Naples FL Hotel question
 

We are thinking of several hotels near Naples that are not too expensive. Has anyone stayed at Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort & Spa, the Hyatt Coconut Plantation or Hilton Naples & Towers? Would appreciate feedback regarding these properties. Thanks very much. (We are thinking of going in October for a couple of days...we live in Ft Lauderdale & just want to get away).

I stayed last yr. at the Hilton. The lobby was very nice. The room, which was quite expensive, was shabby. It was worn to pieces. I'd cross it off your list, unless someone else tells you different. I wasn't impressed.

These are some newer properties that I'm not familiar with, although I've stayed in Naples a lot. I don't believe that these are on or right near the beach. If that is important, try something else. 'Probably good for golf, the spa, pool, etc.

Coconut Pointe and Coconut Plantation are on the same property. One is a time share (Plantation) and the other is the resort. They are not on a beach, per se, but have their private key (small island with beach) that you get to by taking a short boat ride. It is problematic if you want to walk the beach each a.m but fine if you are looking to park yourself for the day. I love this resort and it is less expensive than the big beach resorts in Naples. By the way, Hyatt chooses to ignore maps with their naming of this resort for the resort is in Lee county in an area called Estero. Estero is one of the fastest growing communities in Florida and there is more and more to do there each year but it is about 15 miles north of Naples or so. Just fyi. LMF

BTW, the spa here is very good. Stillwater Spa. I do not even know where the Hilton is in Naples, on 41?

We stayed at the Hyatt Coconut Point this summer for our anniversary through a Priceline bid. It is the only Bonita Springs resort that comes up on Priceline -- so you can be reasonably sure of it when bidding.

It was an excellent facility, we also did the timeshare tour of the Plantation which gave us $150 credit towards meals or amenities at the hotel. The timeshare tour was low-key and lasted an hour -- well worth your time for the additional dollars.

The pools were beautiful, and the hotel room was VERY nice. I had emailed earlier telling them it was my anniversary and they gave us a free upgrade to a 15th floor corner room with three balconies (all with space to sit outside), the even floor rooms are just standing room only balconies. They also gave us a welcoming bottle of champagne and chocolate covered strawberries!

We also had access, not sure we were suppose to have access to the concierge lounge on the 17th floor. Our key did not work to go to the 17th on the elevator but you could walk up the stairwell and the key would let you into the lounge. Free breakfast, snacks, drinks etc. all day long.

We've stayed at Hyatt Coconut Point a couple of times--it's my favorite getaway Hyatt in FL. As LMF says, although it sits at the edge of Estero Bay, it is not on the beach. They have a barrier island a 10 minute water taxi ride from the hotel across Estero Bay, with the water taxi leaving once an hour from the beach and the hotel. There are lounges and umbrellas on the island. Rumor is that the island grew with our recent hurricane activity...they were the lucky recipients of sand washed from other beaches. The pools are lovely for those that prefer pools to the Gulf.

The grounds and public spaces at Coconut Point are beautiful, with sort of a colonial Caribbean feel. Mahogany and marble, high ceilings, fans slowly turning, checkers, backgammon, chess boards and the like set around for guests use, tiki torches lighting pathways at night.

Hyatt lists it as being in Bonita Springs, and actually I thought that's where it was...wasn't aware that it's Estero. It is about 40 minutes from Naples--not far distance-wise, but I don't think they could have fit more red lights in if they tried! :(

Have you been to their website? The virtual tour there gives you a pretty good idea of what the resort is like. My husband is a Hyatt GM, I should add, but their bottom line means virtually nothing to me and I try to be unbiased in what I write about any other hotels. It truly is my favorite Hyatt in the state. We've also stayed at the Registry in Naples and enjoy that for it's proximity to all Naples has to offer.

I also wouldn't recommend the Hilton. While there is nothing particularily "wrong" with the Hilton, I wouldn't classify it as a resort where you would be able to have a weekend getaway. It seems to be more suited for business people....no beach access, just an o.k. pool, nothing special about the rooms or facilities. The Hyatt is a true resort with all the facilities and activities. The only downside is that it is a good 30 minutes to Old Naples where many nice shops and restaurants are located. There are some fine restaurants near the Hyatt to choose from however.

The above post about the Hilton is the most correct one. It is right on US 41 in the middle of a totally commercial area -- primarily a business hotel.

What are your goals for the trip?

The Hyatt has been well described above and is indeed a nice resort if that's what you're looking for -- relaxing and mainly staying at the resort. If on the other hand you're coming over to "experience" Naples, you might want to actually stay in Naples.

More and more Ft. Lauderdale people seem to come over for the weekend -- what a change from 10 years ago when all the Naples people headed there for the weekend! Most come for the ambiance of Olde Naples or the downtown area, including the shops and many restaurants/bars of Fifth Avenue. If that's your goal, I might suggest Escalante, a small garden-like complex which is at the corner of Fifth Avenue South and Third Street South. It is just two blocks to the beach, and right at the head of the two main restaurant/night life streets.

www.hotelescalante.com

Another thought that combines beach front resort (but a small one right on the beach) with being inside Naples is the Edgewater Beach Resort. It is a bit too far to walk to Fifth Avenue, but only a few minutes drive, and is on a lovely spot of beach.

www.edgewaternaples.com

Thanks to you all who responded. We've decided against the Hyatt since it's a bit far from downtown Naples...now thinking of the Registry. I truly appreciate your quick responses.

By the way, the Registry and the Edgewater are now sister properties. I could be wrong, but I believe people at one can share the facilities at the other.

The Registry is about a 10 to 15 minute drive from Fifth Avenue, depending on how you hit the lights.

Question for Patrick - I remember a while back someone was enquiring about the Escalante as they thought that they were closed/bankrupt. I guess from your post here that it is up and running again?

Have you heard anyone's comments who have visited recently?

Well I'll try not to make this too long. Yes it was set for bankruptcy. A friend of mine who is a realtor was the sales agent for the sale of it to a private investor of his. They had planned to operate it for a short while but tear it down and replace with a handful of VERY expensive villas. But there have been some delays and a possible decision not to do that at all. Meanwhile, I ran into a good friend of mine just the other day and asked what she was doing these days (she's an actress among other things) and low and behold she's working at the desk at Escalante. The place is in full swing as a resort hotel again, and some money was put into it to "bring it up". But that was hardly needed. The entire place had been totally gutted and rebuilt and decorated only about two years ago. In fact that was the cause of the near bankruptcy -- high interest loans and going way over budget in the remodeling. Anyway the current owner has no such problems!

But for anyone booking there. The basic statement from those who have rented is that you probably won't want to do the smaller or standard room as they are quite small.

As others have mentioned, if you want to get a feel for Olde Naples, the Hyatt you mention, etc. are not that near to town, and the Hilton "'just ain't a resort."

The Registry is a more modern, high rise hotel. Very nice -- I'd be happy to go at the right rate. It is right on the beach, but a bit of a walk (not bad, really, but it can get long if you have any young children in tow.) One downside is that they seem to attract a few conferences from time to time. On-site restaurant can be pricey.

The Edgewater has been around a while longer. 'Have never stayed there, but it seems to attract families. 'Might not be as fresh as the Registry, but the pool and beach are right out the back door and feel less corporate.

I stayed at the Escalante back when it was the Beachcomber, i.e. individual mid-riced condo units that were rehabbed. The place looks quite nice and is more polished and upscale. While it will be a 10 minute walk to the beach, it is also closer to town and makes for an easy walk for dinner, etc. I think Escalante helps you with beach equipment, etc. (I LOVE not to have to get in a car!)

Also on the beach, but something of a mixed bag, is the Naples Beach and Golf Resort. This is a set of older buildings that are in various stages of refurbishment. My sense is that these were originally separate hotels and there bought over time. We had a recently redone room in the Watkins wing, which was nice for a little privacy from the main building, yet easy beach access. The pool isn't that nice -- kind of crowded in and often packed with kids. However, tehre is a lovely but casual beachfront bar that is the perfect spot for cocktails at sunset.

(While fraught with uncertainties, I have a soft spot for older Florida hotels if they are well-maintained, but I have no illusions that they will be as polished as the Ritz in Naples.)

'Must admit that recent years have seen us renting houses or condos off season to make life more comfortable for senior citizen parents in tow. While some properties will only rent for the season in winter, they get a little more flexible for a week or few days at a time inteh off season. These have not been on the beach, but have been very nice with pools, etc.

How does the LaPlaya Hotel compare to the Registry or Edgewater. Is it closer to 5th Avenue or further? We are planning on staying there, but we might be switching because we might let our daughter bring a friend, so we will need to get 2 rooms (the LaPlaya seems to be pricer than the other two). There will be 5 of us going then.

I didn't mind paying the higher price, but at almost $400 a night, doubling that gets a little much for one extra person. The Registry had a room for $200 - so it's about 2 for 1.

LaPlaya is at Vanderbilt Beach, considerably further north than the Registry and way further than Edgewater. I'll reserve the comparisons for those who have actually stayed at these places.

Lots of people have taken advantage of The new Ritz Carlton Golf resort and got a great price and you can ues the other Ritz Carlton on the beach for free with ther shuttle service two Ritz Carlton resorts for the price of one . Check trip advisor .com The golf resort is getting better review than the Beach Ritz Carlton some on the trip advisor .com talk about how they got good rates. Check it out the reviews and you can check out the LaPlaya and all the other Naples hotels reviews too

Italiano,
Thanks for the info about the Ritz Gulf. We actually stayed at the Ritz Naples the last time we were there, and my children (you are used to staying at nice hotels) thought it was too stuffy. Since we are going for my daughter's birthday, I thought The Registry or LaPlaya might be nice. I just can't decide which one!

Mers, maybe you just did a simple typo. You are aware that the "Ritz Golf Resort" is not on the GULF?

By the way, client friends of mine who live locally and love grand and traditional dining have always loved dinner at the Ritz on the Gulf, but since the opening of the Golf Resort, they've switched their loyalties to there and think it is a far better dining experience -- the best in Naples.

Patrick:

Ha ha, that was a typo!!! We stayed at the Ritz on the Gulf, but Italiano was recommending the Ritz GOLF!

We will be bring 3 teenagers with us - so maybe the Registry is the way to go instead of the LaPlaya. I'm sure they are both nice.

Does anyone know any good websites for the projected weather for Naples for next weekend?

Use the following link, but it's only good for five days (and take with a giant grain of salt):

http://www.wunderground.com/cgi-bin/...les%2C+Florida

I just posted that it was really beautiful this morning, but a freaky little shower came out of nowhere and drenched the convertible with the top down while I was at my Mom's. Just got back from a beautiful walk on the beach and down Fifth Avenue. Yes, it's still hot and humid!