I am planning a trip to Naples, Florida this fall. I am trying to decide between the Ritz Carlton beach resort, RC Golf resort, and La Playa. My first choice originally was the RC beach resort but after reading some negative reviews regarding the rooms, service, children etc, I was leaning towards the RC golf resort. I would consider La Playa as it would be nice to be on the beach. Any help or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

I'd take the reviews with a big grain of salt. The RC Beach Resort is still a top notch resort. Anyone who complains about rooms that are "shabby" or something like that probably has some axe to grind because they resented paying so much money. I find it hard to believe anything wouldn't be kept up to date there. And if somehow you got a room with a problem, I find it hard to believe they wouldn't move you in a minute. Children? Well that's the luck of the draw, and that can happen anywhere any time. Service? Did some one get tired of the constant "My pleasure"?
That said, I think between the three it is totally up to you what you want. I wouldn't choose the Ritz Golf unless you were planning on a lot of golf. If you are going for the beach, then don't stay away from it! LaPlaya is a nice place. I wouldn't say the rooms are quite as fancy as at the Ritz, but there is a much more tropical feel to it than the formality of the Ritz, something I'd prefer when staying on the beach -- and you can't get more ON the beach than at LaPlaya.

Hi Patrick,

Thanks for the advice. The reason I mentioned the RC golf resort is that it was $130 less per night than the RC beach. That is a big difference. In addition, the golf resort is only 3 years old and has beautiful rooms and facilities. I know someone who recently stayed there and raved about it. She said that you can take a shuttle to the RC beach, they leave every half hour. Its probably a little bit of a pain doing that. I also have some friends who got married at La Playa and swear by that hotel. Its confusing - Any additional advice would be appreciated.

Are you planning on a car?
It's one thing to take a shuttle to the beach for an afternoon of sunning. But another if you want to step outside and take a moonlit stroll on the beach (a lot different than a walk on a golf course with the sprinklers going). Or getting up at the crack of dawn and taking a quick peak at the beach before anyone else gets there and even before your shower or breakfast. I still say, if you want the beach, forget the idea of shuttle bussing to it!!! There's a major reason the price is $130 less -- there's no beach, pure and simple.

My husband and I spent a week at LaPlaya in May and couldn't have been happier with our choice. We stayed on the second floor in the beach house and were just a few feet away from the beach and it was very convenient to their pool area, which was also very nice. There are lots of trees and beautiful landscaping on the grounds. They also always had jazz and easy listening music playing outsite by the pool area (via outdoor speakers). Our room was very nice. There is also a high rise hotel (9 floors or so), but I would recommend the beach house. They have a great restaurant there with beach side dining. It's a bit smaller compared to the Ritz -- more of a boutique hotel. I'm sure the Ritz is also nice, but we will stay at LaPlaya again for the next trip to Naples.

I forgot to mention one other hotel, the Registry. How does this hotel compare to the RC beach and golf resorts, and La Playa. I know the registry is not directly on the beach, and has undergone a major renovation. I appreciate everyone's suggestions and comments.

Eric, I have stayed at both the Registry and La Playa and visited the RC beach hotel many times.
I personally prefer the Registry.
Yes, it is set back from the beach slightly, but this is one of the attractions as there is a 12 minute walk through a beautiful shady mangrove forest, alternatively you can take one of the continuously running trams (about a 3 minute ride). The rooms at the Registry are fantastic, and have lovely bathrooms and large balconies. La Playa is very pretty but the rooms are not as big and I did not find the staff attitude and service levels to be anything like as good as the Registry, where the staff are unfailingly welcoming and courteous. If you do choose La Playa I would also agree with the other person who recommended the beach house. It is better than the main tower and significantly better than the block across the road. The Registry is larger and there is more of a resort feel to it, compared to La Playa whose ambience is somewhat of a club for the local residents. La Playa's pool is located right next to the street, although it's not a particularly noisy street. The Registry is about 10 minutes closer to Naples than the other 2 hotels.
The Ritz Carlton is a lovely hotel and the service is truly excellent -I've eaten there many times but not stayed. The balconies look very small and I would think that not all of the rooms have a gulf view. I noticed that on the beach there they lay out the sunbeds side by side so that you are packed like sardines -whereas at the other 2 hotels you get your own individual space.
Another thing to bear in mind is that at both La Playa and the RC, valet parking is mandatory, I find this a bit frustrating as I don't like waiting around!
I hope this has been helpful.

Thanks for the advice, I will definitely look into the Registry Resort.

We have stayed at the Edgewater Beach Resort several times and have enjoyed it. It is on a beautiful stretch of beach and is much closer to Olde Naples if you want to go for dinner. It is a suite hotel, small and charming.
If you are staying for a week, Sat to Sat you can rent a three bedroom condo at Naples Cay which are great value, for a great beach and in a great location. Check it out at resortquest.com

Thanks for the advice about Edgewater.

We are early thirties and debating over the Grande vs. EdgeWater -- looking to relax, shop, and maybe do some watersports?

However, we do prefer a pool over beach -- can you let me know thoughts?