Carousel Inn on the Beach

A cute, pastel sign with a seahorse logo greets guests arriving at Carousel Inn. Check-in is handled in a small office at the front of the property. While the office exterior is bland, the interior is a bright little space, packed with lots of colorful brochures for local attractions -- guests should note, however, that reception closes in the evening.   Beyond this office, the guest rooms are housed in a two-story, motel-style building overlooking a large parking lot. There are no elevators, and a few staircases positioned along the length of the building provide access to the second-floor rooms. A walk across the parking lot leads to a wide, beautiful sweep of Fort Myers Beach. The inn is far enough away from the main public beach that this section of sands is usually uncrowded. Most guests are couples and families who appreciate the inn’s laid-back atmosphere and budget-friendly rates. The big units with kitchens are ideal for guests looking to save money by cooking some of their own meals, as well as those on longer getaways.  

Carousel Inn is nicely located toward the quieter south end of Estero Island. It’s set off a pretty nondescript section of Estero Boulevard, with a 7-Eleven, a CVS, and a decent number of restaurants within walking distance -- but little else. The local beach trolley runs along Estero Boulevard, shuttling passengers to the lively restaurants and shops of Fort Myers Beach’s “Times Square,” which is a 10-minute drive away. It’s worth noting, however, that the trolley stops running in the early evening. Lovers Key State Park is a five-minute drive away, and the nearest airport, Southwest Florida International, can be reached in 40 minutes by car.  

Guest rooms at Carousel Inn are older but in good condition, offering ample space to spread out. Bed runners and walls colored in complementary blue tones make the simple decor look pulled-together, while white cabinets add freshness to the compact kitchens. Kitchens include ovens, full-size fridges, as well as adequate supplies of cookware and cutlery. They also have small, four-person dining tables.    Some rooms are covered in drab carpets, while others include newer wood paneled flooring. Free Wi-Fi and flat-screen TVs are standard, along with either a pair of armchairs or a sofa bed. Clunky air-conditioning units cool the rooms nicely, but some guests find them noisy. Doorless closet units provide storage with a few drawers, hangers, and shelves. Bathroom layouts vary from room to room, with some offering shower/tub combos and others equipped with shower stalls. Most are fairly cramped, but some have roomy vanities. Off-brand bars of soap are provided. In typical motel fashion, most rooms open onto one of two shared exterior corridors that stretch across the inn’s facade. A pair of plastic chairs and a table are set in the corridor outside each room. A couple of prime rooms at the far end of the building face toward the beach.

Carousel Inn offers a handful of on-site features, on par with what you would expect for a small, budget inn. The rectangular outdoor pool isn’t particularly inspiring, surrounded by a low turquoise wall and a concrete deck, but it’s well-maintained and nice enough for a swim. A better option could be Fort Myers Beach, and the far side of the property backs right up to its broad sweep of sand. It's a popular spot but, fortunately, the hotel is a little bit removed from the busiest section. There are lots of water sports vendors, along with cabanas, umbrellas, and beach chairs available for rent. Other features on offer include free hotel-wide Wi-Fi, free on-site parking, and rental bikes. The inn also has a designated number of pet-friendly rooms, where pets can be accommodated for a surcharge.