Escape to Paradise: Days Inn Fort Myers Springs Resort Awaits!
Escape to Paradise? More Like Escape to… Well, We'll See: My Days Inn Fort Myers Springs Resort Review (Brace Yourselves!)
Okay, folks, buckle up. This isn't your sanitized, perfectly curated hotel review. This is the raw, unfiltered truth about my recent stay at the Days Inn Fort Myers Springs Resort. And let me tell you, “Escape to Paradise”? That marketing team needs a serious reality check.
SEO & Metadata (Gotta appease the algorithms, right?):
- Keywords: Days Inn Fort Myers Springs Resort, Fort Myers, accessibility, wheelchair accessible, pool, spa, fitness center, Wi-Fi, family-friendly, clean, safe, dining, review, travel, Florida, budget hotel, amenities, room review, parking, breakfast, service.
- Metadata Title: Days Inn Fort Myers Springs Resort: My Honest Review (Good, Bad &… Well, You'll See!)
- Description: A brutally honest review of the Days Inn Fort Myers Springs Resort, covering accessibility, amenities, cleanliness, dining, and more. Find out if it's really an "escape to paradise" or just a place to crash. Unfiltered opinions inside!
- Category: Hotel Review, Travel, Budget Travel, Florida
The Arrival – First Impressions & "Accessibility" (Cue the Sigh)
Alright, so, I'm rolling in. Literally rolling, because someone in my family needs a wheelchair. The website said accessible. And look, the front desk, they were definitely friendly. Like, super friendly, bordering on overly enthusiastic. But the first hurdle? The elevator. Now, I'm not going to name names, but let's just say it was old enough to have seen the invention of the rotary phone. And I swear it smelled vaguely of mothballs. The doors were slow, the buttons looked like they'd been punched by a toddler with a hammer… you get the picture.
The Wheelchair accessible room itself? Sigh. Okay, it technically had the right features: wider doorways, grab bars in the bathroom. But let's just say the "accessible shower" was more like a slightly wider shower with a plastic chair that looked like it survived a hurricane. The lack of accessibility in the restaurant left us a bit stranded; the staff did their best, but navigating a packed breakfast buffet in a chair is a challenge. Don't get me wrong, I appreciate the effort, but it was a little frustrating.
Internet Access & Wi-Fi – Pray for Patience
Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!, they shout. And it technically works. Eventually. Let me paint a picture: I’m trying to upload pictures of the ahem "accessible" bathroom, and my phone’s spinning circle of doom. It's like the internet is connected by a shoestring and hopes and dreams. I tried the Internet [LAN] but wasn't even able to find the wire. I mean, I guess the Internet services were there, but finding the connection was a quest in itself. Finally, I gave in, and went to the lobby to use the Wi-Fi in public areas.
Cleanliness, Safety & Sanitization – (Mostly) A Good Sign
Okay, on the bright side (and there were some), the staff seemed to take the whole Cleanliness and safety thing very seriously. They had Anti-viral cleaning products, and the rooms were sanitized between stays. There were Hand sanitizer stations everywhere. The staff, they seemed to be doing everything they could, from the Daily disinfection in common areas to offering Professional-grade sanitizing services. I even noticed the Sterilizing equipment, which was a comforting touch. The Staff trained in safety protocol, was evident. I appreciated their efforts; it made me feel at least somewhat secure, especially given… well, you know. The Safe dining setup was well executed.
Though, I did miss the "shared stationery removed," but it was a small price to pay for feeling safe.
The Room: Basic, but… Functional (Sort Of)
My room was one of the Non-smoking rooms, thankfully. The Air conditioning was definitely a plus, especially in Florida. It was also great to have a Refrigerator and a Coffee/tea maker. But let's be honest, the decor was, shall we say, "classic Days Inn." Basic. The Blackout curtains were a lifesaver for sleeping in. The Bed was… a bed. Not the fanciest, but it made me feel like I could take a rest. The Alarm clock I couldn't even get it to work, and the desk was, well, it was a desk. Okay, it’s not like it was paradise, but it was good enough.
Things to Do – Or, How to Entertain Yourself (and Your Sanity)
- Swimming pool [outdoor]: The pool. Ah, the pool. Look, it wasn't the Ritz, but it was clean, and there was a Pool with view of the parking lot! There was also a Snack bar so you could get that sugary drink you really wanted.
- Fitness center: It looked like the equipment had been abandoned by a muscle-bound ghost from the 80s. Let's just say I stuck to walking. There were ways to relax.
Dining, Drinking & Snacking – Breakfast Blues (and the Occasional Burger Bliss)
Breakfast [buffet]: Okay, the breakfast. The bane of my existence. It was standard, nothing exciting, but at least there were options. Cereal, toast, some questionable scrambled eggs, and a perpetually empty bacon tray. The Asian breakfast I was promised never materialized. Some a la carte in restaurant options weren't bad, but it was a bit of gamble.
I was able to enjoy the Coffee/tea in restaurant, and I'm thankful for the simple things. There was a Poolside bar where I could enjoy the Happy hour, but I was also able to enjoy my own Bottle of water.
Services, Conveniences & Other Random Bits (The Good, The Bad, & The Ugh)
- Services and conveniences, that included
- Daily housekeeping
- Dry cleaning
- Cash withdrawal
- Laundry service
- Concierge
- Babysitting service
- Luggage storage
- The Car park [free of charge] was a major plus. Finding a parking space wasn’t the easiest in the end.
- Front desk [24-hour]: They were really helpful when you needed them.
- Elevator: I still have nightmares.
- The Food delivery option was a plus because getting out to eat could be a struggle.
- Family/child friendly felt accurate.
- The gift/souvenir shop was not exciting.
The Verdict: Escape? Maybe "Exist" is More Accurate.
So, would I recommend the Days Inn Fort Myers Springs Resort as an "escape to paradise"? Absolutely not. Would I recommend it? Maybe. Okay, probably not. If you’re on a super tight budget, and don't have high expectations, sure, it will do to.
My Quirky (and Brutally Honest) Takeaways:
- The elevator: A relic of a bygone era.
- The breakfast: Adequate, if you're not expecting gourmet.
- The staff: Truly, the unsung heroes. They clearly try. They genuinely cared.
- Accessibility: Needs serious improvement.
- Paradise factor: Let's stick with "functional" for now.
Would I go back? Probably not unless absolutely necessary. But hey, I survived to tell the tale… and hopefully gave you a realistic picture of what to expect! Consider this the anti-marketing review. You're welcome.
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Okay, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your slick, airbrushed travel brochure itinerary. This is… well, this is what actually happens when I try to vacation. And trust me, it's going to be a wild ride. We're talking Days Inn by Wyndham Fort Myers Springs Resort, Florida, and Lord help us all…
Days Inn Fort Myers Springs Resort: A Slightly Unhinged Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival and the Glorious Quest for the Pool
- 1:00 PM - Land of the Lost (Airport Arrival and Hotel Check-In): Right, so first things first: getting to the airport. That went about as smoothly as a greased piglet on a Slip 'N Slide. Checked bags? Nope. Delayed flight? Of course. Finally, we stumble into the sunshine, disoriented and cranky, blinking like moles. Uber to the Days Inn. The sign looks… hopeful? Let’s just hope the "resort" part holds up.
- 2:00 PM - The Check-In Tango: The front desk attendant, bless her heart, is clearly used to dealing with wayward travelers. "Your room's ready," she says, with a smile that might or might not be hiding a deep-seated weariness. Key in hand! Victory! (But which way is the room again…?).
- 2:30 PM - The Pool Search and the Existential Dread: The most important mission of any vacation, and my entire existence right now: find the pool. It's hidden somewhere - the map wasn't helpful. I eventually find the chlorine haven. My emotional state? Relief so potent, it's practically a religious experience. I'm officially a puddle of bliss.
- 3:00 PM - Poolside Revelations and Sunburn Awareness: Okay, the pool isn't exactly Olympic-sized, but it has water. And sunshine. I'm in. Spent first 30 minutes battling the sun.
- 6:00 PM - Dinner Disaster (and Delicious Redemption): Ordered pizza. Ate the pizza. Ate too much pizza. Now feeling the consequences.
Day 2: Beach Day and the Great Shell Hunt
- 9:00 AM - Morning Madness (or, Attempting to Function Before Coffee): Wake up. Realize I forgot to set an alarm (naturally). Drag myself out of bed, fueled by the vague hope that coffee exists.
- 10:00 AM - Beach Bound! (Or, the Quest for Parking): Off to the beach! Sanibel, here we come! (Famous last words). The drive is a mix of scenic views and existential dread about traffic. Finding parking is apparently a competitive sport. An hour later and a few deep breaths … parking finally located!
- 11:00 AM - Beach Bliss and Shell Shock: The beach! Ah, the beach. Sand, sun, and the endless roar of the ocean. My toes dig into the sand, and I think, "This is the life." And then I start shell hunting. The obsession begins. I become a shell-sniffing, crab-dodging maniac. I find one decent shell. Treasure!
- 1:00 PM - Lunch on the Sand and the Seagull Invasion: Lunch, courtesy of a slightly soggy deli sandwich. The seagulls, however, are unimpressed. They circle. They glare with beady eyes. They plan their attack. I eat quickly, bracing myself for avian ambush. They actually get some of my chips. Grumble, grumble.
- 3:00 PM - The Great Shell Hunt Continues: More shell hunting. More digging. More disappointment. (But also, the satisfaction of finding a really beautiful perfect conch shell. Success!).
- 5:00 PM - The Sunset Spectacle (and the Emotional Overload): Okay, the sunsets in Florida… they're not a joke. Pure, unadulterated beauty. A riot of color explodes on the horizon. I start to feel… something. Might be joy? I'm definitely teary-eyed. Stupid sunsets and their ability to make me feel things!
Day 3: (Almost) Culture Day and the Quest for Air Conditioning
- 9:00 AM - The Museum That Wasn't: I am determined to be cultured on this trip. Today, the Edison & Ford Winter Estates! (At least, that was the plan). My GPS leads me astray. We're late. I am grumpy. We finally arrive, but I'm already feeling the impending afternoon heat; by the time we leave, the history has been a blur of sweaty, tired and hangry tourists.
- 12:00 PM - Lunch and the A/C Struggle: Seeking lunch at a casual restaurant. The A/C is blasting like a hurricane. It's glorious. My emotions have been restored.
- 2:00 PM - Return to the Pool and the Perfect Nap: Back at the Days Inn. The pool is calling. The sun is beckoning. I float. I nap. Bliss.
- 6:00 PM - Dinner and the Evening Stroll (or, Attempting to Look Like a Tourist): Dinner at a restaurant with a view. Walking on the beach. Or maybe I'll just get a burger and watch some TV. Decisions, decisions.
- 7:00 PM - The Bedtime Blues: Trying to sleep. Sunburn. The heat. The ghosts of the pizza past.
Day 4: Departure and the Bitter Sweet Goodbyes
- 9:00 AM - Breakfast Panic and Packing Chaos: Wake up. Realize I've waited until the last minute to pack. Scramble. Stuff things in bags.
- 10:00 AM - Last Minute Moments: Just a final slow walk through the pool, as I soak for the last time.
- 11:00 AM - Hotel Checkout (and the Deep Sigh of Relief): Checking out. Hopefully, nothing was broken or stolen.
- 12:00 PM - Airport, Again (and the Reality of the Real World): Back to the airport. The vacation is over. But at least, I have some shells!
- 1:00 PM - Adios Florida!
So, there you have it. My messy, emotional, and utterly human adventure in Fort Myers. Would I do it again? Absolutely. (With better sunblock next time, and maybe more shells). But mostly, it's the memories!
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Escape to Paradise: Days Inn Fort Myers Springs Resort Awaits! - Frequently Asked Questions (and my unfiltered thoughts)
Is this place *actually* paradise, like, seriously? The marketing is laying it on thick...
Paradise? Let's pump the breaks a sec. I mean, the billboards are practically screaming "GET AWAY FROM IT ALL!" which, yeah, is tempting. But, honest to goodness, it's more like *Fort Myers Springs-adjacent-with-a-pool*, if you catch my drift. Paradise takes on a whole new meaning when you're staring down a screaming toddler at 7 AM because "the sun is too BRIGHT!!" (true story, happened to me). Don't get me wrong, the pool is a *definite* plus, and they do have decent palm trees. But paradise, the *real* kind? Probably not. More like a solid "good time" spot. And hey, that's often enough.
What are the rooms *really* like? The website photos look... optimistic.
Okay, the rooms. Let's break this down. Think… well-worn comfort. They’re not going to be featured in Architectural Digest anytime soon, that's for sure. Picture this: You open the door, there's a distinct scent of chlorine and air freshener (which, honestly, I kinda like – it's clean-ish, right?). The furniture is probably seen a few summers, maybe even a hurricane or two. My first thought? "Oh, this bed looks inviting... I hope it doesn't squeak too much when I roll over at 3 AM." (It did.) But the air conditioning? AMAZING. Lifesaver. You’re gonna appreciate that when you’re melting in the Florida humidity. And the TV? It works. That's all that matters. You're there to *escape* reality, not be surrounded by it. So, in summary, they are fine. Just fine. And remember, you're not spending your *life* there. You're using it a base camp. Plan accordingly.
Is the pool area as fun as it looks in the promo videos?
Okay, THE POOL. This one’s a mixed bag, folks. Yes, it’s clean-ish – I think. And yes, there are those glorious lounge chairs, beckoning you to do absolutely nothing. The promo videos, I’ll admit, are probably pretty accurate. You *will* see families splashing around. You *will* see adults sipping questionable cocktails (mine tasted suspiciously of… well, nothing). You *will* probably get splashed by some energetic kids at some point. And that, my friends, is when things get fun. You end up chatting with the guy whose wife is on a work trip, the woman who just *needs* a break from her teenagers, and the couple celebrating their 50th anniversary. It’s… communal. And, in a weird way, it’s kinda sweet. It’s also where I learned that the best way to remove sunscreen from sunglasses is with a baby wipe. True story. So, fun? Yes. Perfect? Nah. But definitely a solid "good time." Just bring earplugs if you're sensitive to excited shrieks.
What about breakfast? Is it the usual continental fare of sad pastries and questionable coffee?
Breakfast… ah, the great hotel breakfast mystery. Honestly? It is what it is. They’re not reinventing the wheel here. Think: pre-packaged muffins (sometimes stale – be warned!), a waffle maker that you WILL wait in line for (seriously, expect a queue), and coffee that might be considered "coffee-ish." But hey, it’s free! And it’s fuel. My advice? Grab a waffle (they’re warm, at least!), a piece of fruit if you can find one, and a large coffee. Then, find a quiet spot AWAY from the screaming children (those are everywhere at breakfast – it's a law of the universe) and people-watching. It's a great way to start your day. Plus, it's free, so you can't complain *too* much. I, however, did complain extensively – in my head. But I ate two waffles. So, there's that.
Is it really close to the beach?
(Heavy sigh). Okay, "close." Let's define that. It's not *walking* distance, unless you’re a masochist or a marathon runner. You're gonna need a car. Or a taxi. Or an Uber. Or, in my unfortunate case, the kindness of a stranger who pitied my lost tourist face. The beach is a drive. A manageable drive, sure. But not "roll-out-of-bed-onto-the-sand" close. Plan accordingly. Pack your beach gear. Factor in parking fees. And be prepared for the inevitable traffic. But hey, the beach is *worth* it. The sunsets are glorious. And the sand between your toes? Yeah, that's pretty close to paradise, right there.
Any local recommendations for things to do?
Okay, local recommendations… Hmm. I’m a sucker for the kitsch, so don't get me started on the wacky tourist traps. But seriously, there are options! Of course, the beach is a must. But beyond that? The Edison and Ford Winter Estates are supposedly interesting (I never got around to it). Sanibel Island? Go for the seashells, stay for the sunsets (but pack your bug spray!). There are some decent restaurants around (check Yelp – but take the reviews with a grain of salt). My personal recommendation? Find a local dive bar and strike up a conversation. You’ll get the *real* insider tips, not the stuff on the glossy brochures. And, if you're feeling REALLY adventurous, try the kayaking. It's not as scary as it looks. Especially if you don't see the alligator...
Is this place good for families?
Families. Oh, families. Let’s be real: this place *screams* family. The pool, the proximity to everything… it's geared towards them. So, if you *are* a family, you're in luck! Your kids will have a blast. You'll be exhausted. You'll probably need to spend a minimum of an hour in the gift shop buying a souvenir. But you'll make memories. So, yes, it's good for families. If you're seeking peace and quiet? Well, try staying in a different location! And maybe bring earplugs.
Any hidden fees I should be aware of?
Hidden fees… ughEasy Hotel Hunt
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