Best Western Fort Myers Waterfront

The hotel is most notably distinguished by its stunning waterfront views and private balconies, offering guests picturesque vistas of the river and city skyline, with some even spotting dolphins. This makes it an ideal destination for couples seeking a romantic escape, sightseers exploring the area's natural beauty, and pet owners who appreciate the dog-friendly atmosphere and adjacent park. While many guests praise the spacious rooms and the convenience of the on-site restaurant, recurring feedback highlights the hotel's dated appearance and the significant challenge posed by bug issues, particularly mosquitos. Furthermore, several guests experienced disruptive fire alarm disturbances early in the morning. To enhance your stay, consider requesting a room on a higher floor to maximize the scenic views and be prepared for potential early morning noise disturbances. It is also advisable to confirm your room's readiness upon arrival, as some guests reported delays.

Facilities & Amenities
Guests generally appreciate the hotel's outdoor pool, often described as clean, nice, and warm, providing a relaxing spot overlooking the water. The availability of free Wi-Fi is a convenience for staying connected, and many rooms feature spacious balconies with seating, perfect for enjoying the views. Inside the rooms, the presence of a mini-fridge and microwave is a welcome amenity. However, the hotel's elevators are a frequent point of concern, with reports of them being noisy, hot, having an unpleasant smell, or being out of service, sometimes with expired inspection certificates. Some guests also noted issues with ice machines and vending machines being broken or poorly stocked. While the hotel offers a pool, its availability has been inconsistent due to closures for maintenance or post-hurricane repairs, which was a disappointment for some. Additionally, some guests experienced non-functional house phones and illegible internet passwords.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Most guests find the rooms clean and the beds comfortable, often highlighting the spaciousness of the accommodations. However, a significant number of reviews point to issues with dirty carpet, which some describe as damp or crusty, and a pervasive damp smell or mold smell throughout the property. The hotel's dated decor is frequently mentioned, with many areas, especially the bathrooms, being in need of updating, including old fixtures, low vanities, broken tiles, and poor water pressure in the showers. Bugs, such as mosquitos, spiders, roaches, and gnats, are a recurring problem, particularly in rooms and on balconies. Noise is another common complaint, stemming from street noise, restaurant noise, AC units, and early morning disturbances like leaf blowers or repeated fire alarms. Some rooms also suffer from warped doors with gaps, allowing noise and air to enter, and ripped curtains.

Dining & Food Quality
The on-site restaurant, Three Fishermen, receives widespread praise for its food quality, atmosphere, and service, often described as a local gem with a great menu, live music, and a pleasant waterfront setting. Many guests enjoyed dining there, noting its reasonable prices and dog-friendly patio. The breakfast offered by the hotel generally receives positive feedback for its variety, including options like waffles, eggs, and sausage, though some guests found the choices limited or the quality inconsistent. Some reviews mentioned issues with the juice machine being broken or a lack of basic items like napkins. While many appreciated the convenience of the included breakfast, a few guests opted to dine at the nearby IHOP instead, citing better options or a preference for off-site dining. Overall, the on-site dining experience is a significant highlight for many visitors.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's waterfront location is a major draw, offering picturesque river views and convenient access to downtown Fort Myers just across the bridge. Guests appreciate being within easy walking distance of numerous restaurants and having access to Trolley service for exploring the area. Its proximity to attractions like the Edison museum and a scenic drive to Sanibel Island also makes it appealing for sightseers. The hotel provides ample parking, which is often described as well-lit and secure, including options for larger vehicles. While many feel the area is safe, some reviews express concerns about the immediate neighborhood at night or report security incidents, including attempted room break-ins. Some guests also found the hotel's front entrance difficult to locate, particularly for the west building.

Staff & Service
The staff at the hotel generally receives mixed feedback, with many guests commending their friendliness, helpfulness, and professionalism, particularly during check-in and when accommodating requests. Some specific individuals are highlighted for providing excellent service. However, a notable number of reviews describe instances of rude staff or unprofessional behavior from front desk personnel and even management, leading to frustrating experiences. Guests reported long waits for check-in, a lack of communication regarding room readiness, and unhelpful responses to issues such as non-working amenities or repeated fire alarms. There are also mentions of a lack of follow-up on complaints and instances where staff were perceived as uncaring or dismissive. While some guests experienced responsive service for maintenance issues, others found it challenging to get assistance.

Additional Information
A significant point of contention for many guests is the $250 deposit required at check-in, which often takes several business days to be returned, causing frustration. The hotel maintains a pet-friendly policy, accommodating guests with dogs, and offers specific ground-floor rooms for this purpose, with a pet-friendly patio at the on-site restaurant. A recurring and highly disruptive issue is the frequent occurrence of fire alarms going off, often in the early morning hours, which guests attribute to pranks and note the management's seemingly resigned attitude towards it. Housekeeping is not provided daily; guests must request service and can opt out for rewards points, a policy not always clearly communicated. The hotel's age and ongoing renovations are frequently mentioned, with some areas still showing signs of wear or post-hurricane damage, and occasional construction noise. An on-site water taxi provides an economical way to explore the river.