GullWing Beach Resort

Comprised of a single, bland, high-rise building, GullWing Beach Resort doesn’t exactly look beachy on first impression. Fortunately, this less-than-dazzling entrance and the need to walk through the parking garage to access the pool and beach are the low points of this otherwise pleasant property. GullWing’s large, condo-style units with kitchens make it an ideal choice for independent travelers who can do without the extensive amenities of a typical resort. While the decor is far from hip, the neat, cheerful rooms and facilities have ample appeal.   Guests can lounge by the pool or stretch out on the sprawling white sand beach. There’s plenty to keep more active guests busy, with water sports vendors on the beach offering parasailing and kayaking, plus guest bikes available for cycling around town. The vibe here is down-to-earth -- there aren’t any flashy amenities or a buzzing pool scene, just low-key families and couples enjoying chilled out beach vacations. 

GullWing Beach Resort is set in southern Estero Island, a 10-minute drive from the restaurants and bars of Fort Myers’ buzzing “Times Square.” The Santini Marina Plaza Shops, a strip mall with a handful of restaurants, a pharmacy, and a liquor store, can be reached in 10 minutes on foot. Otherwise, the neighborhood immediately around the resort doesn’t offer much. There’s a local beach trolley stop in front of the property that runs to Times Square, providing access to the many bars, shops, and restaurants stretched along Estero Blvd. The trolley’s hours are limited, however, so guests without a car will need to rely on taxis later in the evening. Lovers Key State Park is a five-minute drive away, and it’s a 40-minute drive to Southwest Florida International Airport.

GullWing Beach Resort’s one-, two-, and three-bedroom units are bright and roomy, with large living areas that include tables and seating areas with sleeper sofas, and wet bars lined with high-top chairs. While the rattan and wooden furniture is well-maintained and the primary-colored fabric prints are homey, units have a slightly dated look overall. Galley kitchens include ovens, toasters, microwaves, dishwashers, and coffeemakers, plus an array of cookware and cutlery and starter packs of essentials like dish soap. All units have washer/dryers as well. Large, screened-in balconies offer picturesque views of the coast or nice views of the bay and island landscape. Master bedrooms have king beds, while additional bedrooms have queen or twin beds. Bedrooms feature bold accent walls and flat-screen TVs, and master bedrooms have walk-in closets. Marble bathrooms have square sinks and updated fixtures, high-end Korres bath products, and hairdryers. Master bathrooms offer magnifying mirrors, and add whirlpool tubs and separate glass-doored showers. Smaller additional bathrooms feature showers with rainfall showerheads. All units come with free Wi-Fi. 

GullWing’s on-site features are well-kept and practical, but not especially remarkable. The good-size outdoor swimming pool is the main hub of activity on the property. It’s surrounded by basic plastic loungers and there’s also a narrow, separate whirlpool on one side. A few patio tables are set in front of Squawk’s Snack Bar, an unassuming snack counter that serves bites like hot dogs, popcorn, and smoothies. A round gazebo shelters a few gas barbecues. However, there's no full restaurant on-site. Guests have direct access to Fort Myers Beach, which lies beyond the pool, but greenery obscures the views. A wooden footpath leads down to this wide strip of white sands. This enormous beach offers plenty of room to spread out, with cabanas and loungers available to rent.While there's a fitness center that gets natural light and has up-to-date equipment, the space is cramped and there's only a treadmill, an elliptical machine, and a stationary bike facing windows and a wall-mounted TV. There’s also some weight training equipment and a stack of towels are set out for guests. Other fitness facilities include an elevated, outdoor tennis court as well as bike rentals.The 1,000-square-foot meeting room is run-of-the-mill, but the floor-to-ceiling windows let in natural light and offer great views over the bay. There’s a small business center with a PC found in the lobby. The lobby also features a free coffee and tea station, in addition to resort-branded merchandise and basics like sunscreen for sale. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout and there’s free parking on-site. Light daily housekeeping is included in the rate, or full housekeeping services are offered for a surcharge.