Should I Book Vacation Rentals or Resorts in Fort Myers Beach, FL?

Discover the pros and cons of vacation rentals vs resorts in Fort Myers Beach, FL. Compare privacy, amenities, costs, and tips to choose the perfect stay for your Gulf Coast getaway.

No matter where you vacation, from the Rocky Mountains of Colorado to the calm shores of the Carolinas and right here in sunny Florida, the place you stay shapes the experience.

Fort Myers Beach, FL, is no exception. Here, travelers can choose between the lively energy of a bustling resort or the privacy of a vacation rental.

Both have their perks, and understanding the differences can help you decide which best matches your travel style.

Here’s what we’ll cover in this blog:

1. How Vacation Preferences in America Have Evolved
2. What Defines a Resort Stay in Fort Myers Beach
3. What Defines a Vacation Rental in Fort Myers Beach
4. Privacy vs. Social Atmosphere: Which Suits Your Travel Style?
5. Amenities and Services: What to Expect from Each
6. Cost Comparison Between Resorts and Vacation Rentals in Fort Myers Beach
7. Flexibility and Customization of Your Stay
8. Which Is Better for Families Visiting Fort Myers Beach?
9. Which Option Works Best for Special Occasions?
10. How to Choose Between a Vacation Rental or Resort in Fort Myers Beach
11. Verdict: The Best Choice for You

At Sun Palace Vacations, we offer stunning vacation homes in Fort Myers Beach. Whether you’re looking for a beachfront escape or a cozy retreat, we have the perfect place for you. We consider ourselves Fort Myers Beach experts, and from the best shopping spots and top-notch restaurants to a comprehensive guide on fishing and hunting in the area, we’ve got you covered in our blog. 

This guide explores the evolution of American vacation habits, how resorts and vacation rentals compare, and which might be the better fit for your next Gulf Coast getaway.

1. How Vacation Preferences in America Have Evolved

From roadside motels to private infinity pools: America’s great accommodation glow-up.

U.S. vacation habits have shifted from quick motel stays to all-inclusive resorts, and now to vacation rentals.

As Baby Boomers took their first road trips on the new Interstate Highway System, the leisurely pace of Route 66 gave way to faster travel. The rise of motel chains in the 1950s and 60s made cross-country trips more accessible than ever. These “motor hotels” offered simple, affordable overnight stops for newly mobile Americans.

Over time, travel expectations grew. Destination resorts emerged, offering a central location with dining, entertainment, and activities all in one place. By the 2000s, another trend was on the rise: vacation rentals.

According to Statista, vacation rentals accounted for roughly 13% of the U.S. travel market in 2011 and continue to grow today, reflecting a demand for more space, flexibility, and local experiences.

2. What Defines a Resort Stay in Fort Myers Beach

Like summer camp, but with better cocktails and no mandatory sing-alongs.

Resorts are full-service properties with extensive amenities and higher occupancy, offering a lively, social atmosphere.

Resorts in Fort Myers Beach cater to travelers who value convenience and a wide selection of on-site facilities. Expect multiple pools, daily activity programs, organized tours, and on-site dining that ranges from casual beach grills to upscale restaurants. Resorts compete by offering ever-more elaborate amenities — think spa treatments, kids’ clubs, and themed entertainment nights.

The trade-off? These properties need high occupancy to stay profitable. That often means sharing the space with hundreds of other guests, particularly during peak season. If you enjoy a buzzing atmosphere, this can be part of the appeal.

Vacation rentals offer privacy and all the comforts of home, while still providing that holiday atmosphere and appreciation for local culture.

3. What Defines a Vacation Rental in Fort Myers Beach

Your own private Florida kingdom: crown optional, flip-flops mandatory.

Vacation rentals are private homes, condos, or apartments available for short stays, offering more privacy and flexibility than resorts.
A vacation rental in Fort Myers Beach can be a waterfront condo, a beach cottage, or a luxury home with panoramic Gulf views. Unlike resorts, these properties typically host only one group at a time, giving guests space to relax without the crowds.

Many rentals come with home-style amenities like full kitchens, laundry facilities, and private outdoor spaces. Guests can also arrange optional extras — from mid-stay cleaning to grocery delivery or even a private chef.

The appeal lies in living like a local while still enjoying beach proximity. For families or groups, renting one larger home can also be more cost-effective than booking several resort rooms.

4. Privacy vs. Social Atmosphere: Which Suits Your Travel Style?

Do you want poolside friends, or do you want the pool to yourself?

Resorts offer a more social setting, while vacation rentals provide greater privacy.
Resorts are designed for shared experiences: poolside games, group excursions, and mingling at the bar. This is ideal if you like meeting new people or traveling with kids who thrive on constant activities.

Vacation rentals, by contrast, allow you to control your environment. You can spend an entire afternoon on your deck without seeing another tourist, or invite friends over for a private barbecue. This makes them a strong choice for couples seeking solitude or multi-generational families wanting their own schedule.

Several private vacation rental homes in Fort Myers offer first-class amenities, including stunning pools and relaxing hot tubs.

5. Amenities and Services: What to Expect from Each

Spa or spatula? Choose your own adventure.

Resorts include more on-site services, while vacation rentals focus on in-property comfort and optional add-ons.

Resort perks might include:

• Multiple restaurants and bars
• Concierge and activity desks
• Fitness centers and spas
• Organized entertainment

Vacation rental perks might include:

• Fully equipped kitchens
• Private pools or hot tubs
• In-unit laundry
• Outdoor dining areas

While resorts bring services to you, vacation rentals let you bring in only what you want, often at a lower cost.

6. Cost Comparison Between Resorts and Vacation Rentals in Fort Myers Beach

Counting dollars, cents, and how much you’re willing to pay for that second swim-up bar.

Vacation rentals can be more cost-effective for groups, while resorts may offer better value for solo or couple stays during deals.

A two-bedroom vacation rental in Fort Myers Beach might comfortably fit six guests, reducing the per-person cost significantly. Resorts, however, sometimes offer off-season packages or last-minute discounts that compete closely with rental rates.

According to AirDNA, average nightly rates for vacation rentals in the area range widely depending on season, but families can save by sharing one property instead of multiple hotel rooms.

7. Flexibility and Customization of Your Stay

Breakfast at noon or sunset swims: your schedule, your rules.

Vacation rentals offer more flexibility in scheduling and dining, while resorts run on a fixed service schedule.

In a vacation rental, you set your own mealtimes, entertainment, and cleaning schedule. Want breakfast at 11 a.m. in your pajamas? No problem.

In a resort, the advantage is having everything arranged for you. Poolside drinks appear without you lifting a finger, and activities run like clockwork. The trade-off is less control over the pace of your day.

8. Which Is Better for Families Visiting Fort Myers Beach?

Do you want your kids entertained, or just contained?

Families often prefer vacation rentals for space, but resorts excel at built-in entertainment for kids.

Vacation rentals give families the ability to spread out, cook their own meals, and enjoy private outdoor areas. This works well for longer stays or picky eaters.

Resorts, on the other hand, handle the entertainment schedule for you — kids’ clubs, water slides, and supervised activities can keep young travelers happy for hours.

9. Which Option Works Best for Special Occasions?

Champagne toasts in solitude or a ballroom big enough for your cousin’s dance routine.

Vacation rentals offer privacy for intimate gatherings, while resorts provide the infrastructure for larger celebrations.

Planning a small wedding, milestone birthday, or family reunion? A vacation rental lets you host in a private setting, with no strangers in sight.

If your guest list is larger or your event requires catering, audiovisual equipment, or a dance floor, a resort’s event facilities may be the better choice.

10. How to Choose Between a Vacation Rental or Resort in Fort Myers Beach

The great Florida coin toss

Base your choice on your group size, budget, desired atmosphere, and service expectations.

Ask yourself:

• Do I value privacy or social interaction more?
• Do I prefer self-catering or full-service dining?
• Am I traveling with a group or solo?

If you want independence and a home-like setting, a vacation rental fits the bill. If you want structure, entertainment, and no cooking, a resort delivers.

11. Verdict: The Best Choice for You

Spoiler: It depends, but here’s how to cheat the decision.

If you’re traveling with a big group, like to spread out, and prefer setting your own pace, vacation rentals in Fort Myers Beach, FL will likely give you the best mix of comfort and value. If you’re after constant activity, curated experiences, and the convenience of having every meal and activity at your fingertips, a resort may be your match.

For many travelers, the ideal solution is to alternate: one trip in a rental for a slower, local feel, and the next in a resort for a high-energy, all-inclusive experience. That way, you get the best of both worlds, without the FOMO.

Make Your Stay in Fort Myers Beach a Unique Experience

To experience the highest quality in amenities, decor, and cleanliness, book your stay with Sun Palace Vacations. We guarantee you’ll have the most authentic, enjoyable, and relaxing time ever.