Candlewood Suites Fort Myers Sanibel / Gateway

Palm trees line the perimeter of the two-pearl Candlewood Suites Fort Myers Sanibel / Gateway, a four-floor building with a large parking lot at the entrance. Wooden floors create a homey atmosphere in the lobby, which has a small, cozy lounge next to the 24-hour market. Interiors, which were renovated in 2009, are simple, generic, and along the lines of what you would expect of a value, chain hotel. There's plenty of neutral hues, a few frames of abstract-print wall art, and modern homey furniture. Outside there is a clean pool with greenery that provides a nice setting for guests to relax, but overall there isn't much of a social vibe here -- there's no bar or restaurant. The hotel is best suited for budget travelers who want a bit of independence -- particularly families -- as rooms all have kitchens. Meeting space appeals to business travelers. Pet owners are also drawn here by a pet friendly attitude and a lawn that is a designated space for dog walking. 

Located at Summerlin and Bass Roads, this hotel is in a quiet location that’s beside a middle school. This isn’t an ideal tourist destination since there’s little within walking distance, aside from businesses. Within less than five minutes by car is the HealthPark Medical Center and Lee Memorial Hospital. Restaurants and grocery stores are also within a few minutes by car in either direction on Summerlin Road. Zoomers Amusement Park is a five-minute drive, a popular destination for travelers with kids. Fort Myers Beach will take 15 minutes to reach by car and Sanibel-Captiva Island is 20 minutes away. The drive to Everglades National Park will take about 90 minutes. For those arriving by air, expect a 25-minute drive from Southwest Florida International Airport.

Interiors here are clean and typical of a chain hotel, with light wooden furniture and a soft color scheme of light green and neutrals. It's a homey look, but thankfully fresh, in part because of the tasteful use of contemporary fabrics with cheerful patterns, like the bed runners. Rooms have large desks that substitute as dining tables and recliners, but what really stand outs are the wood-laminate-floored kitchens. These include stovetops, microwaves, toasters, coffeemakers, large refrigerators with ice makers, and dishwashers -- the only thing missing is an oven. Other kitchen items can be borrowed from the hotel’s lending locker. Studio Suites and One-Bedroom Suites are available with sitting areas and living rooms. All rooms have 32-inch flat-screen TVs, DVD players, free Wi-Fi, air-conditioning, and free movie libraries. Bathrooms feature wooden vanities, shower/tub combos, and hairdryers. 

Palm trees by the outdoor, heated pool create a tropical setting for guests to relax and the narrow deck offers lounge chairs, a dining table under a terrace, and a barbecue grill. The hotel has numerous 24-hour facilities, including a modern fitness center with free weights and cardio equipment. Candlewood Cupboard, a 24-hour market, sells snacks, quick meals, and detergent for the free laundry room that’s equipped with ample washers and dryers. The hotel’s 24-hour business lounge is spacious, with sofa seating facing a flat-screen TV, a computer. There's also a lending locker that offers free loaner beach chairs, board games, kitchen appliances, and other items. Business meetings can be held in the banquet room that fits 41 people and has counter space plus a wet bar, and the board room offers a six-person meeting table. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property.