Photo: Courtesy of Olde Marco Inn & Suites
Just like its Palm Street address suggests, the historic Olde Marco Island Inn & Suites is nestled amongst palm trees and waterways in a screen-saver-worthy part of Florida. Marco Island, located on the Gulf of Mexico, is known for its water sports, tropical beaches, and casual, slow-paced lifestyle. For those in need of a family-friendly beach getaway, Olde Marco Island Inn & Suites offers affordable, two-bedroom condos that give guests plenty of space to relax and explore all the island has to offer.
The Look of Olde Marco Island Inn & Suites
Olde Marco Island Inn & Suites was first opened in 1883, and — while modernized and upgraded following a few destructive hurricanes — certainly hasn’t lost any of its original charm. Pulling into the parking lot you’ll be surrounded by tropical plants and the smell of the ocean. The main lobby, the only indoor common area other than the coin laundry room, is a small, simple room, with a single desk used strictly to check in and out. This is not the kind of hotel in which you come to hang out: the beauty here lies in exploring the charming surrounding restaurants, bars, boutiques, and lush outdoors, and enjoying the independence the spacious suites offer.
The property houses 30 suites, one of which is fully wheelchair-accessible. Each unit has a completely unique décor, ranging from beach blues to elegant, old Italian-style designs. Despite their stylistic differences, Olde Marco Island Inn & Suites guarantees that every unit will include several key elements: over 1,000 square feet, at least two bedrooms, a fully-equipped kitchen with a dishwasher, a private balcony with a screened lanai, plenty of closet space, and a flat-screen TV.
The Vibe of Olde Marco Island Inn & Suites
The vibe here is tropical old Florida, with a cozy quaintness that can be hard to find these days. Strolling around the property, you’ll quickly discover the parts that make it so charming — small art galleries, boutiques, and a hidden alley dotted with cozy bars and flip-flop-friendly eateries all within three minutes of your suite. The property’s only on-site restaurant, Bistro Soleil, was damaged during a recent hurricane and is closed indefinitely.
Who Will Love Olde Marco Island Inn & Suites
Olde Marco Island Inn & Suites is ideal for families with kids and large groups (think wedding parties and family reunions). There’s plenty of space in each unit to self-cater and entertain, making it a little more budget-friendly for those who don’t want to dine out each night.
Who Might Not Love Olde Marco Island Inn & Suites
Spring-breakers or night owls might not love it here. Olde Marco Island Inn & Suites does not have its own bar or common spaces, so there’s no partying on site. Quiet families in the surrounding suites tend to set the tone for the evening. While there are some cute bars nearby that have live music most nights of the week, they tend to take a more laid-back, island-style approach to nightlife than some of their bigger, party-friendly counterparts elsewhere in Florida.
Best Amenity at Olde Marco Island Inn & Suites
With a decent amount of lounge chairs and umbrellas, the outdoor pool (heated to 85 degrees year-round) and hot tub are a great perk. However, the pool area is likely to get busy in peak season and closes at sunset, so get there shortly after breakfast to make the most of your pool time.
What’s Included
Your stay includes complimentary access to:
Fees and Extra Costs You Should Know About at Olde Marco Island Inn & Suites
There is an additional cleaning fee added to your bill at check out, which comes to around $100 after tax. Bikes are available to rent for a small fee, and there's access to the Marco Fitness Club (just over a mile away) for $13 for a day pass.
How to Get a Deal at Olde Marco Island Inn & Suites
Check the offers tab for the latest deals. Military personnel, veterans, and first responders can access discounted rates.
The Sweet Season
The general consensus is that Marco Island’s best weather is between November and March. That’s peak season in Florida and when prices are the highest. However, for great weather without the price tag we recommend visiting in May — before it gets too hot and hurricane season kicks in.
In the Neighborhood of Olde Marco Island Inn & Suites
Guests are less than a quarter of a mile from the Dolphin Cove Marina, where they can rent boats and sign up for marine life tours. Both the nearest beach (Tigertail Beach) and the nearest grocery store (Publix) are roughly 1.5 miles from the property.
Nearest Airport to Olde Marco Island Inn & Suites
The Southwest Florida International Airport in Fort Myers is the closest airport, and about 47 miles north of Marco Island, or just under an hour’s drive.
Nearest Public Transportation to Olde Marco Island Inn & Suites
Here’s the catch: there’s no easy public transportation — you’ll need a vehicle to get pretty much anywhere off the property, including the grocery store and beach. Many will rent a car from the airport, but it’s just as easy to rent a golf cart, bicycle, or dune buggy on the island.
Olde Marco Island Inn & Suites is an affordable, family-friendly base with easy access to the best water sports and beaches Marco Island has to offer.