Frequently Asked Questions
Do you have questions about restaurants, shopping, and things to do, web cam views, Internet access or other advantages we offer? These FAQ will give you a great deal of information about all this and more. If you have other questions, you are most welcome to contact us directly.
What are check-in / checkout procedures?
Typically, check in on the arrival date is after 3 PM and check out on the departure date is before 10 AM. This is to allow the cleaning crew to come in and make the home ready the next guests. The key to the property us under control of the rental agent. You will receive specific instructions on where to pick up the key and how to arrange payment.
When you ask “how many children,” what age do you consider in this category?
For general purposes, anyone age 15 or under.
“Do you offer “specials” or discount rates?
Yes we do! Through the year we may send out an email or regular mail notice to guests who have stayed at either resort, or who ask to be put on our email list. That is one of the reasons we ask for email addresses. We will offer significant savings to those who take advantage of less busy times. If you have a special need or plan an extended stay, we will work with you. Sign up for our Special Rate Email Alerts.
Are there good restaurants near by?
Restaurants are close by all properties. There are several casual and upscale restaurants on the island within walking distance or a short drive. In the “Welcome Binder” at each property you will find a sheet containing business cards from some local restaurants and some menus.
Where can I go shopping?
A new Publix Supermarket, drugstore, movie theater and shopping are minutes away by car or island trolley. Topp’s market is a second grocery store on the Island. You can walk to some stores. Santini Plaza offers an array of gift stores, boutiques, jewelry, and there is even a well-stocked hardware store available. Time Square is a tourist delight for shopping or just browsing. See “Things to Do” on our Fun Places to Visit page.
Is there a place to rent videos or DVDs nearby?
Yes, there are a couple of video rental places on the Island.
Is there public transportation on Fort Myers Beach?
A trolley runs up and down beach making frequent stops, and off the beach as well. From the north it runs from Summerlin Rd. and San Carlos to the South into Bonita Springs at Hwy. 41. Check http://www.rideleetran.com/pdfs/schedules_4_23_09/trolley-summer.pdf for current routes and prices.
What about beach parking?
Beach access to all properties is less than a five-minute walk. There is metered parking in the Town Center area. Bayview Breeze, Casa del Sol Breeze, Dock of the Bay Breeze, Island Breeze and Summer Breeze are all walking distance to Town Center, and there are beach trolley stops are along Estero Blvd. close to the other properties.
Does the island host any special events?
Fort Myers Beach is known for several renowned annual events, including its springtime Shrimp Festival celebrating the island’s historical “pink gold” industry, high-powered Offshore Powerboat Races, and sand-sculpting contests that draw in artists nationally, which create amazing sculptures on the beach. The Beach also has a fledgling film festival, which takes place in the winter and spring.
How far away are some typical destinations?
Driving times to major cities include: Fort Myers, Sanibel Island and Bonita Springs (15 minutes); Naples (30 minutes); Miami and Tampa (two + hours); and Orlando, Disney World, Universal Studios, and Cape Canaveral
(approximately four +/- hours).
How far is the Fort Myers Beach from the Southwest Florida Airport (RSW)?
Allow about 45 minutes to reach the beach from the airport depending on traffic. You may want to allow
extra time when departing Fort Myers. It is a popular vacation destination for families. Traffic and the airport security can sometimes be factor. Cab rides to and from the airport are a flat fee. Be sure to ask the dispatcher what the current fee is.
Will I need to bring much for beach outings?
Just a bathing suit, suntan lotion, and perhaps a jar to collect shells. We have a cooler available and beach chairs. Most of the properties have coolers and beach chairs. A couple of the houses have “beach wagons” available to help with transport, and even sand pails for the kids young and old.
What are some of the family activities we can enjoy on and off the beach?
Hold on to your hats. I believe the way you measure a good vacation is if the only sleep you get is on the plane. There is a lot to see and do. You can go shelling on Sanibel, parasailing at the north end of the island, sunbathing, golfing, boating, jetskiing, swimming, scuba diving, sightseeing in the Everglades to name just a few.
There are many activities on Fort Myers Beach and in nearby communities. Take a tour of The Edison and Ford Summer Homes in Fort Myers. Enjoy major league, minor league, or amateur hardball tournament baseball at Boston Red Sox and Minnesota Twins spring training camps.
Visit Everglades National Park where there are available swamp buggy rides, air boat rides, and alligator habitats. Visit the Caribbean Garden Zoo in Naples, or the Shell Museum on Sanibel Island. Many enjoy “shelling” on the beach on Sanibel or Fort Myers Beach.
Other activities include parasailing, Jet Ski rentals, boat rentals, pontoon boating on the back bay. There is a public pool with water slides, golfing and tennis, Outlet Shopping, flea markets and the Edison & Bell Tower Malls, beaches, swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving, boating, sailing, wind surfing, kite sailing, parasailing, canoeing, jet skiing, deep sea fishing, surf fishing, gambling casino, boats, beach, movie theater, and on and on. You can even take a round trip ferry ride to Key West.
The water temperature for the Gulf of Mexico (West Coast) ranges from the low to mid 60’s January through March and up into the 80’s from June through September. Your activity is limited only by your time and imagination.
Are there Jet ski rentals/Parasailing close by?
Yes, at the Lani Kai, Holiday Inn and In front of Junkanoo.
Are boats available to rent by the day or hour?
Within a couple of miles you will find Snook Bight Marina (4765 Estero Blvd), or Fish Tale Marina (7225 Estero Blvd). Powerboats and Pontoon boats are available for rental by the day, half-day or hour.
Is Internet Access available and what is the cost?
All Breeze Resort properties are equipped with free Internet access. There is no charge for this service.
Where can we play tennis?
Bay Oaks Recreation Center located at 2731 Oak Street, (239) 765-4222
Where can I Scuba Dive?
There are several dive shops in the Fort Myers area. We enjoy diving off Captiva Island.
Is there a water park for family fun?
Bay Oaks Recreation Center located at 2731 Oak Street, (239) 765-4222
Where can we go deep sea fishing?
Getaway Marina on San Carlos Blvd is one of many. Be sure to check the tourist brochures available throughout the island for discount coupons.
Is there a park where the kids can play?
At the north end of Estero Island is Bowditch Point located at, 50 Estero Blvd a peaceful, natural park where families and couples gather for quiet picnics and walks. Beach accesses can be found all along the gulf side of Estero Boulevard, although parking spaces are limited. Also on the north end of the beach is Lynne Hall Memorial Park.
About 3 miles south of Fort Myers Beach lies Lovers Key State Park. For years, Lovers Key was accessible only by boat and it was said that only lovers traveled to the island to enjoy its remote and solitary beach. Today, it is one of four barrier islands that make up this state park. A haven for wildlife, the islands and their waters are home to West Indian manatees, bottlenose dolphins, roseate spoonbills, marsh rabbits, and bald eagles. The two mile long beach is accessible by boardwalk or tram and is popular for shelling, swimming, picnicking, and sunbathing.
Breeze Properties smoke/tobacco free?
There is no smoking allowed in any property. In fact, to preserve the good health of our clients any evidence of tobacco smoke found will be removed and the security deposit will be charged the appropriate amount.
Do you accept pets?
Several of the properties do accept pets. There is a pet fee. Please read the page on Pet Policies.
When is “Season”?
Season refers to an area’s busiest tourist season and varies by area. In general the summer months will be season in the northern part of the state, while the winter months are season for most of the central and southern areas. Typically, in Fort Myers Beach, season runs from December 15 through April 30.
What are typical seasonal temperatures in So. West Florida?
The weather page shows what is typical for our areas and provides other weather information.
What is the difference between Estero Island and Fort Myers Beach?
None! It is the same place sharing two names. Estero Island is a geologically young barrier island that was formed well after the end of the Earth’s last ice age. The vacation resort city of Fort Myers Beach is on Estero Island.
How does a pending hurricane affect our reservation?
The typical policy for vacation rentals when there is a pending hurricane states: “In the event you cannot come on to the island to check in, a full refund will be in order. Unless there is a mandatory evacuation due to a hurricane there will be no refund. Refunds will be prorated based on the evacuation if any.” In the event of a hurricane. we will work with you.
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