patrice123

My husband and I (early thirties) are looking for a nice beach resort for a long weekend in October to celebrate our anniversary. From reading prior messages, I think we would like Naples and would likely stay at La Playa.

Here is what we are looking for...will you let me know if you think it's a good match?

* Resort on the beach that is nice (4 star), but with a casual beach atmosphere...not too formal(Ritz) or hip/trendy (South Beach)
* Nice accommodations with balcony and ocean view, preferably with enough space to comfortably have room service meals
* Pool/beach bar for afternoon cocktails as well as somewhere to have drinks after dinner
* Beach - plan to be on the beach all day, would like it to have pretty blue or green water, and sand that is good for long walks (not too rocky)
* Casual dining options - this trip is not for fine dining and we prefer not to have to get too dressed up for dinner. We usually like to eat burgers and sandwiches while on vacation.

We have been to South Beach and it was not for us. We really enjoyed the Trump Sonesta hotel in Sunny Isles, but found the atmosphere in the lobby/bar to be a bit stiff. Also, I hate to stereotype a place, but will we feel out of place age-wise in Naples? We will likely spend most of our time at the hotel.

Thanks! Patrice

Neopolitan

patrice, you had LaPlaya pretty much pegged until you got to the casual dining options. I think other than some vending machines you'll have to drive somewhere for that.

The only other option I can think of is Edgewater Resort -- much smaller but is in "downtown Naples" so offers you a closer range of casual dining options -- from Tommy Bahamas to Cheeburger, Cheeburger, to the Caribbean open-air style Yabba, to the Dock or Riverwalk. It offers miles of continuous beach.

Age-wise? The thirty somethings are all hanging out in downtown. You never know who will be staying where at any given time, but I think of the Edgewater as a younger place, LaPlaya more middle aged.

By the way, if you haven't been here, Naples has beautiful sand beaches, but the water is not pretty blue or green like the Carribean.

unrealmktg

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?

mary1007

The Grande. Stayed there twice when it was The Registry and loved it. I read here that now The Grande is even nicer. Whoever wants nice pool forget the Edge. I know Neopatrick dosen't agree, but I stayed there in Aug and was not impressed at all. Too many people for such a small pool. If you want the small "inn" type feel (and I don't mean B&B) then fine, but I personally like the resort type place. I consider a "boutique" hotel something like La Playa. Just my point of view.

If you can splurge, Ritz all the way baby!!! Stayed 3 times in past summers (lower rates I know)but there's no place like that, in Naples or anywhere else.

NeoPatrick

I'm not sure how you know I wouldn't agree. I know nothing about either pool and have never claimed to.

My only comment is generally that the Grande is a bigger convention type resort hotel with more services. If you like that type hotel it's for you. If you prefer a smaller boutique type hotel without conventions and big groups then you would probably prefer the Edgewater.(That point is just the same as what you say). And if you like the activity of downtown Naples, then of course the Edgewater is much more convenient. That's all.

unrealmktg

Ritz seems to be booked for all weekends we can go to Naples.

The pool does sound better at the Grande, but should we worry about location? Do we definitely need a car?

Great forum, I appreciate your assistance.

NeoPatrick

Unless you plan to never leave the grounds of wherever you stay, then YES you need a car. For what it's worth, if you're flying into Ft. Myers, for the cost of transfers two ways you can rent a car for about four days. Car rentals here are cheap.

mary1007

From the Edge to historic downtown is almost 3 miles. From Edge to The Grande is almost 5. So Neo is right, you need a car regardless of where you stay.

unrealmktg

Just Booked! Staying at the Grande, based it on the pool and it should be nice to walk to the beach (if we want). Now, on to restaurants...

I read from above and other posts... Campiello, Trulucks, Ciao? Any other recommendations on food, activities, etc? Looking forward to the trip!

mary1007

I think you'll be happy at the Grande.

There are many resaturants to choose from up and down 5th or 3rd. You can just walk and read the menus outside.

Truluck I found great. Its pricy but it has a bar with music and the restaurant, although fancy, it had good atmosphere. The food was delicious.

Macabe's is a fun Irish pub and the pub fare is good too. Live music at night too.

We had a very good meal at Marie Michelle's. Its traditional french food. It is on the bay so sitting outside was lovely.

Maxwell's and Chardonnay old fogie.

Dock at Crayton Cove also on the water is good very laid back.

Chops is your typical highend steakhouse, its good. 821 Bistro is also very good. Little bit of everything there.

Annabelle's is very pretty but I have never been there.

mary1007

Hey Neo,

I am not sure how long u have been living in Naples, but do you recall a little island called Keewaydin?

NeoPatrick

I've only lived in Naples full time since 1978.
Sure I know Keewaydin, but sadly it is private now. I loved the old days of driving down to Gordon Pass and hopping on the little boat to take you over for dinner at the old Keewaydin club.

Mary, no offense but Annabelle's has been gone for several years now. That spot was redone and is now Bar (Cafe) Lurcat -- one of the best spots on Fifth, and also one of the liveliest bars in town. It's a sister to my favorite on Third Street South -- Campiello.

Also Chardonnay closed over a year ago -- good riddance in my opinion. You're right about Maxwell's. I think they require at least one of each party to either have a walker or an oxygen tank.

mary1007

Too funny.

We found Marie Michelle's by planning on going to Maxwell's and we just opened the door and I said to my husband "STOP!!" so we ran out of there as fast as possible and headed to Marie's. Great decision.

My husband and I spent a long weekend in Keewaydin a million years ago (13). It was some of the best gourmet food, breakfast, lunch and dinner. I still have some of the daily menus. The cottages were wonderful. I remember one night we were in the lobby/game room/study house and it felt like one of those settings in an Agatha Christie novel, not eerie just very stately with fireplace and mooseheads on the walls that seemed like the eyes were going to move. The lighting storm outside helped too.

Too bad its gone. When we were there they told us that the millionaire across the water didn't want people invading his privacy so he was looking to buy the island. I remember he was from Chicago. Is that what happened?

unrealmktg

What are some good restaurants for a couple in early thirties?

Campiellos or Cafe Lucrat or both?

Something on the water sounds nice? Dock?

Thanks!

NeoPatrick

Campiello's and Cafe Lurcat are ideal. Actually the downstairs at Lurcat tends to be a little younger and is also a bit more casual -- you can check out which you prefer.

The Dock is popular at all ages -- very casual -- it sits on the water and is all open air/screened. Actually I think I've come to like its sister restaurant, Riverwalk, which is similar, a little better -- it's at Tin City.

By the way, near the Grande is the beautiful (nearly finished major renovations) of the Waterside Shops. There is a Brillo's Tuscan and a Bricktops there -- both nice, good, and convenient to you.