SWFL hotels, attractions offer off-season discounts to draw business

LEE COUNTY, Fla.- Summer is almost here and if you’re thinking about a getaway not too far from home,  several area attractions and hotels are now lowering their rates hoping to attract locals to book a “staycation.”

While Southwest Florida has plenty of visitors in the winter and spring, there are fewer in the summer and fall.

That’s why many attractions, shops, restaurants and hotels are offering a variety of off season deals and promotions to draw you in.

“For the Florida residents discount, we typically discount it about 25 to 30 percent. We see guests anywhere from Cape Coral area, Fort Myers, Naples and then also from the east coast of Florida, also central Florida, Tampa, Orlando area,” said Michael Patterson, manager at the Wyndham Garden Inn.

It’s not only the beach properties looking for the extra push. Some hotels are counting on large upcoming sports competitions and special summer shopaholic packages to increase business.

“Our location is ideal for the shopaholic. We are across the street from Gulf Coast Town Center Mall and we also shuttle to the Miromar Outlet Mall which has many shops to get good deals on back to school clothes or back to school supplies,” said Mauren Killen, director of sales for Cooper Hotels.

The rates at local resorts, cottages and bed and breakfasts are as much as 35 percent less in the summer and early fall, compared to high season.

With national awards like Sanibel’s “best island for bike trails” distinction, and Fort Myers on the list of top 10 Florida cities you shouldn’t miss, the off season rates are designed to make it easier to vacation close to home, and discover firsthand, what this notoriety is all about.