My wife and I will be visiting friends in Ft. Myers, Florida in early March.We are considering a drive over to Haulover Beach to spend a few days.We would appreciate some input on Hotels in the area.We have never been in that area of Florida.We will have a rental car to drive over to the East coast from the West Coast,but is a car a must while in the Haulover area.Also,is the weather decent that time of year. Thanks... <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/dine.gif" alt="" />

I once stayed in a hotel on 44th and Collins Ave. while at a convention. With no car available, I took the bus straight up Collins to Haulover. The bus driver let me off at the right stop. Not for everyone, but it worked for me.

We had a car and stayed at the Daddy O which depending on the time of year has a varying price. It is a boutique hotel and about a 5 min drive. We also stayed at the ThunderBird Days Inn which is cheaper but not as nice. It is about 10 min drive .There are many hotels further away from the beach but better priced.

The Newport Resort is probably the closest hotel. Stayed there many years ago. Should meet all your needs, within walking distance but a rather long walk. Weather at that time of the year should be very nice. Hotel may be a bit pricey, but thats Miami Beach.

You could try www.airbnb.com to check out Sunny Isles availabilities.

The weather in late winter and early spring is usually constant wind off the ocean so if it's cloudy it's no fun. The sun keeps you warm against the cool breeze. It's usually dry then which is why there are so many brush fires that time of year.

The ultra rich folks have taken over Sunny Isles so if you want cheap accommodations you'll have to look elsewhere.

We stayed at Great Escape Motel in Lauderdale-by-the-Sea for about $110 in Feb 2014. We did have a car and went to Haulover which took about 20-minutes to drive (early Saturday morning on A1A while traffic was light). We dined that night at a wonderful Greek restaurant two blocks from motel and just found the area extremely charming. We found this place on Hotels.com and we'd definitely stay there again. We've referred good friends to stay there before heading out on the Feb 2015 cruise. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/dine.gif" alt="" />