Visiting Marco Island, Florida is like visiting a little piece of paradise. Seeing the island now you’d never believe it once was isolated and largely uninhabited. Located about 18 miles from Naples, there’s only one way to enter or exit the island-across the Jolley Bridge. Once you’re on the island you’ll be drawn to the white sand beaches and the beautiful views. Whether you’re planning a romantic getaway or a family vacation if you want amenities, here’s where to stay on Marco Island, Florida.
We attended a media trip with Naples/Paradise Coast. All opinions are my own.
Where to Stay on Marco Island, Florida
JW Marriott Marco Island Beach Resort
There’s a little something for everyone at this resort. The centerpiece of the hotel is the A-shaped frame building housing the reception area. It was once the Marco Beach Hotel, the first resort on Marco Island. The hotel has had a major renovation and expansion to include so many amenities you never to leave the resort. Divided into three towers, the newest houses “Paradise by Sirene.” This is a section of 94 guest rooms and suites designed for adults 21 and over. Guests are known as a friend of Sirene and begin the stay at a separate reception and check-in area. Here guests receive a special access bracelet that provides access to their room as well as a private pool and beach area.
If you’re planning a vacation with the family, the resort is filled with activities that will call to kids of all ages. There’s two pools-one featuring a water slide-that provide a great place to spend the day, even if you’re only lying in a lounge chair and taking a nap. When the kids tire of playing in the pool, there’s a private beach with cabanas built and maintained by local Seminoles to represent the former Native American presence on the island.
My experience was more of a “girlfriend getaway.” I had a large room featuring a King Sized Bed and a balcony overlooking one of the pools and the Gulf of Mexico. The furniture is designed to provide the original 50’s vibe while providing the latest in luxury. We had some of the special personalized touches in our room, personalized soap, personalized hangers, and turndown service that can be ordered separately.
We started our evening with a Rum Tasting at Kane, a Balinese style Tiki Bar and grill. Available each evening from 5 PM until 8 PM, these “Sunset Sessions” feature a choice of 3 specialty rums. We sipped on Clement Mahina Coco, a coconut-infused rum, Smaks Chai Rum, a Navy Style rum made with tea, and Papas Pilar Brunette, a blended rum that finished in a Spanish sherry cask and a Port Wine cask. It was impossible not to sample some of their appetizers. I recommend the Crispy Wontons with pineapple jalapeno jam. It’s sweet with a slight heat and is the perfect accompaniment to the wontons. These are so good that one of our party remarked, “I can’t stop eating these!” We finished our time at Kane with one of their specialty drinks made from a rum base. With their extensive collection of rums from around the world, it’s the perfect spot to watch the sunset over the water.
After our tasting, we grabbed our drink and walked along the beach to the Fire Show. Every evening at 6 PM, there’s a fire juggling performance. This brings in a crowd so prepare to be there a few minutes early to get a good spot to watch the show. From there it was time for dinner, conveniently located at another restaurant overlooking the beach, Quinn’s. This is one of the classic restaurants loved by locals and guests and stayed packed during our entire meal. I tried the roast beef sandwich on homemade Ciabatta bread with homemade Sweet Potato Fries and it was delicious. Of course, no beach vacation would be complete without a specialty drink. Quinn’s has the classics like Pina Coladas and Miami Vice, but they also have their own specialties, like Exotic Sangria and Passion Ginger Mojitos.
From there, we captured our inner kids at 10K Alley, the new “gastropub and state-of-the-art gaming emporium” located in the Lanai Tower. During the day it’s designed to keep the kids entertained with activities like laser tag, glow in the dark bowling, and mini golf. At night, they transform into an adult venue with amazing cocktails and savory eats. I couldn’t resist trying one of their milkshakes. They are available in three flavors; strawberry, s’mores, and cookies and creme. They take a few minutes to make but they are worth the wait.
During our stay, we also visited two other restaurants located on the premises; the Cafe San Marco and Maia. Cafe San Marco is perfect for mornings when you want a quick bite or a cup of specialty coffee. They feature breakfast sandwiches, muffins, and more. There’s also a selection of gluten-free muffins and pastries. For a more substantial breakfast, the breakfast buffet at Maia is a good choice. They’ve got a selection of hot items, like biscuits and gravy, eggs, and sausage, along with a continental buffet. There’s also a made to order omelet and waffle station.
One of the things I loved about the restaurants located on the resort was the Gluten-Free and Vegan options. It’s much easier to accommodate food allergies when the menus have these items clearly marked. The JM Marriott also has plenty of options with 12 restaurants and room service.
I was sad I didn’t have time to pamper myself with one of their spa packages at their Spa by JW. It’s on my list for a return visit! For those people who enjoy exercising while on vacation, there’s a state of the art fitness room and golf packages. Before visiting be aware that there is a daily resort fee added to the room and the internet service is an additional charge. The JM Marriott is located at 400 S Collier Blvd.
Hilton Marco Island Beach Resort and Spa
Just remodeled for a contemporary island feel, the Hilton Marco Island Beach Resort and Spa has 310 spacious guest rooms and suites. Every room has a large private balcony to catch views of the gulf. There’s plenty of amenities too, like the heated outdoor pool and whirlpool. Families will love the poolside suites with verandas that open onto the pool.
You’ll want to enjoy dinner at their newly designed restaurant, The Deck at 560. Their chef has reimagined the menu with appetizers like Lobster Corn Dogs and Grilled Chicken Lollipops. For the adventurous, try the Buffalo Fish Wings. These use the collarbones of Cobia, usually parts of the fish that are thrown away but featuring some of the tenderest meat, to create a uniquely tasty treat. It’s served with buffalo sauce and a buttermilk cabbage slaw.
One of my favorite dishes was the side of Brussel Sprouts made with pancetta, sundried tomatoes, and a balsamic reduction. It’s a great dish for sharing. Naturally, you don’t want to miss dessert or trying one of their specialty drinks. If you don’t drink, don’t worry. You’ll find mocktails of all your favorites, like the Bahama Mama.
The Hilton Marco Island is located at 560 South Collier Boulevard.
Have you visited Marco Island? It’s a charming destination to plan your next vacation. Where is your favorite place to stay?
The JW Marriot Marco Island Beach Resort sounds diving. And that pool! It looks like a theme park pool. Love it. I also love that it’s so close to home for me. No plane ride and feeling like I’m in a tropical setting? Yes please!
The private beach would make this hotel the perfect getaway for me and the kids. I would have loved to see their spa pity you didn’t get time to try it out. The place sounds and looks stunning
I’ve never spent time in Florida or been to an island before, but I need to go there now… That looks amazing, and so beautiful! Look at all that white sand and blue water. Dreamy.
This looks lovely. I wish I could take my kids on trips like this.
I’ve never been to Marco Island… but I really want to go now! That pool looked heavenly – especially right now
It seems that Marco Beach Resort is nice place to stay. And it is the right place to have fun with the whole family and have good food!
Gluten-free and vegan options are surely a great thing about this place. My husband has gluten sensitivities and my dad is a vegan. Glad to know that their diet would not be a problem here.
Although I’ve lived in FL my entire life, I’ve never been to Marco Island! It’s on my list, for sure!
Haven’t stayed in Marco Island because we have family in nearby Naples but we’ve visited the area and it really is a beautiful place.
The fire show would be awesome to watch. My kids would probably live at the pool, they love waterslides.
So many people in Chicagoland flee to Marco Island in the winter. Now I can see why! I need to join them next time!
This looks like such an amazing trip. I have to book this hotel when I do visit Marco Island.
We haven’t been to Marco Island, but I need to go! It looks beautiful. I love a good island, that has its own culture and local interests.
If we ever get down to Florida we will know where to stay. Looks like a comfortable clean and fun place
I so need to go here one day! It looks like an awesome island to be at. I’d be all about that food. Plus that fire show would be so cool to see.
You don’t have to sell me on the beauty of Marco island. we went there a few years ago and had a great time. I wish I could have one of those shakes it was amazing looking.
I have driven through Marco islands but I have never actually stay there. Now when I go down next time I am definitely going to stay in Marco Island.
Looks like a pretty fun place to me!! I won’t be traveling for awhile, but my husband loves FL so at some point next year I am sure we will get over there!
My husband and I visited Marco Island several years ago and I’d love to return. When I do, I’m definitely trying that shake. It looks so amazing.