20th wedding anniversary-Ritz Carlton in Naples, or Hyatt in Key West...please offer appreciated opinions and advice.
#21
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What about Little Palm Island on the Keys? Very chi-chi, superb service and dining. Pricey - but I believe off-season rates are still in effect in October. Tiny beach, lovely pool area. All inclusive. Beach drink service. Individual lush "huts." May be a nice bit of both atmospheres. Have fun on your 20th! Please let us know what you decide, and offer a report on your return!
#22
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Have never stayed at the Ritz in Naples but have stayed at Hyatt Key West. I have been to Naples, though, and Key west is very different from Naples. I think it depends on what type of atmosphere you're looking for - elegant or funky.
If you decide on the Hyatt, make absolutely sure that you get a room that does NOT face the public beach. We had one and would never go back. The public beach is full of homeless people at night and many of them are sick, if you get my drift. You'll be sitting out on your balcony hearing them argue and being sick. Not fun, especially at those prices. The rooms facing the pool or on the other side are OK. If you choose KW, I'd recommend The Galleon condos. Me, I'd go for the Ritz.
If you decide on the Hyatt, make absolutely sure that you get a room that does NOT face the public beach. We had one and would never go back. The public beach is full of homeless people at night and many of them are sick, if you get my drift. You'll be sitting out on your balcony hearing them argue and being sick. Not fun, especially at those prices. The rooms facing the pool or on the other side are OK. If you choose KW, I'd recommend The Galleon condos. Me, I'd go for the Ritz.
#23
Join Date: Sep 2011
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Hi there! I have stayed at BOTH places and they are both beautiful but I highly recommend the Ritz Naples (Beach resort, not the Golf) over the Hyatt Key West if you are deciding between the two! On their own they are both top of the line- but in comparison the Ritz Naples takes the cake! It is first class all the way in service, food, and accommodations. The Hyatt Key West is my favorite resort in all of Key West and it's beautiful + convenient location to Duval street but the beach is very small and the service cannot compare to the Ritz Naples. Yes, Key West has a bit more touristy things to offer but at the Ritz Naples you don't even need to leave the resort and you will still get a full sense of being on vacation. Ritz Naples all the way!!
#24
Join Date: Sep 2011
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If you do end up in the Keys, let me know, I can offer many recommendations due to 25+ years of going down to the Keys (including Islamorada/Key West) every few months. The Key West Express is a great way to get down there, but it is not the most "luxurious" boat, not that there are any other options. The drive can be long and boring from Miami + it is a 1 way road both ways so if there is a wreck you are forced to sit in traffic until it clears, but typically this doesn't happen except on holiday weekends. If you drive through stop at the Green Turtle restaurant in Islamorada, you will not be disappointed. Some great places in Key West are of course Duval Street, where you will find pretty much everything- Blue Heaven (best Key Lime Pie after the Blonde Giraffe, which was a KW institution but recently closed its doors for good), Sloppy Joes (across the street from the Hyatt) for lunch is great, and Fat Tuesdays is neat for some drinks (all in a slush form). There is also tons of shopping. There is quite a few homeless who hang around Duval and can be a bit intimidating, I once took a photo of one of their dogs, who was dressed in sunglasses and a beach shirt, and I got harassed by the homeless man who insisted I pay him for my photo... Overall it is a neat place but you just need to be careful
#25
Join Date: Sep 2005
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Check out the Hyatt Sunset Harbor in Key West. It is a condo resort - studios, 1 & 2 bdrm units. I wouldn't recommend the studios - no view but the 1 & 2 bdrms are gorgeous with a full kitchen and private balcony overlooking the harbor and pool, quiet location. It is right where the big cruise ships come in. You can walk to everything. We loved it and you have so much more space than in a hotel room. Get some wonderful pastries and have breakfast on your balcony.