I'd appreciate any help you can give me. We have narrowed our choices to: Colony Beach Resort, Longboat Key; Naples Beach Resort, Naples; and Hilton Marco Island. We're interested in nice beach, nice room, and spa facilities. Help us choose!

Not on you list of choices, but....

La Playa, Naples Florida

Longboat Key

The one and only

Longboat Key

La playa

Why would you suggest La Playa considering the list of options Fran has given. Obviously La Playa is in an entirely different price range. And if you feel that price is no object, why in the world would you recommend La Playa over the Ritz Carlton??

Because xxx000, IMHO, La Playa is better than the Ritz Carlton, is less expensive, and is in a city that offers much to do.

You would not be disappointed in the Marco Island Hilton. We loved it. It is 4 star AAA compared to Colony being only 3.

But, I am going to look into Longboat Key for another trip!!

How many people wanna bet that Paul has never stayed at the Ritz Carlton, Naples? Yes, La Playa is less expensive. But better? Give me a break.

Thanks, all. Linda---does Hilton on Marco Island have a spa?

La Playa is better.

Ummm, xxx000, do you know that IMHO stands for, "in my humble opinion."

Oh, and get that wallet out. Time to pay up.

Happy Trails,
Paul

I love the Colony! Gorgeous sunsets on the gulf there. I have not stayed at the other places but my vote is for Longboat Key.

I'm in Naples, but can't really speak to the issue of the resorts. But I do know that every time we go to Sarasota (several times a year for Asolo Theatre visits) we always do Sunday brunch at the Colony Beach Resort -- possibly the nicest brunch buffet I've been to anywhere.

The Colony is my pick. Stunning beach and the water up there is prettier than here in Naples. Sarasota has a rich cultural life if you are interested and the shopping is excellent at St. Armands. The Colony is famous for tennis as well and the wine list there is superior. Naples Beach resort is ok but if they are priced similarly, Colony is great.

Nothing compares to the Ritz but the prices are stratospheric. La Playa must be paying people to post here. It is merely ok.

Well, LilMsFoodie, another Naples poster? My take on La Playa vs. The Ritz is the same as yours.

And here is another thought: the brand new Hyatt Regency Coconut Beach Resort just north of Naples (Estero). Looks wonderful, a little remote, shuttle to private beach, and sits back in the nature preserve. Quite a spectacular property, and I understand they're having a rather rough start so are offering great prices. You might want to check it out on a Hyatt website.

I've been there twice Patrick and it's fantastic. It's our favorite weekend getaway now.

They did get a rough start, opening just after 9-11, and I think it's the sort of place that needs to be found yet by the leisure traveler who still hasn't returned wholeheartedly to the airways. Our last stay was in July though, and even in July they had a good crowd. What a beautiful property! The absolute only negative for me is the 40 minute drive into Naples and Marissa! gt;