The Marco Island Hilton (shot from the beach).

Last weekend's getaway to Marco Island was great.  For those of you not sure where Marco is...it's about 15 miles south (if even that far) of Naples on the west coast of Florida.  It's a sleepy little town dominated by the snow-birds (retirees from the north) so summer tends to be a bit quiet.

The 2 main hotels on the beach are the Marriott and the Hilton.  The Marriott is a beautiful property and HUGE.  It's about a block down from the Hilton.  They do a great job keeping the Marriott up to date and new looking as well.  It's a little more per nite than Hilton, which is why we chose not to stay there.  The Hilton on the other hand boasts some of the largest hotel rooms on the island and every room points to the beach in some way.  The property is a nice size and the pool is very well maintained.  We booked a 'pool/Gulf view' room.  Since there is construction on the other side of the hotel...I suggest you do the same and you won't even notice it.  The balcony is huge and we got a perfect view of the sunset right from our room.  The beach is clean and full of seashells.  We got up early one day and actually spotted a sting ray and 3 starfish.  There are some restaurants across the street which were 'ok'.  The breakfast buffet at the Hilton was great, but a bit high in cost to do more than one morning ($19.99 per person).  You might want to bring some snacks and breakfast munchies (there is a mini-refrigerator in every room!).

      
(Beach view from the room - left ; room also overlooked the pool - right)

     
(A few pics of the lobby area)


(another beach view from the room)

This a great place to RELAX.  Overall...we were really impressed.  The hotel is well worth the cost...If you book on-line, you might want to join their 'Hilton Honors' program first.  You get extra things you can request in your room ahead of time. (extra pillows, snacks, etc.).  Marco Island beats Naples Beach anytime...and the Hilton BLOWS AWAY the Naples Beach Hotel.


(One of the best sunsets...right from our balcony.)