Outrigger Resort by RVA

The staff really made our stay. Everyone worked hard to keep the resort clean and comfortable, and they were friendly and accommodating. Carl from maintenance went out of his way to bring my mother a beach wheelchair on both days, fix the shower head, and set up a handicapped shower chair in my parents’ room. The pool had plenty of chairs, too. We were traveling with my retired parents, who are on a fixed income, and wanted an affordable place right on the beach for a weekday getaway without red tide in the Gulf of Mexico. In October, we got a low rate of $122, though that didn’t include ocean views or efficiencies. Our updated, clean room had a king bed and a sofa, possibly a sleeper sofa; my parents’ spacious room had two double beds, a table, and a safe in the closet. The restaurant and tiki bar served good, reasonably priced drinks and a range of food, including burgers, pizza, nachos, potato skins, and turkey clubs. Oceanfront and oceanview rooms cost more. The one complaint from my parents was the beach setup. There’s lots of space for the resort to provide chairs and umbrellas, but you have to pay an extra $30 a day for an umbrella and two rickety old chairs. The front office said cabanas and chairs would be provided by the hotel after turtle nesting season ends in November, rather than by a vendor. I believe there’s still a $30 daily charge for those, with a $10-off coupon. The room price and cleanliness impressed me, and there are gator and boating activities nearby. Fort Myers on the Gulf of Mexico is close to the pier and Times Square, with its touristy t-shirt, shoe, and clothing shops, bars, restaurants, and plenty of ice cream shops. I’d recommend the resort for families, especially traveling off-season when rates are lower.

The pool is nice and the location is great, but the property needs work. The interiors are old, the dishes and flatware are all mismatched, and there were only three coffee cups, each different. The doors don’t seal, so lizards get inside. Small appliances are cheap, the TV is good, and the couch is uncomfortable. At almost $1,900 a week, it just isn’t worth it.

We had a beautiful condo that felt quiet and private, and the property owner was an absolute delight to work with. We’ll definitely come back!

We had a great week here. The beach is just a short walk away, there’s a separate laundry room, and several good restaurants are close by.