In reviewing this forum, I haven't found many trip reports posted. We are frequently on the TTOL-St. Maarten/St. Martin/SXM forums. This is a much needed get-a-way for us. Not only to escape the frozen North-East, but to leave the last six months behind us for a bit and relax, refresh our minds, and get ready for the Summer.

We searched Google and Google Earth for some beach and hotel areas that seemed appealing within the US and in a warm climate. Our first thoughts were to head to Key West in Florida. Found a few spots, not any significant beach area in most places. After searching some more, we settled on the west coast, either the Ft. Myers area or Marco Island. We chose Marco Island. This is also a first time trip using Expedia for preparing our itinerary. I normally make all reservations myself. Everything worked out fine.

The following report is our experience, thoughts and comments as we encountered them. I realize everyone has different expectations and results when visiting places. Our comments are not meant to degrade or persuade anybody from avoiding or experiencing the same.

Sunday….
Day One = Up at 5AM, checked luggage and tickets again. Used Expedia to book US Airways, Alamo Car Rental and Hilton Spa and Beach Resort on Marco Island for the week. Our favorite limo service arrived a few minutes early. We left for the trip to Philadelphia International Airport, which took 50 minutes. Check in was easy and quick at US Airways using the kiosk. Checked one bag for $25. Flight left 25 minutes late, but landed only five minutes late at Ft. Myers Regional. We encountered some turbulence over the Carolinas on the way down, which was the only uncomfortable instance so far. Walked to the Alamo Rental booth, showed our papers for economy sized car. Talked for a while and got upgraded three levels to full size for minimal cost. Picked out our car and color and headed south. Easy 49 mile drive. Stopped at Winn-Dixie on Marco Island for a few supplies and headed down S. Collier Blvd. to the Hilton for check in. Check in was easy. Treated very warmly. You have a choice for Valet Parking or park yourself for $14 or $10. Being both parking lots are side by side, we chose parking ourselves. Our room was upgraded to a suite on the bottom floor at the beach end of the hotel.

First thing we noticed, there was no micro-wave or kitchenette facilities. Then I realized this was a hotel, not a condo style resort system. Very large, one and one-half baths, 42" flat panel TV, not much furniture for the large size room and a little fridge hidden in a cabinet that had trouble holding more than a few cans, bottles, etc. Very disappointing as we had purchased several items that needed to be kept cold. The room was clean, bathrooms above average, bed a little harder than we like. It came with a balcony with two hard to open sliding doors. Our view to the gulf was obstructed by large overgrown sea oat bushes and shrubbery. Ground floor #107 has no view but to the tennis court and the next high-rise hotel. But we were the first room to the outdoor walkway to the beach and ten feet from the hall to the pool area. Sounds like we are "downing" the room. It's just not what we expected. The Hilton facility is in excellent shape, clean everywhere, marble floors and plenty of help to get daily chores done. Staff always willing to help. There were no problems incurred.

After settling in, we walked across the street to Marco walk, a small shopping and multiple restaurant business area. We picked Capt. Brien's for a light dinner. Indoor and outdoor seating, we chose the latter. Wife had a broiled seafood platter which she enjoyed along with a Margarita. I went light with a Fried Oyster appetizer which was mushy and basically tasteless. Eating Northern oysters in the south was a mistake. My fault, should have gone with something else. Overall rating was 6 out of 10. Back to the room and sleep.

Monday…….
Day Two = After getting to sleep early at 9:15 pm, I was surprised to wake up at 8:30 Monday morning. Made coffee in our miniature coffee maker which gave you a 3/4 sized cup when finished, ate a cinnamon bun from Winn-Dixie, showered and took a ride around the island. There are several small "strip" type malls located all over the island. We stopped at several, and checked out a few restaurants for lunch. It was suggested by a poster (WBL Couple) that we try The Snook Inn in the northern part of the island. After arriving there, we decided to have lunch. There was a 20 minute wait, which grew to 45 when we were called. Had an outdoor table overlooking the inlet. The wife had Seafood Scampi and a Margherita (became her new favorite), both were excellent. I had Broiled Seafood mix with a JD on the rocks. Both meals were good, our waiter was entertaining and efficient. As we were finishing up, a Rastafarian entertainer with long, floor length Reggae dred lock hair started singing Caribbean songs, many by Bob Marley. We stayed a little longer to listen then headed back to our hotel and the beach. Rating the Snook Inn at 8 out of 10. Very hot, in high 80's. Got burnt a little, back to room at 5, showered and snacked on some baguette, cheese and wine before going to bed.

Tuesday….
Day Three = Coffee and Winn-Dixie breakfast again. In the car and shopping as the wife wanted to get some things for the G-Kids. We found Alvin's Island across the street and picked up a few items. We decided to take a road trip to Naples. Easy access, road are smooth and well identified. No problem for first timers to find the 3rd Street historic shopping area. Naples was very clean easy to get around in. We parked and found Handsome Harry's for lunch after walking around a little. Our waitress, Kim was from New Brunswick, NJ and
made our stay pleasant. Our choices for lunch were delicious. A Margherita (best) and Filet Mignon pieces on a skewer was the wife's pick, I had a JD on the rocks to go with my Chicken Breast salad. I was eating light as we were heading to Café de Marco for dinner. Rating our lunch experience at a 10 of 10.

After lunch, back to Marco Island and snooze a little on the beach while collecting a few more rays to tan on. Dinner at Café de Marco was our most pleasant, best dinner out in a few years. Perfect table in the little hidden part of Marco Island. Waitress was excellent and overall service attentive. We started with a Margherita and JD/r. My honey had escargot as an appetizer, which I stole two when she wasn't looking. I had a salad with Bleu Cheese dressing. For dinner I had a Broiled Scallops and Prawns and she had Broiled Captain's Platter, Lobster, Shrimp, Scallops, Fish, Oyster Rockefeller and Clams Casino. Both meals were enhanced by a bottle of Sancerre. Un-believable, delicious, tender, juicy un-describable meal. For dessert, we chose to split a Key Lime Pie. By far the most enjoyable dining experience in quite awhile. Give it a 10 out of 10 with a couple of extra STARS !

Wednesday…..
Day Four = Breakfast again in the room. Drove around island again, stopping at various shopping centers. Arrived back at the Hilton and had lunch at the hut next to the pool. Good value. Enjoyed two beers and split a Chicken sandwich on a Chiabatta roll with fries.

To the beach for the afternoon, rented umbrella from staff, $12 after two, $19 all day rental. Enjoyed the shade, took a nap. Showered and walked across street to DaVinci's for an Italian dinner. Starting with a JD/r's for me and yeh, a Margherita for her. We both chose Veal and Crabmeat, topped with a light creamy sauce and asparagus strips. Delicious and tasty. The only disappointment was that it was very noisy inside. Hard to hold a conversation, especially with every table so close together. But a good time was had. Rating
DaVinci's at 8 out of 10. Back to the room and balcony with some Bailey's Caramel to sip on before bed.

Thursday….
Day Five = Coffee and Winn-Dixie for breakfast and a visit to a few Realty Agents for an investigation on condo renting/owning. We ended up at CJ's by the Bay for lunch. Tried Alligator Stew for lunch. Couldn't resist. Was better than expected. Would have it again. The wife had the Lobster Ravioli's and a Margherita. Great view of the dock and boats. Had a couple of pelicans swimming close to us. Rating 7 out of a ten. Would go back. Nice outdoor seating and service.

We left for the beach again, it was windy and hot. Got an umbrella. Searched for a new spot for dinner. Found Cocomo's Seafood Restaurant on N. Collier Blvd. More of a local hangout type place. It was packed with a 30 minute wait. A couple of drinks and we decided to split an appetizers of Pot-Stickers along with Shrimp Scampi for dinner. Different experience, noisy, local spot, food OK, not great, rating of 5 of 10. back to Hilton, Bailey's TV and bed.

Friday….
Day Six = After shower and breakfast stuff, we headed out again to search around the area. Decided to head for Naples again. Drove around and parked on 5th Street. Walked the "strip" checking out the shops, stores, restaurants, etc. Picked McCabe's Irish Pub for lunch. Sat out on the first table watching traffic and people. Had a beer each, I had a Pulled Pork Sandwich which was delicious, but a little messy. Waffle fries were good. My honey had a Seafood Cake Sandwich which she enjoyed. Back to the beach for the last time.

we go home Saturday afternoon. For dinner, we stayed at the Hilton and tried the Friday night all you can eat seafood buffet. Plenty of raw oysters, unpeeled shrimp and crab legs and sushi bar. Sushi is not our choice. Good time, had our fill. Desserts were excellent, lots of carrot cake, devils food cake and chocolate covered strawberries to name a few. Rating 8 out of ten.

Saturday……
Last Day = Got up, showered, and started packing. Didn't take long, took a few more pictures and then packed the car. Left at 10:30 for 4pm flight. Check out was automatic as a final bill was slipped under the door. No challenge, then you can leave. Hit the road and drove to Immokalee Rd on Interstate 75. Found Chili's for lunch and split two mini burgers, salad and two beers. On to the airport, quick drop off at Alamo. They checked the car before I could get out. We were on our way to US Airways counter. Just as fast to get our boarding passes. Waited for smooth flight back to Phila. Limo waiting when we arrived as expected. Thanks again Allen's Limo.

Summary - Trip was quick, easy to get to Marco Island. Was impressed with Expedia, although they did send me numerous e-mails before we left, all about out trip, but in a different format which became confusing at times. Alamo was great to rent a car from, will use them again. Hilton was clean, efficiently run, but they nickel and dime you for every extra. Wish the rooms were a little more user friendly. Marco Island is the cleanest place I have visited in the USA. Roads were clean, no trash, etc. Plenty of excellent restaurants to
chose from. Sometimes I thought there was one for each person on the island. Café de Marco will always be in our memory. It was definitely a great culinary experience, thanks Ed & Frabel. Our top three best and favorite restaurant are, Cafe de Marco, hands down on Marco Island. Second would be Handsome Harry's in Naples. DaVinci's on Marco Island comes in third.