Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort & Spa in Bonita Springs, Florida [In-depth Review]

In what has become a semiannual tradition for my family over the years, we spent a weekend on Florida’s Gulf Coast at our favorite hotel — the Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort & Spa. 

With 2 young kids and an infant in tow, my wife and I were searching for a stress-free getaway just a short drive from our home in South Florida. As one of the most in-demand properties in the World of Hyatt loyalty program, I knew I’d probably end up using points to book our stay, as cash rates at this family-friendly luxurious hotel often exceed $400 per night.

While we’ve stayed nearby before at both The Ritz-Carlton, Naples, and The Ritz-Carlton Golf Resort, Naples, we continue to favor the Hyatt Regency Coconut Point as it strikes the perfect balance of family-friendly fun with a romantic ambiance. As always, we loved our stay and can’t wait to return before the year’s end.

Let’s take a deep dive into my stay at this favored hotel and give you insight into what you can expect on your next stay here.

Hotel Location

Sandwiched halfway between the popular Southwest Florida cities of Naples and Fort Myers lies the Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort & Spa, in the town of Bonita Springs. 

The closest airport to the resort is Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW), about a 20-minute drive away. If you’re flying into South Florida and have time for a calming respite away from the Miami metropolitan area, the drive from Miami (MIA) and Fort Lauderdale (FLL) to the resort will take you a little over 2 hours. A rental car is strongly encouraged and practically essential to explore the surrounding cities and beaches.

Booking

Cash rates at the Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort & Spa are notoriously high almost year-round. During our most recent stay last month, rates were exceeding $500 per night — and that’s during low season!

The Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort & Spa is a Category 5 hotel in the World of Hyatt program, which means that you can expect to redeem between 17,000 to 23,000 points per night for a standard room — with pricing dependent on what time of the year you’re visiting (off-peak, standard, and peak). 

Since our stay was during midsummer — arguably the hottest time of the year in Florida — award rates started at 17,000 points per night for a standard 2 Queen Beds room. I ended up redeeming 51,000 points for 3 nights in this standard room and applied a suite upgrade award — a perk obtained when I earned top-tier Hyatt Globalist status earlier this year — which got me a more spacious King Bedroom Bay View Family Suite with Sofabed. By using points versus cash, I got a redemption of 3.3 cents per point in value, more than double what we peg World of Hyatt points to be worth at ~1.5 cents each. 

If you were to pay cash for a stay here, I would suggest using The World of Hyatt Credit Card to earn up to 9x total for Hyatt stays — 4x points per $1 spent at Hyatt hotels and 5x points per $1 for being a World of Hyatt member.

In addition, World of Hyatt doesn’t charge resort fees to those on award stays (using points or free night awards), so I was able to save $37 plus tax on the daily resort fee and keep a whole lot of cash in my pocket by redeeming points for my stay. 

Hot Tip: Check out our guide on the best ways to redeem World of Hyatt points for maximum value.

Checking In

As we approached the Hyatt Regency Coconut Point on an early Saturday afternoon, a sense of nostalgia permeated through me, a sensation similar to that of someone visiting their childhood home after an extended time away. I always get giddy when I’m closing in on the hotel’s driveway.

Upon arrival, we slipped the car keys to the valet attendant and sought help from the bellman to help us unload our trunk full of bags. If you’re arriving by car, you have the option to pull up to valet or self-park your car in the adjacent lot attached to the hotel.

Once through the main entrance doors and past the onsite market and shops, you will be greeted by a bright and airy lobby where you’ll find lighting fixtures and fans suspended from the ceiling.

Directly opposite of this lobby space with various seating areas, you will find the reception desk — with floor-to-ceiling windows and lush greenery as the backdrop.

The concierge desk is directly in front of the reception area, beside the lobby sitting area.

At check-in, the agent took down my name, thanked me for being a World of Hyatt Globalist, and offered me a complimentary glass of Champagne — which is extended to all guests 21 and older at check-in. 

The agent confirmed my suite upgrade, provided me with a voucher for 4 to enjoy a complimentary breakfast buffet each morning, and a $25 voucher (1 for each day of our stay) to use towards snacks, coffee, or refreshments at the onsite Cool Beans Marketplace (due to Hyatt Globalist status). Then we were on our way up the elevators to check out our suite.

Elite Benefits

The World of Hyatt program is one of the most generous hotel loyalty programs for its members. There are valuable benefits to be had at any of the elite status tiers.

I received the following World of Hyatt elite benefits on this stay:

• Complimentary internet
• Free daily breakfast
• Resort fee waived
• Complimentary bottled water daily
• Late checkout
• Room upgrade
• Complimentary valet parking
• Dedicated check-in area
• Daily $25 voucher for use at the onsite market
• Bonus points

Having top-tier World of Hyatt Globalist elite status came in handy at this property. Most notably, obtaining complimentary valet parking, free daily breakfast, a suite upgrade, and booking with points easily saved me hundreds of dollars during my stay.

Since Hyatt doesn’t charge a resort fee on award bookings and cash rates at this resort are generally high, even guests without elite status can feel like one if you book your stay with points and reap the elite-like benefits included in the resort fee (that you don’t pay on awards).

Hot Tip: Learn how to earn World of Hyatt elite status in our detailed guide!

Resort Fee

Resort fees are waived on award bookings. Unfortunately, if you opt to pay cash versus using points, you’ll be on the hook to pay the resort fee — unless you are a Globalist. While resort fees are a loathed growing trend in the travel industry, this is one place where I’d feel like my daily $37 (plus tax) went to good use. 

That’s because the resort has an incredibly fun onsite water park and lazy river, not to mention a private island beach with complimentary boat transportation (I’ve seen a school of dolphins swimming beside the boat in past stays), and beach chairs with umbrellas.

As part of the $37 (plus tax) resort fee (which, again, is waived on award stays) guests can receive:

• 24-hour fitness center access
• Pool activities, lazy river, slides, and lawn games
• Ferry transportation to the resort’s secluded island
• Beach chairs and umbrellas at the resort’s beach
• Rock climbing wall
• Resort transportation to marina and Raptor Bay Golf Course
• Golf bag storage
• Electric car charging stations
• Coffee maker with complimentary coffee and tea

My family always enjoys the water slides, pools, lazy river, and games such as cornhole, giant Jenga, putt-putt, and more.

I’ve paid cash rates before at this property and while the only downside is the resort fee, I believe firmly that the amenities offered more than justify the resort fee cost.

Amenities

Water Park And Pools

The star of the show at this resort for kids (and adults alike), is the onsite water park. Featuring 5 waterslides, a lazy river, 4 swimming pools, a hot tub, and a waterfall, there is entertainment for every member of the family. 

The inner-tube slide and 2 competing speed slides are by far the most coveted slides. On busy weekends, they are so popular that you may need to wait a few minutes for a double inner tube to become available. Single inner tubes are in abundance, but many guests like to go down the inner-tube slide in pairs. You’ll see an equal number of adults to kids enjoying the water park slides. The height requirements for these dueling speed slides and the inner-tube slide is 48 inches.

There is a walk-in lagoon-style pool perfect for younger families that features a tot slide and a 140-foot corkscrew slide. The height requirement to ride the corkscrew waterslide is 42 inches.

The adults-only pool area has 2 pools — 1 with a soothing waterfall and the other for swimming laps. Admittedly, I’ve never hung out by the adults-only pools, but there is a calming presence in that space if you need a respite from the water slides and fun. 

The lone hot tub is also located behind the adult lap pool.

Since most guests are busy enjoying the water park and pools during the day, many choose convenience when planning their meals and order from Corkscrew Pool Bar & Grill, the outdoor poolside restaurant that serves meals and cocktails right to your pool chair. The water park and pools are open daily in the summer from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. during all other seasons.

Cabanas

You’re not at a Florida resort if there aren’t cabanas available for rent. These booked up quickly due to the intense summer heat wave in Florida, so I called about 2 weeks before my stay and reserved a cabana with the recreational team at the hotel. 

The rates for a privately-shaded cabana start at $375 for the day and include premium sofa seating with 2 cushioned chaise lounges, a ceiling fan, cable TV, and a minifridge with complimentary refreshments including Pepsi, Diet Pepsi, Sierra Mist, and bottled water.

Ferry Transportation to the Beach

While I didn’t go this time around (as we had an infant with us), the ferry ride from the resort’s marina to a private, white-sanded beach on Big Hickory Island is one of the highlights of my biannual visit to the Hyatt Regency Coconut Point. 

Besides the wild dolphins you might spot along the 15-minute boat ride, you’ll arrive at a pretty beach with spectacular shelling, and beach chairs and umbrellas for your use. However, guests are to bring their own towels and any food and beverage with them from the resort, since the island is protected by the Estero Bay Ecological Preserve and there aren’t any vendors allowed on the island.

Spa

The Hyatt Regency Coconut Point’s Stillwater Spa is an all-natural and eco-conscious spa that offers a variety of soothing and rejuvenating services. Although I didn’t have time for a spa treatment this visit, the sprawling size of the spa facility itself has enticed me enough to pamper myself the next time I stay at the property.

Fitness Center

Up until my most recent stay, I (embarrassingly) didn’t know where the fitness center was located onsite — even after a dozen or so stays. Turns out, that sprawling spa is also home to the hotel’s 24-hour fitness center. 

The fitness center features the latest in cardio equipment, including treadmills complete with their own personal integrated LCD televisions, bikes, and free weights — but sadly, no Peloton bikes.

Valet Parking

​​If you’re arriving by car, you have 2 options to store your vehicle. You can either valet or self-park in the attached parking garage. 

The parking fees are:

• Self-parking: $24 per night
• Valet Parking: $32 per night

The convenience of an attached parking garage makes self-parking a breeze. However, valet parking here is seamless and the valet attendants are efficient.

Wireless Internet

The Wi-Fi speed at 19 Mbps was sufficient for my whole family to run searches on a web browser, open apps on our phones, and launch Google Chromecast to our hotel TVs for streaming services.

Lawn Games 

The lawn games are always a hit with families. We enjoyed a friendly game of volleyball on the lawn before dinner.

You can borrow a putter and golf balls to hit the putting green or play a game of giant Connect Four with friends …

… or take a load off from playing games and relax in a hammock while looking up at the countless palm trees.

Rock Climbing Wall

My kids were too busy with the water slides during this stay to test their luck on the rock climbing wall, but it’s another fun activity you can do onsite. The rock climbing wall is open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily. 

Arcade Room

The arcade room is geared towards kids, with a handful of games and candy machines to keep the kids busy on a rainy day. 

Fire Pits

A tradition we keep alive every time we visit the Hyatt Regency Coconut Point is making s’mores in the evening at either of the 2 large fire pits on property. If you’re a World of Hyatt Globalist member, you can use your Cool Beans Marketplace $25 daily credit to purchase a s’mores kit or purchase your own at a grocery store and bring it with you.

Pet Policy

Our furry child at home didn’t join us on this trip, but the Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort is pet-friendly. If you’re considering bringing your canine companion along, the fees are as follows:

• 1 to 6 Nights: $175 per stay
• 7 to 30 Nights: Add a $175 deep cleaning fee
• 30+ Nights: A fee will be assessed at the resort’s discretion

Only dogs weighing 50 pounds and under or 2 dogs under a combined weight of 75 pounds are permitted.

Hot Tip: Check out our full list of pet-friendly Hyatt brands!

The Room

I booked a standard room for 17,000 points and applied 1 of my suite upgrade awards, earned from obtaining World of Hyatt Globalist elite status. I was upgraded to an 850-square-foot room with 2 queen beds and another room with a living space and sleeper sofa that combined to form a Bay View Family Suite — fetching over $800 per night!

I was assigned rooms 1223 and 1224 on the 12th floor, as the Bay Suite consists of 2 connecting rooms with a separate dining area, perfect for families.

I was initially worried we’d all be on top of one another, even in a suite, but at first glance, I noticed there was plenty of space to spread out and relax.

Living Room

The living room doubles as a separate living area during the day and a bedroom for the kids at night. A sprawling couch turns into a comfortable sofa bed when it’s time for the kids to get some shut-eye — perfect for parents who want to stay up watching TV.

The dining area beside the living room offers a wet bar with a Nespresso machine and minifridge. 

Also included, a 65-inch flat-screen TV and Bluetooth speaker/radio — decent entertainment for everyone to gather around.

There’s also a round dining table with 4 chairs, perfect for sharing meals as a group. 

This living room/dining room space features balconies with sweeping views of Estero Bay and the resort’s pool area.

Bedroom

Before arriving, my Hyatt app said I was upgraded to a King Bedroom Bay View Family Suite. To my surprise, the suite actually had 2 queen beds. That’s because the hotel combines a ​​room with 2 queen beds and a partial bay view with another room with a sleeper sofa and living room space to form the entire family suite. The Family Suite can also be configured with a king bed but none were available at check-in.

As you enter the bedroom, you will immediately step into the foyer, where you’ll find an additional coffee machine, ice bucket, and safe on your left. 

On the right side after entering the room, a large-sized closet awaits.

If you make a slight left into the bedroom, you step into the sleeping area with 2 queen beds, another 65-inch flat-screen TV, a desk, and a balcony with a partial bay view.

Between the 2 queen beds, there is a bedside table with 4 outlets for charging your electronic devices.

If more outlets are needed, there are some built-in outlet options within the bed frame.

Bathrooms

The Bay View Family Suite has 2 full bathrooms — 1 with a shower and the other with a bathtub.

In the master room’s shower bathroom, you could open your shades for amazing views or keep them down for privacy.

This bathroom had impressive resort views, and the shower had ample space. 

In the living area, the tub bathroom is directly in front of the entrance door.

If you’re traveling with young children, this bathroom is useful for bath time in the evening.

As far as shower amenities go, Hyatt Regency hotels and resorts use the brand Pharmacopia with the argan oil amenities collection for its body wash, shampoo, and conditioner products. 

While not my personal favorite hotel toiletry brand, the products worked just fine. Plus, I like the fact that the Hyatt Regency brand has phased out single-use plastics in its bathroom toiletries in an effort to help the environment. 

Food and Beverage 

There are a handful of dining options at the Hyatt Regency Coconut Point. 

While the surrounding area has plenty of good restaurants to choose from, most of our meals were had at the hotel or ordered via Uber Eats.

Tanglewood

Tanglewood is the main onsite restaurant and is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. If you plan on eating breakfast at the hotel, this is where you’d go each morning. Dress attire is casual, as it is across all the dining spots at the hotel. 

Every morning, we had breakfast here, and the buffet has a nice variety of foods for even the pickiest eaters (which my kids are). My kids especially enjoyed the daily French toast and pancake offerings.

My wife and I ordered Greek omelets each day during breakfast.

You can also order à la carte from the menu, but considering Hyatt Globalists have a choice, the buffet was the easier route for us. 

Tanglewood is open daily for breakfast from 7 a.m. until 11 a.m and open for lunch and dinner. 

Mangroves Bar

Looks can be deceiving when you view the Mangroves Bar from the outside. That’s because, from the exterior, the bar looks like an adults-only establishment set up for enjoying a handcrafted cocktail during happy hour and mingling with friends. However, Mangroves Bar, located directly in front of Tanglewood, is actually an excellent dining option for couples, groups, and families.

This is our go-to spot when we’re not by the pool enjoying the water park, but rather inside the hotel seeking refuge from the sun. 

You can expect fresh, made-to-order fare such as pizzas, conch fritters, and burgers, and they even have a kid’s menu with chicken tenders and grilled cheese sandwiches as options for the little ones.

Mangroves Bar is open Sunday through Thursday from 4 p.m. until 12 a.m. and Friday and Saturday from 4 p.m. until 2 a.m.

Corkscrew Poolside Bar & Grill

When you want to unwind or simply don’t want to leave your poolside lounger, Corkscrew Poolside Bar & Grill is where the majority of guests order from. This restaurant is on the outside deck, sandwiched between the adult pools and water park. 

You can expect poolside fare such as burgers, wraps, and salads and of course, frozen tropical drinks, beers, and soft drinks. 

Corkscrew Poolside Bar & Grill is open daily from 11 a.m. until 6 p.m. 

Cool Beans Marketplace

My kids love to get ice cream at this little market just steps from the hotel lobby. You’ll find everything you need from Starbucks coffee and fresh bakery treats to garden salads and sandwiches for a quick bite on the go. 

They sell a s’mores kit here that’s popular with guests, so you can roast your own s’mores at the 2 large outdoor fire pits after dark.

Cool Beans Marketplace is open Sunday through Thursday from 7 a.m. until 9 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 7 a.m. until 10 p.m.

Tarpon Bay

Tarpon Bay is the resort’s most upscale dining option. It has a beach cottage vibe and is nestled beside the lake and has fountain views. Unfortunately, the seafood-inspired eatery is closed for renovation starting in July 2022 until further notice.

Hot Tip: All onsite restaurant menus can be found online.

Service

You can expect the service at the Hyatt Regency Coconut Point to be attentive but not over-the-top. 

For such a popular hotel with high occupancy rates all year long, I’m actually surprised by how consistently friendly and helpful the staff is. 

We called down to the front desk 3 times during our 3-night stay for small requests. Each time, someone arrived within 10 minutes to resolve our needs. 

From the front desk agents to the water park and restaurant staff, we have always had a positive experience here.

Final Thoughts

If you still can’t tell by the tone of this review, my family and I absolutely love the Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort & Spa. 

We make it a priority to visit this family-friendly resort in Bonita Springs at least twice a year for quality family time, and the hotel truly never disappoints. 

If you are looking for a relaxing vacation in Florida, the Hyatt Regency Coconut Point is a sure-fire way to tick off all the boxes, as it has redeeming qualities that appeal to even the most finicky members of your group. 

Plus, with exorbitant cash rates, you can transfer your Chase Ultimate Rewards points to Hyatt and redeem them for free nights, or consider signing up for World of Hyatt card to rack up valuable World of Hyatt points. 

I’ve already got plans to book another stay later this year — with points, of course!