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Quality at a Great Price

Southern Living, Jun 2005 by Thomas, Les

It doesn't cost a bundle to pamper yourself on beautiful Marco Island.

The glistening white sands, the breathtaking sunsets, and the shimmering palms look the same as they do in winter, but paradise goes on sale on Marco Island, Florida, this time of year.

By the first of June, rooms at most hotels on this island at the tip of southwest Florida drop to about half of what they cost in the peak winter season. At the Marco Island Marriott Resort, Golf Club & Spa, the island's largest hotel, summer visitors bask in luxury at relatively bargain prices (starting at $ 150 per room).

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Nestled on a 3½-mile beachfront, the resort recently finished an $80-million renovation. It added an elaborate spa, put in a huge family pool with slides and games, and remodeled all of its 727 guest rooms.

Family Fun and Pampering

Many activities center around the water. Guests often ship out for shelling trips aboard a 24-foot catamaran. The family rate for four runs $130 if you're staying at the resort. Excursions aboard water scooters also explore the Ten Thousand Islands area and neighboring Everglades National Park.

Or slip away to the South Pacific in the new Balinese-style spa. You'll enjoy steam rooms, a private outdoor therapy pool, and oceanfront treatment suites.

Dine and Relax

Take a seat at an outdoor table at Quinn's on the Beach, one of the best places on Marco Island to watch a sunset. The recently renovated restaurant serves red snapper as well as other fresh catches. The atmosphere is Jimmy Buffett-casual. Wear flip-flops if you want. Relax; you're on vacation, and summer never felt better. LES THOMAS

Marco Island Marriott Resort, Gulf Club & Spa: 400 South Collier Blvd., Marco Island, FL 34145; (239) 394-2511, 1-800-438-4373, or www.marcoislandmarriott. com. Summer rates range $150-$450, May 30-September 29.

MORE CHOICES

The Marriott resort, Radisson Suite Beach Resort, and Hilton Marco Island Beach Resort are clustered together on the island. Two-bedroom suites at the Radisson run $280-$325 during summer; (239) 394-4100 or www.marcobeach resort.com. Summer rates at the Hilton start at $119; (239) 394-5000 or www.hiltonmarco island.com. For more information on lodging and attractions and to request a free visitors guide, contact Naples, Marco Island, Everglades Convention and Visitors Bureau at 1-800-237-2273 or www.paradisecoast.com.

Quality at a Great Price

Southern Living, Jun 2005 by Thomas, Les

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