SW FL - sunset ocean view from the room

Lisa P · #1 (**permalink**) 04-17-2009, 04:39 PM

Which resorts in southwest FL have beautiful sunset Gulf ocean views from ALL of their rooms and easy beach access, walking from the resort?

We're especially wondering about Sanibel/Captiva, Siesta Key, Longboat Key or Marco Island but we'd like to know about others too.

If only some rooms at a resort have this great view, how can you be certain of trading into a room with the view? Which rooms #s and are they fixed at exchange or might the resort switch you? This would be for a very romantic gift week where the view matters more than elegance. TIA!

zdxlc9p6 · #2 (**permalink**) 04-17-2009, 05:38 PM

The Charter Club on Marco Island

JLB · #3 (**permalink**) 04-17-2009, 08:31 PM

From south to north . . .

Those on S. Collier on Marco Island.

Vanderbilt Beach

Ft. Myers Beach

Bonita Beach

Sanibel is a little tricky. Look at the hump about mid-island. Stuff toward the Lighthouse does not have a sunset view, stuff the other way does.

Englewood

Siesta Key is tricky cuz Calini is blocked by a new midrise between it and the beach. Sarasota, Longboat Key, Holmes Beach, Anna Maria Island depend on the orientation of each resort.

Based on January, when the sun is lower in the south than summer.

I know many of the resorts and room locations and call RCI to see what unit is available. Then, any more, take whatever they have any way.

chriskre · #4 (**permalink**) 05-14-2009, 10:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lisa P

Which resorts in southwest FL have beautiful sunset Gulf ocean views from ALL of their rooms and easy beach access, walking from the resort?

We're especially wondering about Sanibel/Captiva, Siesta Key, Longboat Key or Marco Island but we'd like to know about others too.

If only some rooms at a resort have this great view, how can you be certain of trading into a room with the view? Which rooms #s and are they fixed at exchange or might the resort switch you? This would be for a very romantic gift week where the view matters more than elegance. TIA!

Lisa,
I've been staying on the West coast every summer for more than 30 years so I've stayed at a few of the timeshares and if I am renting directly from the resort it's easy to know which room you get but when I've rented from RCI or done an exchange you can call them and ask them what the unit number is. Armed with this info I call the resort and ask them about the unit number. The only problem with doing it this way is that you don't get the $25 online discount for booking but I think $25 loss is worth having a great view. I know that I've stayed at Beach Club I , Lahaina, Island Towers, Bonita Beach Resort sunset views from rooftop deck (not the best sunset, faces the bay). Lahaina has western facing units as well as units across the street so make sure you are on the beach side for best views. Beach Club I has nice screened balconies that face directly into the sunset (gorgeous). Island Towers also has some rooms with direct view. Hope this helps.

rapmarks · #5 (**permalink**) 05-15-2009, 09:45 AM

do you want the view from inside your unit or is it okay to walk to the beach and see the view from there.
We stayed in Siesta Key, Englewood, Vanderbilt Beach, Anna Maria Island, Lido Key, all on the beach but no view from our room. You need to find out which specific units have sunset views.

JLB · #6 (**permalink**) 05-15-2009, 09:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chriskre

Armed with this info I call the resort and ask them about the unit number. The only problem with doing it this way is that you don't get the $25 online discount for booking but I think $25 loss is worth having a great view.

OK, so you see Lahaina Inn online (as I did for two consecutive weeks, 1 & 2, this week. While still looking at it online, you call and ask a guide what units those are. He says both are 43. You ask if there are any others. He says No.

Then, if you want them, you complete it online. You pay the lower, online exchange fee.

Speaking of Lahaina Inn, here's their homepage, with a resort layout and picture from the Gulf:

Lahaina Inn Resort

The units in the building on the left, #s 34-41, do not have a sunset view.

chriskre · #7 (**permalink**) 05-15-2009, 10:03 AM

I've thought of doing that but why don't they just put the unit number on the site and save the aggravation of playing a game with them. I know, I know.....they aren't into customer service yada yada. Where do you email your suggestions JLB where they send you those canned responses? I think I'll send them an email about this and see wha they do.

JLB · #8 (**permalink**) 05-15-2009, 10:28 AM

feedback@rci.com
- - - - - -
I just called a Guide and checked on the unit number for two consecutive January weeks at a resort in SW FL. It is the same unit we normally get at that resort. That is the second time in the last week I have called on two consecutive weeks at a SW FL resort and it has been the same unit both times . . . the same owners depositing.

We stayed at BR&C in the same unit Week 2 for years, until we saw that unit for sale when we were there. We tried to buy it but someone just had.

Lisa P · #9 (**permalink**) 05-16-2009, 11:14 PM

Thank you all for the detailed info. We'd be looking for a view from the room or private balcony. I'll be saving this info - it's quite helpful!

JLB · #10 (**permalink**) 05-16-2009, 11:28 PM

There is a wide variance in FL Gulf resorts. Quite a few are beach motel conversions, or similar, older resorts developed in the late 70's and early 80's.

By and large the ambience and feel of those are of Florida of that era, sorta like the trip to the beach you might have taken as a kid.

Then there are some some, intimate resorts, with a feel more like private condos.

Then there are a few, very nice upscale resorts.