mamadadapaige

My husband, 2 year old daughter and I are planning a last minute trip to Florida in May. We are deciding between the Breakers and the Ritz Naples. It seems the Breakers have added a lot of family friendly ammenities recently. I am most interested in the swimming pool - my husband in the beach. Rates drop down for the Ritz on May 3rd and for The Breakers on May 16 so we would save considerably by waiting until after these dates. Will we roast in the sun?? How hot/humid is it in May??

Thanks in advance for any help.

fabeneag

Been to both. Breakers is not nearly as kid-friendly. No food or drink around the pool. There is a separate pool designated for kids which is secluded and away from the action. The Ritz on the other hand was "all about the kids". Separate pool for families. Kids everywhere. Tons of floats in the pool. If your criteria is heavily weighted on the pool, it really isn't a close choice. Beach at both is decent, but nothing to boast about.

maryrm

I was wondering what you decided on. My husband is going to the Breakers on business & wanted me & our 2 y.o. to join him for a "mini" vacation. I am concerned that the Breakers isn't child friendly. It seems to have added many child friendly ammenities (as you mentioned) but don't know. Just curious about where you decided to go. If you are going to the breakers, I would love to hear your reaction to it upon your return as you are traveling in May and we are planning our trip for the 1 week of June.

Thanks,

MaryRM

izzeebizzee

We recently stay at BellaSerra in Naples. What a lovely, intimate yet child friendly environment! A very nice pool and 3 blocks or so to the Gulf. You can drive but the walk is very pleasant and safe.
They have a website. K.

tropicalbreeze

try the resistry resort in naples, very accomodating for your needs, the pool area is great and a neat 'tram' to the beach, one of the best beaches in florida. it is also walking distance to shops, etc.

Paul

I have stayed at both hotels you mention and the reference to the Naples/Ritz being more kid-friendly is right on correct. As a matter of fact, it is SO kid-friendly, I hesitate to advise this hotel to too many people - even those with children in tow. The pool areas (both pool areas, IMO) are packed with kids - with one pool allowing the floats, balls, etc., the other pool kids all over the lounge chairs with mommy and daddy. The Breakers also has children around, but for some reason it doesn't appear to be the utter madness you find at the Ritz with their children.

As far as the beach, the Atlantic and the Gulf are so different that it is like comparing apples to oranges. I do like the walkways from the Ritz hotel to the beach very much. Towards the end of May, the Atlantic will have warmed up nicely (for my tastes) and I'd love swimming amongst the waves. However, by that time the Gulf will be very warm - so it just depsnds on your tastes.

If I had to choose, I might choose Palm Beach for a 4-5 day stay, and Naples for a one week or more stay. I find that there is more to do in the Naples area, but Palm Beaches certainly are fun too.

The two hotels are both great choices. Have fun with wherever you decide. You can't go wrong.

keysmom

I wouldn't write of the Breakers. It's a lovely place - you'll feel wonderfully pampered. They water a path in the sand to the ocean so you don't burn your barefeet! The spa is very soothing.
There is a restaurant on site with free childcare while you eat but I think the age for that is 3.
You won't die of heat. In fact, to me, the water will just be getting warm enough to interact with!

Jayne11159

Since we live in FL we frequently take weekend trips and we've stayed at both. I thought the rooms at the Breakers were showing their age, but they probably don't give you the better rooms when they run Florida specials. The service, amenities etc. were wonderful, but there weren't many kids. Trust me, you DO NOT want to go to this type of Florida resort unless they are family friendly; but it still might be okay with such a little one.

One the other hand, we've stayed at the Ritz many times when they've run summer specials and I could live there! We have three children and they feel very welcome. All the rooms are nice and you still have the great service, a nice pool and a great beach (I prefer our West Coast beaches; the sand is nicer and the surf is much more gentle).

The other incentive for choosing the Ritz is that you can come in early May. The weather is still pleasant but warm. The further into May it gets the hotter and more humid. We're having a wonderful spring but it's been on the cool side. It should be close to perfect in a week or two.

One other thing, I think Naples in general is better with kids. IMO West Palm Beach is much more adult oriented.