adopt a manatee, island hop, listen to jazz, chill out.  From eco-and heritage-based tours to fishing, golfing and endless recreational choices, visitors will find great deals for summer extending into the fall and beyond. 

The following packages and special rates are offered by accommodations in the Fort Myers and Sanibel area.  Many have restrictions during holiday periods and are subject to change.  Please contact each listing directly to take advantage of these special values.  Most listings do not include applicable taxes, fees and service charges.  Many are fully or partially commissionable to travel agents and this information is available upon booking.

Additional packages, great values for summer and help planning your itinerary in the Fort Myers and Sanibel area may be found at www.FortMyersSanibel.com. Go to "Great Deals" and select an area for the latest discounts and packages.

Fort Myers Beach
 
Gas n Go to the Pink Shell Beach Resort & Spa on Fort Myers Beach from May 1 thru Oct. 31, 2005, a rate of $159 per night and a resort credit of $30.  Special does not include holidays.  For information and rates call (800) 237-5786 or go to www.pinkshell.com.

The Outrigger Beach Resort, a beachfront oasis on Fort Myers Beach.  Resort view east guest rooms begin at $89 per night thru Dec. 20, 2005.  Stay a minimum of three nights and receive a $15 per night credit to be used at the Deckside Caf, Tiki Bar, Gift Shop or Guest Activities. For information and rates call (800) 650-9948 or go to www.outriggerbeach.com.

DiamondHead Beach Resort, the only full-service, all suite resort on Fort Myers Beach. Retreat to the Beach for $519 for a three-night, four-day stay in a one-bedroom Gulf view suite, includes a bottle of wine, two bottles of signature water, two oversized beach towels, two welcome cocktails and dinner for two thru Sept. 30, 2005.  For details and rates call (800) 897-2745 or go to www.diamondheadfl.com.

GullWing Beach Resort, a contemporary luxury condo situated right on the Gulf of Mexico.  One-bedroom island view suites start at $151 per night thru Sept. 30, 2005.  Each suite features a Jacuzzi, full kitchen, washer/dryer and cable television.  Two-and-three bedroom suites are also available.   For information and rates call (800) 897-2745 or go to www.gullwingfl.com. 

Pointe Estero Beach Resort, a luxury condo resort with a view of the Gulf from every room.  One-bedroom suites including full kitchen, screened lanai and oversized Jacuzzi begin at $146 per night through Sept. 30, 2005.  For information and rates call (800) 897-2745 or go to www.pointeestero.com.

Santa Maria Harbour Resort, a condo resort on Estero Bay in a marina setting. One-bedroom suites including full kitchen and screened lanai begin at $113 per night through Sept. 30, 2005.  For information and rates call (800) 897-2745 or go to www.santamariafl.com.  

Fort Myers

Located between the Edison & Ford Winter Estates and the downtown Fort Myers area, The Hibiscus House Bed & Breakfast lets visitors enjoy the charm of yesterday in this 1912 homestead.  From June 15 through August, the Hibiscus House Summer Package offers rooms from $119 to $159 per double occupancy, depending on room selection including a full gourmet breakfast. Stay three nights and the fourth night is free.  For information and reservations call (239) 332-2651 or go to www.thehibiscushouse.net.

Country Inn & Suites, Sanibel Gateway, charming dcor and comfortable amenities await you, located at the entrance of Sanibel Island.  A special of $85 per night for a standard room with two queen beds thru Sept. 30, 2005, which also includes complimentary continental breakfast, local calls, weekday newspaper and fresh baked cookies.  For details on availability and rates call (800) 456-4000 or www.countryinns.com/sanibelfl_gateway.

Sanibel and Captiva Islands

Casa Ybel, "Guilt-Free Getaway" from Memorial Day through Sept.1, 2005 includes all the added pleasures you need for indulging in sun and adventure without the guilt.  Book four nights and receive a fifth night free.  Guests will receive a full-sun safety kit upon arrival.  A complimentary bottle of champagne or cocktails will accompany the breathtaking sunset in to the Gulf of Mexico.  Rates begin at $275 per night and the package is valid for Sunday thru Thursday nights. For details call (800) 276-4753 or visit www.casaybelresort.com.

Sanibel Moorings Condominium Resort, a beachfront condominium fully furnished offering spectacular views and outdoor activities.  A one-bedroom courtyard view suite for $120 per night or a two-bedroom courtyard view suite is available for $135 per night thru Dec. 16, 2005.  For more information on blackout dates and rates call (800) 237-5144 or www.sanibelmoorings.com.

Sanibel Arms West, a condominium resort on the beautiful, natural Sanibel Island private beaches featuring tennis courts and pool area for $99 per night for Gulf side condominiums thru Dec. 16, 2005.  This offer is valid on reservations only and is subject to blackouts over holiday periods.  Minimum seven-night stay and no other discounts apply with this offer.  For more information and rates call (800) 950-1138 or www.sanibelarmswest.com.

Holiday Inn Sanibel Island, stay in the Island View room for $161.10 per night on Sunday thru Thursday thru Sept. 4, 2005.  On Friday and Saturday, a rate of $179.10 per night is offered.  Includes complimentary newspaper, free local calls, and free cabanas and beach chair.  For more information and rates call (800) 443-0909 or www.sanibelbeachresort.com.
 
The Historic Island Inn, a bed and breakfast on the Gulf shores of Sanibel Island, recently restored to depict its rich heritage. Three-night Getaway in a Gulf view room for $120 is offered per night from May 30 to Oct. 6, 2005 and $151 per night from Oct 7. thru Nov. 14, 2005. Includes daily continental breakfast buffet.  For more information on holiday periods and rates call (800) 851-5088 or www.islandinnsanibel.com.

Captiva Island Inn, in the heart of historic Captiva village, a unique B&B awaits you.  A Super Summer Special, stay three nights and get one free night (valid Sunday-Thursday) from June 1 thru Aug. 31, 2005, includes a full breakfast at the award-winning Keylime Bistro, free bikes and beach chairs.  For more details on holiday periods and rates call (800) 454-9898 or www.captivaislandinn.com.

An ambiance of romance awaits you at the Sanibel Inn.  Travelers will enjoy completely renovated rooms at a rate of $139 per night from May 30 thru Sept.1, 2005 excluding holidays.  For more information and rates call (888) 439-1827 or visit www.sanibelinn.com.
 
West Wind Inn, offers a Family Beach Special, three nights for $678 now thru Dec. 20, 2005. Includes two connecting rooms, one with a full kitchen.  A three night minimum stay and a maximum of eight persons per room; rate is extended for longer stays.  Experience fishing and shelling with the "Soft Adventure" special that includes three-nights, with one full day of fishing or shelling and lunch for two on the island for $779 thru Dec. 20, 2005. Does not include gratuity and prior reservations are required.  Includes bait, equipment and shelling bag.  For more information and rates call (800) 824-0476 or visit www.westwindinn.com.
 
The recently renovated Song of the Sea on Sanibel Island is offering a special of $159 a night from May 30 thru Sept.1, 2005.  Enjoy a complimentary bottle of wine and continental breakfast served Al Fresco.  For more details and rates call (888) 439-1827 or visit www.songofthesea.com.
 
In old Florida tradition, Seaside Inn would like to welcome travelers with $139 a night to the newly renovated beachside accommodations.  Includes complimentary breakfast basket. Rate available May 30 thru Sept. 1, 2005 excluding holiday periods.  For more information call (888) 439-1827 or visit www.seasideinn.com.

Sundial Beach Resort, an all inclusive, family vacation package on Sanibel Island welcomes you with a four night, five day stay for $519 per person from Aug. 1 thru Dec. 15, 2005.  For more details and rates call (888) 439-1827 or visit www.sundialresort.com.

Matlacha & Pine Island

Bokeelia Tarpon Inn, enjoy relaxed pace and Old Florida hospitality at this quaint Bed & Breakfast overlooking Charlotte Harbor.  Enjoy two nights of luxury accommodations with a queen size bed and private bath, twilight hors d'oeuvres and breakfast each day for $345 thru Nov. 30, 2005.  Amenities include fishing pier, boat ramp and docks, kayaks and bicycles.  Fore more information and rates call (866) 827-7662 or www.Tarponinn.com.   

The Bridge Water Inn, part of the Superior Small Lodging program, located on the Art Coast' of Matlacha boasts spectacular views overlooking the quiet backwaters of Pine Island.  Weekend special, stay Friday and Saturday and get Sunday half price, and Sunday thru Thursday receive 10 percent off the regular price room rate. Room rates start at $59 per night and both specials are valid in the summer except on holiday weekends.  For more information and rates call (800) 378-7666 or visit www.bridgewaterinn.com.

Bonita Springs

Guests will get Lost in Paradise' this summer at the Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort and Spa.  The package includes a food and beverage credit up to $50 per night and the choice of one activity for each night booked (Camp Coconut, golf at Raptor Bay Golf Club or a spa service). Prices begin at $290 per room, per night June 1 thru Sept. 25. 2005.   Amenities include six restaurants and lounges, secluded beach island and a 5,000-square foot lagoon pool with a 140-foot corkscrew waterslide, or float along the scenic 1,000-foot Alligator Alley river pool. For information and reservations call
(800) 55-HYATT or visit www.coconutpoint.hyatt.com.

Editor's note: For media only, please see the list of package contacts for more information.  
Summer Package Media Contacts:
DiamondHead Beach Resort, GullWing Beach Resort, Pointe Estero Beach Resort, Santa Maria Harbour Resort, Liane Crawford-Smith, (239) 765-4111
Hibiscus House Bed & Breakfast, Leslie Seiden, (239) 332-2651
Country Inn & Suites Sanibel Gateway, Theresa Chastonay, (239) 454-9292
Holiday Inn Sanibel Island, Danny Adams (239) 472-4123
The Historic Island Inn, Pegge Ford-Elsea, (239) 472-1561
Captiva Island Inn, Sandy Stilwell, (239) 395-0882
Sanibel Arms West, Steven Snyder, (239) 472-1138
Hyatt Regency Coconut Point & Spa, Shara Valerio-Ball, (239) 390-4278
Bokeelia Tarpon Inn, Cynthia Welch, (239) 283-8961
The Bridgewater Inn, Osi McCarney, (239) 283-2423
Casa Ybel, Nikay Richardson, (305) 445-4944
Outrigger Beach Resort, Jeanne Bigos (239) 463-3131
Sanibel Moorings Condominium, Laura Monsrud, (239) 472-4119
Sundial Beach Resort, Seaside Inn, Sanibel Inn, Song of the Sea, Autumn Barnes (850) 668-2222
Pink Shell Beach Resort & Spa, Karen Bell, (239) 463-6181

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