The Banyan Hotel Fort Myers, Tapestry Collection by Hilton

We wanted to be right in the middle of downtown Fort Meyers this trip after staying around the area on earlier visits, and The Banyan Hotel put us in the center of the action. We enjoyed the stay a lot. The front desk was terrific. David reprinted our keys after both of us changed clothes and left our keys in what we’d been wearing for a walk. We also invited four friends to meet us at the rooftop bar on Friday night, and enjoyed the street music Saturday night. The shower heads were great, and I loved the printed tiles in the shower. I took one star off because the curtains are starting to look tattered. Since there are double layered roller shades, I’d take the draperies and rods down.

The staff were awesome, very pleasant, kind, attentive, and accommodating to my 90-year-old mother’s special needs while we traveled. The accessible shower was a spacious roll-in setup for a wheelchair, though it had no grab bars for someone who’s disabled but not using a wheelchair. The rooms were spacious and okay, but nothing special. A comfy sitting chair would’ve been nice, along with HD TV channels. There was no microwave and only a tiny fridge. Late night traffic noise from cars and motorcycles revving is outside the hotel’s control, and maybe that’s the tradeoff for staying in the heart of downtown, close to restaurants and shops. Valet parking was $25 a day, but free with handicapped placards, which is a great amenity.

The hotel was enjoyable, with nicely designed rooms, a pleasant urban feel, and lots of excellent restaurants nearby. Staff were friendly and professional, and the valet service was excellent. It could use a little tightening up, though: I had no hot water for showers on three of my five days, and my room was only partly made up on a few days. It worked okay for my business trip, but I wouldn’t choose it for a family vacation.

Right in the middle of old downtown, with lots to do nearby. The staff were all great, and Mgrs Antonia and Annite were especially personable and helpful. The rooms were modern and spotless. We had a great three-day stay. This hotel is a real jewell.