msjames

I found it by googling the Park Shore neighborhood of Naples. It looks reasonable and kind of nice. I was originally searching vrbo for houses to rent for a week in March. Homes are expensive, and for what it costs to rent a week in March I could rent a house for two weeks to a month in June. But I digress. I would love to hear anyone's experiences at this or another condo near the beach in Naples. If you rented a great house you'd like to tell me about, please do.

I will be travelling with 2 small children (4 and 18 months) and prefer older walkable neighborhoods to gated subdivisions. I don't mind driving to the beach if there is parking at the beach. At the age my children are, I need to be able to leave a place easily if there is a meltdown. Finally, is Naples a good destination with small children? I won't be taking them to exclusive shops and galleries, but would like to take them to restaurants, maybe somewhere to see alligators from a safe distance. Thank you all so much.

NeoPatrick

I've not stayed in one, but I furnished and decorated several many years ago. They are individually owned, so you are never quite sure what you're going to get in decor or updating, but I believe the rental association requires inspections and updating.

But I like the place, with a nice cafe there by the pool (run by the same people as The Olde Naples Pub and the Village Pub at Venetian Village). Great pool and waterfall area.

But you do realize it's not very close to the beach? You certainly wouldn't walk to it. There's not much to walk to other than a couple of generic strip malls and a K-Mart.
But it is convenient to drive anywhere to from there.

And the complex is VERY family oriented. That is not the case with many condos where you will have grouchy neighbors if the kids dare to raise their voice or God forbid cry!

msjames

Thanks for that info. So some of the condo complexes frown on kids, eh? Can you let me know what some of those are so I can avoid them? I still would like to rent a whole house; kind of narrowed the neighborhoods to Park Shore, Moorings and Naples Park. Am I leaving some great place out?

NeoPatrick

I don't want to run any place down, but realize there is a world of difference between Moorings and Park Shore compared to Naples Park. The latter is much, much lower end -- busy family neighborhood with very small lots and lots of cars in driveways and yards, etc.

I can't specifically say what condos would frown on kids -- but many will even have rules against having any there! And nearly any condo that is mostly old curmudgeons won't be overly friendly to renters with little ones -- despite the fact they adore their own grandchildren (or great grandchildren).

LindainOhio

Have you looked at Sanibel Island? We enjoy Naples but with small children, a condo/cottage at the beach is perfect.

We are planning a last minute trip to Sanibel and Naples for next week--booked a nonstop flight for $200 without a 2 weeks advanced purchase. That surprised me and I am also surprised to find that there is actually some condo availability for next week with reduced rates. When checking, I saw several places with high season availability--this is not the usual.

We drive by Park Shore. It looks nice but I think you would be happier with a place on the beach.