CANDLEWOOD SUITES FORT MYERS/SANIBEL GATEWAY BY IHG, Fort Myers

Fort Myers Beach lies to the west, roughly 6-11 km and a 10-20 minute drive away, so a car is the practical way to reach the sand. The Sanibel Island Causeway is minutes from the hotel, with Sanibel beaches around 20-30 minutes by car. Tanger Outlet shopping, Healthpark Medical Center, Caring Medical and a children's hospital are nearby, and Estero Bay Marina is about 6 km. The hotel sits off the main road in a quiet, wooded setting, so using GPS on arrival helps. Everglades National Park and Manatee Springs State Park are within driving distance for day trips, and Hammond Stadium at CenturyLink Sports Complex is close for Minnesota Twins spring training and Roy Hobbs baseball events.

Every suite is set up for extended stays with a stovetop, full-size refrigerator, dishwasher, microwave, cookware, dishware, tea and coffee maker, flat-screen TV with DVD player, large work desk, executive chair and free wired and wireless internet. The One-Bedroom Queen Suite adds a completely separate bedroom, sleeper sofa, recliner, extra closet and tableware for two, making it practical for a couple plus another adult or baby. Rooms configured with two double beds are also available under run-of-house assignments. Room views face either the parking lot or the pond at the back, and pond-facing suites offer the quieter outlook. The lobby is newly renovated, and storm-recovery work has updated portions of the property. Since pets stay throughout the hotel, travellers sensitive to smells should ask for a recently renovated room. The in-room refrigerator and air-conditioning compressor can also be audible at night in some suites, so light sleepers should check both units on arrival.

Meals are self-catered in practice, and the kitchens are equipped with a stovetop, full-size refrigerator, microwave, dishwasher and cookware. The on-site minimarket sells snacks, drinks and pantry items, with fruit and wine or champagne available for an additional charge. Complimentary coffee and tea are available, and BBQ facilities with outdoor furniture support cooking outside. A Tropical Smoothie Cafe is about 1 km away for a quick meal or coffee.

Pool towels are supplied for the outdoor pool only - beach towels are not provided, so bring your own for beach days. The 24-hour Candlewood Gym works for any schedule, and the pool deck includes sun loungers, a shallow end, a fence around the pool and seating for relaxing. Gas BBQ grills and outdoor furniture are available for evening cookouts, and board games are on hand for downtime. For local leisure, golf is available within 3 km for an additional charge, and baseball fans can reach Hammond Stadium at CenturyLink Sports Complex for Minnesota Twins spring training and Roy Hobbs tournament games.

Parking is free public on-site space with no reservation possible, and the lot can accommodate larger vehicles; accessible parking is available. The 24-hour front desk offers express check-in/out, concierge service and 24-hour security with key-card access. Free self-service laundry is open around the clock, and detergent can be purchased at the front desk. A free business centre covers email, copying and scanning, while the 33 m² boardroom seats 10 in executive style for meetings, depositions and interviews, with catering from Jason's Deli and event planning through Extraordinary Events for weddings, business events and social celebrations. The property has a lift, accessible rooms, family rooms, cots, board games, free local calls, a free movie and music lending library, a designated smoking area and a non-smoking interior. American Express, Visa, Discover and MasterCard are accepted.