DiamondHead Beach Resort

Like many resorts lining Fort Myers Beach, DiamondHead looks like a rather unwelcoming, 12-story block of a building from the exterior. Guests enter through the dark parking lot and take an elevator up to the main lobby. The drab, spartan hallways too could use sprucing up, contrasting noticeably with the inviting facilities and guest rooms that the hotel offers.While not luxurious, rooms and public areas are clean and pleasant. The resort is a practical middle ground between apartment-type properties (which often lack on-property amenities) and big resorts with extensive features. Guests are a mix of couples and small families, in addition to a few business travelers. The vibe can get lively in the beach bar and lounge, but not to the point of alienating families who are catered to with a solid kids’ club.

DiamondHead Beach Resort is set toward the northern tip of Estero Island, a 10-minute walk away from “Times Square,” which is known for its buzzing bars and restaurants. The front of the hotel faces toward Estero Boulevard, the island’s busy main thoroughfare. There is an array of decent restaurants and bars within walking distance. A local beach trolley stop across the street provides access to the more far-flung restaurants and shops lined along Estero Boulevard. Lovers Key State Park is a 15-minute drive away and it’s a 30-minute drive to the Shops at Coconut Point. The closest airport is Southwest Florida International, a 40-minute drive away.  

While not exactly modern, units at DiamondHead are bright, well-maintained, and comfortable. Warm shades of orange and red are paired with light wood furniture, and there's homey artwork depicting beach scenes and floral prints. Most suites have gray tiled flooring throughout, which lends a polished feel (although some bedrooms have older red carpeting). All units feature compact kitchenettes with white cabinets and granite countertops. Standard suites include microwaves, dishwashers, coffeemakers, and mini-fridges, while Deluxe units add two-burner stovetops and kitchen islands. Kitchenettes are stocked with starter amenities like dish soap and coffee packets. Separate living areas with queen-size sofa beds and dining tables are also standard. Flat-screen TVs are found in both living areas and bedrooms, and Wi-Fi is free.Sliding glass doors open to screened-in balconies furnished with vinyl loungers and small patio tables. Views are of the beach, the pool, or the gulf, with most featuring at least partial views of the ocean. Bedrooms have king-size beds and offer a second balcony entrance. Bathrooms are done in the same slate-like tiling as floors, and most have a long, narrow layout. Wall-mounted hairdryers and off-brand bath products are provided. Most bathrooms have doorless walk-in showers (some with stone floors), while others have shower/tub combos. 

DiamonHead’s diverse amenities cater to its mixed clientele of business and leisure travelers. The resort has a good-size outdoor pool bookended by a pair of round whirlpools. The surrounding gray-stone deck is handsome and features scenic ocean views, but feels somewhat bare. Vinyl loungers and patio tables are provided, and a hut set toward the rear of the deck sells sundries like sunscreen, beach toys, and souvenirs. DiamondHead offers direct access to a wide, uncrowded stretch of Fort Myers Beach. Like most other properties lining this sweep of sands, beach loungers and umbrellas are not available for free but can be rented. Watersports equipment is also offered for a fee, including kayaks and waverunners. The fitness center is basic and dimly lit, but it has a satisfactory range of Life Fitness cardio equipment, free weights, and exercise balls. While the spa offers a variety of massages, body wraps, and skincare treatments, there are only two small treatment rooms and the space looks dated. The kids' club is slightly cramped too, with typical activities that include scavenger hunts, crafts, and coloring. The resort has six meeting and event rooms, including the 4,000-square-foot Diamond ballroom. Wedding planning services are offered, with both indoor and outdoor venues available for ceremonies. There’s free Wi-Fi throughout, while a daily resort fee covers parking (just one spot per room, though), use of guest bikes, and other services.  FoodThree restaurants feature regular drink specials and live entertainment The resort’s main restaurant, Chloës Seafood & Steak, has a pleasant if generic dining room with carpeted floors and medium wood furniture. A la carte breakfast options range from breakfast sandwiches and waffles to omelets. In the evening, the restaurant shifts gears to serve an American steak house-style menu, which also includes many gluten-free options. Casual eats like sandwiches, wraps, and shareable snacks are served at Cabañas Beach Bar & Grille. The restaurant is divided into a sports bar-like area, with a row of TVs hanging over the big main bar, and an open-air seating area on the beach. It offers daily drink specials, along with regular live entertainment and trivia nights. Beginning with evening Happy Hour, Chloës Lounge serves up cocktails and other drinks, and it offers an approachable menu, with eats like pizzas and burgers. Live performances are also hosted here, as is karaoke nights on weekends. The lounge’s large terrace overlooks the pool and beach. Room service is available during restaurant hours.