Where to Stay in Marco Island: With the quaint small-town atmosphere and some of the most stunning beaches you’ll ever see, Marco Island provides an idyllic setting for your Southwest Florida escape. Take a break from the hustle and bustle of daily life in exchange for sun, sea and sand. The island is well-known and loved for its water activities which include jet skiing, paddleboarding, kayaking and boating. With adventure at every turn and plenty to do for all ages, the only thing left to do is to decide where to stay in Marco Island.
There is a great variety in terms of accommodation on Marco Island ranging from luxury resorts to laid-back vacation rentals. Certain areas on the island are geared more towards families while others are geared more towards beaches and water sports, so check out our comprehensive guide on where to stay in Marco Island depending on your preferences.
Where to stay in Marco Island at a glance
Where to stay during your first visit – South coast of the island
Where to stay with kids – East side of the island
Where to stay to be close to attractions – Northern area
Where to stay in Marco Island on your first visit
The South coast of Marco Island is the perfect area to stay on your first visit. It gives you the best taste of the beautiful beaches and is a prime spot for swimming and lazy days on the beach. The South of the island is also great for watersports and combing for seashells while being conveniently close to amenities like restaurants, shops and other home comforts. There are loads of hotels and vacation rentals on the South coast for every budget.
Best Budget Hotel
Sea Winds at Marco is an affordable beachfront hotel with its own private beach, swimming pool and panoramic views of the Gulf of Mexico.
Best Budget Vacation Rental
Southern Breeze Gardens is a comfortable vacation rental decked out with coastal-inspired decor and all the amenities you’ll need for a comfortable stay at a really great place. The complex has a swimming pool and is a short walk to the beach and Marco Island Ski and Watersports Centre.
Best Luxury Hotel
As the largest luxury resort on Marco Island, JW Marriott Marco Island Beach Resort offers guests the ultimate luxury stay. From the generous suites to the indulgent spa and variety of dining options, you can’t go wrong booking a stay here!
Best Luxury Vacation Rental
This luxury beach house is a super short walk from the South Marco Beach with ultra-modern interiors, a private swimming pool and air-conditioning.
Where to stay in Marco Island as a family
There isn’t a bay or beach on the East side of Marco Island but there are tons of canals and waterways and beaches are a short drive away. The East side of the island is where you’ll find Frank E. Mackle Jr. Community Park which has a splash pad, ponds and pirate-themed playground along with games like volleyball and ping pong happening daily. It is also close to the Historical Museum, a hit with the kids. There aren’t many hotels and resorts on the East side but there are some fabulous vacation rentals that you can have all to yourself!
Best Hotel
Marco Island Lakeside Inn offers spacious suites with traditional yet coastal interiors that are light and bright. The family-friendly hotel has a swimming pool, deck area and other great amenities for a comfortable stay.
Best Vacation Rental
There are a number of beautiful and spacious vacation rentals on the East side of the island, most with their own swimming pool and some even with their own docks. As an example, this stylish waterfront home will ensure you and the whole family are living in the lap of luxury for the duration of your stay with all the amenities you could ever need and in close proximity to nearby attractions.
Where to stay in Marco Island to be close to attractions
The North side of the island is the best place to stay to be close to popular attractions. The best things to do and see include visiting iconic Tigertail Beach and kayaking through the lagoons and nearby reserves. Other popular tourist attractions include Sand Dollar Beach, Hideaway Beach Golf Course, the Farmers Market and the Esplanade Shoppes plaza.
Best Budget Hotel
The BoatHouse is a popular motel with a host of great amenities included in the room rates. What’s more, the motel is a 5 minute walk away from Sunshine Tours and Charters and the Marco Island Yacht Club.
Best Budget Vacation Rental
Southern Breeze Gardens is a comfortable vacation rental decked out with coastal-inspired decor and all the amenities you’ll need for a comfortable stay at a really great place. The complex has a swimming pool and is a short walk to the beach and Marco Island Ski and Watersports Centre.
Best Luxury Hotel
Holiday Inn Club Vacations Sunset Cove Resort is a conveniently located hotel, only 5 minutes away from Tigertail Beach. The hotel offers a free shuttle service to the beach along with all the world-class add-ons the hotel chain is known for.
Best Luxury Vacation Rental
Want resort-style amenities without the price tag? Look no further than this luxury apartment in Anglers Cove. The balcony overlooks the bay where million dollar yachts cruise around while the location is super central and within walking distance to shops, restaurants and Tigertail Beach.
Marco Island may be small but there is so much to see and do you’ll definitely find things to keep you busy over an extended stay. Don’t feel restricted by our recommendations of where to stay in Marco Island. You won’t go wrong no matter where you stay in all honesty! The size of the island makes getting around really easy so whether you stay in the South, North or East won’t have much of an impact on getting to see the whole island.
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