I am enroute to Clearwater-St Pete area. While there, plan a side visit to either Naples or Ft Myers for next weekend. There will be three ladies in the party. Anybody out there have any recommendations as to where to stay? We like Gulf Front "value buys" and haven't decided on which place would be more fun. We can only stay for the weekend as my friends have to go back to work on Monday. We enjoy dancing, music, fine dining, sunbathing, beach walking, happy hours, touring, shopping, PRETTY NORMAL STUFF.
All replies will be appreciated. (I will be here until Tuesday 10/31/ Thanks folks.

As a long time resident of Naples and former resident of Ft. Myers Beach, I may be killed by the other residents here for saying this -- we aren't supposed to encourage any more tourists in Naples. But there is no comparison. Ft. Myers itself is a pretty good drive from the beach and other than the Ford and Edison winter homes, there isn't much there other than a lot of strip shopping centers. Ft. Myers Beach has some of the dancing and music you speak of, but not what anyone would normally call fine dining. I'm not sure of the age group in question, but Ft. Myers Beach entertainment is mainly geared to the early 20's crowd. Naples is where it is right now, especially for the "yuppie" set, people in their upper twenties and thirties. Would you believe tons of people from Miami (yes, even with South Beach) are coming to Naples for the weekend? Fifth Avenue South is lively with about a dozen rather upscale bars, Irish pubs, and contemporary dining, mostly rather casual. Especially every other Friday night which is called "Fridays on Fifth" --music along the street as well as happy hours in all the bars and restaurants. Third Street South, nearby has several more lively spots and dozens of upscale shops and galleries. There aren't a lot of places to stay right in Naples on the beach other than the upscale Edgewater Beach, but there is the Inn on Fifth, right in the heart of the action and six blocks from the beach, or the brand new Escalante at the corner of Third St. South and Fifth Avenue South, only two blocks from the beach. Of course there are the famous resorts -- The Ritz and the Registry, but they are further north of town, and don't sound like what you are looking for.

I don't live in Naples but I'm not far so I've been to both. I second Patrick's informative post. I think you'll be much happier in Naples. I didn't know about the Friday's on Fifth but it sounds great. We like the Inn on Fifth for it's location. There are also two nice malls, one a little more upscale than the other. Shopping on 3rd is fun also.

Thanks so much for the informative reply. Looks like we'll be coming to Naples!

If I were choosing between Ft. Myers Beach or Naples - Naples would be the choice. However, I suggest Sanibel Island over both of these! It is awesome for a ladies weekend.

Hi, Eileen! Why not go just a bit farther south & stay on Marco Island?
We like to go up to Naples for dinner/shopping/golf but enjoy staying on MI. The beach is beautiful & the sunsets glorious! Go to Cafe de Marco
for dinner!
Have fun!

Eileen,

I agree with everyone else. Naples is beautiful. I was a resident there for 3 years and have just moved back north. Be sure to take a walk or drive down Gulf Shore Blvd. The most beautiful houses you'll ever see! I also recommend Sanibel Island about a 30 minute drive from Naples, you could plan a day trip to Sanibel or Marco Island, both are very nice. Have Fun!

Hello all! Thanks for all the advice.
I am in Clearwater now and based on your suggestions, we are definitely going to Naples for the weekend. I looked up the Escalante (thanks to Patrick)and it looks wonderful. If I can get the "girls" to up the budget, we might just stay there. If not, I guess we will go to Residence Inn or else Quality Inn. Ho Hum. Thanks again

Eileen, if you call the Escalante you might mention that you are aware that there is still some work being done and that it is not quite finished --shouldn't you be able to get a last minute "special deal"? Actually they are just doing finishing touches and some landscaping -- shouldn't bother you, but it's worth a shot and I'm sure they're not full as I walk by every morning on my way home from the beach.
They have just opened the place this month after about a two year totally rebuilding project. It does look great, and it couldn't be a better location for what you want to do.