HappyCheesehead

Hi Jamierin:

I am right with you on the Escalante/Bellasera quandry. We, too, are visting Naples early December (10-14 in Naples, 14-16th at Coconut Point up in Bonita Springs) We have reservations at both and I just wonder how "done" Bellasera will be. I am traveling with my hubby, and my mom (61) and her husband (75) and Bellasera had a great special for a two bedroom two bath condo - $214 per night. Plenty of room to stretch out, and a living room, kitchen and dining area. BTW, we got a great rate for the Escalante thru Quikbook, $100 per night for the regular room. I expect that they will be the small rooms that are often mentioned in conjuction with the Escalante but that is ok. They also had rates listed for the larger rooms in case you want to check it out.

BTW, Patrick - do you know what that 1940's Radio Hour show will be like? Is it a Christmas themed show? Mom was born in 42, I am thinking she might like it.

scs

I keep following this thread and it is making me impatient for our trip to Naples in April! My parents live in Naples in the winter, and we go to visit them every year during spring break. I wish we could get there more often! My mother doesn't cook anymore, so we eat out every night that we are there. I don't complain!! There are as many great restaurants in Naples as there are here in Atlanta.

jamierin - Campiello and Chops are two favorites. I think you will really enjoy both spots.

Patrick - I am also interested in your thoughts on Baleen. Hope your experience there on Wednesday is as nice as DH and I have had.

jamierin

Note for Happy Cheesehead: was checking out the hotel sites for Bellasera. When I put in our dates on expedia (FYI - ours in Canada is expedia.ca), the Bellasera came out to over $800 Canadian per night!!!! And I thought our dollar was doing really well!

Other sites though have it at more reasonable rates, and yes, I did notice that the 2 bedroom was going pretty low in comparison to the rack rate. Like your mother (at least mine did) always said, if it looks too good to be true.....

BEWARE!

Hope your trip is successful.

By the by, who is meeting me at Fancy Nancy's and Marissa to cause some damage to the credit?!!!

HappyCheesehead

Hi Jamierin:

I reserved directly thru Bellasera at the $214 for a 2 bed 2 bath. - I sure hope there is no trouble with the booking! Take a look at www.bellaseranaples.com and click on Grand Opening Rates. It is an especially good deal in that there is no pre-payment needed and they have a 72 hour cancellation policy. Since we arrive 12/10 I will be able to make a decision between Bellasara and Escalante after I am CERTAIN that Bellasera opened. When is your trip?

Patrick

1940's Radio Hour is a show that takes place in a New York radio studio on Christmas Eve during World War II. The audience is introduced to the characters, radio performers, the stage manager, orchestra on stage, etc.
Then the radio broadcast begins. It is filled with 1940's music, mostly familiar songs of the era, and quite a few of them Christmas. When the sax player who is leaving for the war tomorrow sings (or plays) I'll be Home for Christmas, there won't be a dry eye in the house. Audiences love this show (particularly the older ones). We did it about 12 years ago and people still talk about it which is why we are reviving it. Yes, a fun show, complete with backstage sound effects and radio commercials. If you want to see it, call and get tickets soon -- it is nearly sold out now. 239-263-7990

jamierin

Happy Cheesehead - if you reserved directly through the hotel you should be okay!

We are going the first week in December, so that is why I am sticking with the Escalante. Do report back about Bellasera though, I am sure that there are Fodorites that are interested in knowing what it will be like. Happy travelling!

Question re: Naples - safe to walk at night around 3rd and 5th?

Thanks.

HappyCheesehead

I will certainly report back regarding Bellasera. I am looking forward ( I think, LOL) to staying in a new place and hope it will be nice for two couples traveling together. Plenty of room, we can have a hand of Schmear or Sheepshead at the dining room table and a kitchen for snack prep and storage. I am sorry to miss out on Escalante tho....

Patrick thanks for the show info - it sounds like a nice evening for us! I will try to get tix ASAP.

jamierin

Just getting ready to go to Naples next week, so I checked out www.naplesnews.com site. They have a webcam with live audio and video on 5th St. South, in front of McCabes Pub and Grill.

I looked for you Patrick!!! (but not knowing what you look like - couldn't see anyone with an "I'm Patrick" t-shirt.

Like you said - lots of men in print shirt and bermuda shorts!!

Looking forward to our visit. I will report back after.

Stephanie_in_Canada

Hello:

We stayed at the Bellasara with our two children last April and was TOTALLY impressed, and I am one VERY picky person! Will be back again next Spring. but shhhhhhhh, don't pass this info around too much! I don't want them raising their prices!

Patrick

It may be too late for that. I see that the lowest prices at Bellasera for April is $290 a night for their smallest studio. Those two bedroom ones are now $400 and up. Last year's introductory prices won't be repeated this year!