Hideaway Waterfront Resort & Hotel

Sitting on a canal in Cape Coral, the Hideaway Waterfront Resort & Hotel is a family-run property with a laid-back atmosphere and a 2,500-square-foot deck, where guests often fish or spot dolphins and manatees. Formerly the Fairview Motel, this property was one of the first to be built in Cape Coral. The two-floor hotel is painted is pastel colors and is surrounded by palms, banana trees, and flowers, with white plastic chairs dotting its grounds and offering a spot to relax in the sun or shade. A man-made sandy area creates a beach-like setting and the hotel prides itself on being a quiet alternative to many of the party-hearty properties in the area (there won't be any rowdy spring breakers here). Adding to the welcoming, tropical atmosphere, the staff often cut open fresh coconuts for guests. Inside, the cluttered reception area has a bed-and-breakfast feel, with kitschy fishing decor. Overall, the relaxed setting and reasonable room rates appeal to families with kids as well as older guests seeking a quiet hideaway from the tourist-congested areas in Cape Coral. 

As the name implies, this hotel is a hideaway from the touristy areas in the Fort Myers-Cape Coral area. Located where Southeast Fifth Place and Country Club Boulevard meet, this hotel is in a residential area on one of the largest canals in Cape Coral. There is a clutch of restaurants and bars in "downtown" Cape Coral -- a five-minute drive from the hotel -- but it's not exactly a destination. The beach at the Yacht Club Community Park is a 10-minute drive from the hotel, while Sun Splash Family Waterpark and Wicked Dolphin Rum Distillery take 15 minutes to reach by car. Popular Sanibel Island takes 40 minutes to reach by car and has excellent beaches, as does Captiva Island, which is an hour's drive from the hotel. On the other side of the Caloosahatchee River are the Edison and Ford Winter Estates and Edison Mall in Fort Myers, a 20-minute drive from the hotel. For travelers with boats, the hotel offers boat slips on its private dock. The Southwest Florida International Airport will take 35 minutes to reach by car.

Tropical bedspreads, peach accent walls, and seashell decor create an old-fashioned Florida vibe in the guest rooms at this hotel. Overall, designs are pleasant and homey, but tube TVs and the print-heavy style is dated and rooms could use a revamp. White or natural rattan furniture, tan carpeting or white tiling, and soft-colored tropical prints on the walls complete the look. There are three types of rooms on offer: Economy Rooms have 200-square-feet of space with microwaves, mini-fridges, and coffeemakers; Guest Rooms offer 250 square feet of space and have kitchenettes; One-Bedroom Suites are double the size of Guest Rooms and have sofa beds and recliners in living rooms as well as full kitchens with full refrigerators, stoves, dishes, and utensils. Balconies or patios face the pool, and suites have views of the canal from bedrooms. Bathrooms are adorned with salmon-colored tiles as well as mounted hairdryers, showers, or shower/tub combos (one room has a walk-in shower). The hotel’s docked houseboat, the Float Tel, can also be rented out as a room. Most rooms have 32-inch flat-screen TVs, and all include air-conditioning, irons, and Wi-Fi. 

There's a lot to keep guests busy on-site at this small hotel, though breakfast is not offered and there's no on-site dining. A sprawling deck is perched over the canal, offering dining tables, two charming waterfront tiki huts, barbecue grills, and a hammock. Guests can fish from here, and wildlife including dolphins and manatees have been spotted. Boats can park on the short dock. A sandy man-made beach area is also by the canal and offers chairs and umbrellas. Kayaks, paddle boats, and fishing gear are all available for free, as are bicycle rentals. For guests who don't want to swim in the canal, there' an outdoor pool that’s well maintained, with soft music playing throughout the day and cushioned lounge chairs on the sundeck. There's also lawn space for pet owners to walk their dogs. Parking is provided for free at the front of the property. As an added convenience, there are self-serve laundry facilities. Wi-Fi is free throughout.