Naples - good for honeymoon?
 

Hi

Would Naples be good for a honeymoon - say 10 days? Where would you reccomend staying? Ritz Carlton a bit out our price range!!!

Thanks

Martin

Sorry - just to add one more thing. I'm trying to find out the layout of Naples. I hear that the best restaurants etc are in the 'Old Town' area (5th Avenue etc) - Am I right?
If so - is the beach far away?
I ask not because of the beach as neither my fiancee or I are 'beachy' type people - it's just cause it's our honeymoon we kind of had our heart set on having a room with an Ocean/Coast view to enjoy in the evenings, but are a bit worried that to stay there would put us too far away from the good restaurants/shops etc...

Thanks

Martin

Not knowing about you and your situation it is difficult to advise you whether Naples is a good choice.Are you driving there or flying. When is the honeymoon in summer or winter. Are you in your 20s or your 60s

I have been to Naples 4-5 times as 2-3 day getaways from the east coast of Florida. Truthfully, I would be bored stiff if I had to spend 10 days there. There is nothing going on to maintain your interest. Naples is centered along highway 41. I have stayed at the Ritz which is not cheap but is located on the Gulf. You may want to check out the Registry, the Edgewater Beach and the LaPlaya Beach. I would not go back to the Ritz.

Naples has 5th St. and old naples which is 5 minutes away. The hotels mentioned are about 10 minutes away by car. Yes there are restaurants and bars.

You may want to check out the Casa Marina in Key West. Key West has more going on for the young or the young at heart. If you could afford it check out the Atlantis on Paradise Island. It is incredible and a great place for a honeymoon. Not cheap but maybe there are packages available. If so, try to stay in the mid range or better rooms.

With 10 days you could do a mix A few days in Naples a overnight In key West By taking the ferry service from Marco Island or Ft Myers Beach for a day or overnight.Do a trip to South Beach Miami for a day trip of for a night or two very easy to commute back and forth across Only 120 miles to South Beach from Naples .you will get the best of florida that way

I forgot to add that they Have some 1-2 day or 3-4 day short cruises out of Miami to the Bahamas or Cancun and Key West you can get great rates short notice with free up grades. For under $100.00 a day PP check the local Florida papers on line or call the cruise lines close to the departure. days .

I agree that 10 days will seem like 20 in Naples, especially if you are under 40.
You could split your stay with some time at Marco Island to the south and/or Sanibel/Captiva Island to the north, but they are not that far apart, so they might not feel that different.
Actually half Naples and half Fort Lauderdale (opposite coasts) would be better.

No one who has ever stayed at the Ritz or LaPlaya -- considerably north of 5th Avenue -- has ever driven that distance in 10 minutes, even in the dead of summer, yet alone in season. I suspect that those who say Naples is dead and boring either haven't been there in at least 6 or 7 years, or else they simply aren't remembering things very well. They certainly don't remember driving distances!!!

And anyone who could suggest that Marco Island would be LESS boring than Naples, really doesn't have a clue!

Ok - We're going in July. Looking to combine the 10 days in somewhere like Naples (relaxing) with 4 days in New York (busy).
We're flying from the UK - So the stop in New York on the way there makes sense.

Confused about Naples now - we're on Honeymoon so certainly not looking for 'busy nightlife'. Rather somewhere to relax with nice quaint shops to wander about during the day and then nice restaurants to go to at night. Not really interested too much in bars/clubs etc....

More thoughts would be appreciated

Martin

Hi

Looked a bit more into the Ritz Carlton - and it perhaps wouldn't be too expensive. Is it worth the money? Looking at a deluxe Ocean Front room -deescription is : GULF FRONT ROOM (KING/2DBL) FACES WEST AND OFFERS SWEEPING VIEWSOF WHITE SAND BEACHES AND THE GULF OF MEXICO. Priced at $289 per night. Anyone stayed in this type of room? Would people reccomend this hotel? Is it easily walkable to the good restaurants at night?

Thanks

Martin

A Gulf front room at the Ritz would be wonderful with a lovely view of the mangroves and the beach. I think you would be better off with a car as the Ritz is a little isolated but it is a luxurious resort and there are a few restaurants around there that would be within walking distance. Petrol and car rentals are relatively cheap in Naples to UK.

I especially love Baleen which has the loveliest views of any restaurant in SW Florida and the food and service are excellent.

There is a lot to do in Naples, I can not imagine someone being bored unless they only want dance clubs that open at midnight and perhaps wrestling (G).

I think of Marco more for familiies, much like Sanibel with life centered on the beach and little to offer otherwise other than fishing.

LMF

Hi Martin,

Congratulations on your upcoming wedding. To answer your Naples question, the downtown 5th Ave area is a few blocks from the beach. Patrick, who's answered above, lives there & has previously recommended the Escalente hotel in the downtown area , but I don't think it's on the beach. I've stayed downtown at the Inn on Fifth which is small & very nice but it's also not on the beach (you can walk or drive). The pool is very small at the Inn on Fifth & not very attractive (it sits behind the parking lot). The hotel feels more like a city/business hotel than a resort place. The Ritz Carlton is about a 20 minute drive from downtown. They evidently have, as you've found out, great summer rates. But if you're looking for someplace to stay that's on the water yet walking distance to shops & restaurants, I'm not sure Naples is the place! On the east (Atlantic) coast of Florida, The Marriott in Del Ray Beach is on the ocean & at the end of Atlantic Avenue, the main street, with tons of good restaurants. You can fly to either Fort Lauderdale or west Palm Beach to get there. There are also hotels in Ft Lauderdale that are on the beach & right near restaurants. And of course Miami Beach/South Beach has tons of ocean front hotels where you can also walk to shops & restaurants.

But you were told, I think, months ago, that Florida in July is hot, hot, hot. If you're looking for a restful spot after NYC, why not consider the Hamptons or Montauk which is a 2-3 hour train, car or bus ride away from NY? Beautiful beaches, pretty towns, nice restaurants & much more activity than Florida at that time of year. If this interests you, post back & I can tell you more or do a search here. Good luck.

Ah from the UK and in July. That puts a different light on it.
If you plan to NOT have a car, then I would recommend the Escalante www.escalante.com (I think), a sort of quiet garden hidden hideaway at the crossroads and walking distance of the two main shopping and restaurant streets -- Fifth Avenue South and Third Street South. By July the brand new Bice will be open right across the street. It is two blocks to the beach, so no view, but the gardens and quiet area do seem nice for a honeymoon.
But if you like big resort and the ocean view, don't be afraid of the Ritz. Summer specials there can be pretty amazing -- well under half of the usual season price. However, it is the resort atmosphere -- not a place for wandering shops and restaurants. You'd need a car for that and spend a small fortune taking taxis back and forth.

OK...Not sure about the Ritz Carlton now. Not really what we're looking for I don't think. Want to be able to wander round quaint streets and soak up the traditional atmosphere of a place.
Thanks for the advice.

Re: The Hamptons - don't know much about it but certainly interested. Please post more about it!

Thanks
Martin

I wouldn't recommend Key West for a honeymoon but I would second Palm Beach. While not on the beach, the Brazillian Court is a beautiful old Spanish looking hotel right on Worth Avenue which is great shopping and dining. Daniel Boulud just opened a restaurant in the hotel. Also, the oceanfront Breakers, while not in walking distance to anything but the beach, is beautiful.

I certainly would love 10 days at the Ritz-Carlton Naples with nothing but some R&R with my husband! How romantic! If you are already doing the hustle and bustle of NYC, I say go for Naples.

Hotel Escalante would be a wonderful place to spend your honeymoon. Very quiet! Walk to all the shopping and dining. The pool is beautiful, the walk to the beach is very short. I love the Ritz, stayed their many many years when my children were growing up. This year was our first at the Escalante and we will be back in Nov and March. Just make sure that you get the suite, I have heard that the others are small.
Enjoy you stay!

Key West was one of my other options along with Naples.
Why would you not reccommend it for a Honeymoon?

Thanks

Martin

Or what about Sanibel Island?

I've scouted hotel deals etc and the places in Florida I look to be able to get good deals on are - Naples, Marco Island, Key West and Sanibel Island.

Thought on the pros/cons of these for a honeymoon (remembering we'll be coming off 4 days in New York so looking for rest) would be appreciated.

Thanks

Martin

I don't think I've heard yet if you plan to have a car or not, but I sort of assumed from your earlier post that you don't plan to get one.

I'd eliminate Marco Island for you first. It is fine for family beach vacations, but that doesn't sound like what you're into. And it is very limited on "shops". Also it is quite scattered -- you'd need a car.

Sanibel Island tends to be really hot in the summer (well, all your choices are). But if you go "shopping" in the couple of little centers, you are enclosed in trees, no breeze and it is simply choking. The beach again is the main thing, so if that isn't your main interest, I'd also forget Sanibel.

Key West may be the coolest of the lot, because it really picks up more breezes. (Remember "coolest" is a totally relative term here, I should say "less scorching"). Not a beach destination, it may be your best bet in terms for staying in town, walking to lots of restaurants and "shops" and just generally winding down from the hustle of New York.

Naples is far more upscale than Key West, but at the same time not necessarily more expensive. I don't mean to imply that Naples is going to be more "formal" in July, or at least very little. Most restaurants you'll even be able to wear shorts to and feel at home. But certainly the shopping is way more upscale than Key West.

If you're serious about 10 days in Florida, I'd follow Italiano's advice & split it up. Maybe 5 in Naples & 5 in Key West or Naples/Miami. Naples is upscale, beautiful beaches, "genteel" while Key West is a bit bohemian/funky or Miami which is younger. Remember the beaches in Key West are nothing much.

Do some research here on the Hamptons under destinations. You'd avoid having to fly from NY (but might make up the difference in a car rental). The pros vs Florida-it will be cooler, "in season" (Fla. in July is out of season) closer & has more "quaintness" (the area was settled in the 1600s by the English & many of the original buildings still stand).

The cons vs Fla.-there are no luxury hotels ON the beach apart from Gurney's Inn in Montauk which is very expensive in season. Options are either motel places on the beach (mostly in Montauk with a few in Amagansett & East Hampton) or charming b & bs or Inns that are not right on the beach. You really need a car in the Hamptons to see it all.

Thanks for the help.
Naples does sound like the place we want. But I'm still open to suggestions.

Yes we will have a car - my only point was that because we will both like to have a drink with our evening meal - would like options for some night of restaurants within walking distance of the hotel. Not that we wouldn't drive any night.

Patrick - from what you say I think you think Naples suits us best - would I be right?

Still trying to find out more about The Hamptons. Not an awful lot on here about it. Will keep researching though

Thanks

Martin

Also - if Naples (as looks likely) - accomodation.

Patrick mentioned the The Escalante - which looks nice.
Just wanted to ask about 3 other hotels I can get for the same price.
Naples Beach Hotel and Golf Club,The Registry Resort and The Edgewater Beach Hotel.
What are they like?

Thanks

Martin

The Naples Beach Hotel and Golf club is very Nice good location right in the center of Naples nice pool and Restaurant Great sunset views & Dining .

In reply to your other three listings:
Edgewater is a small and nice property where rooms do have a great view of the beach (and is right on the beach). It is close to 5th Avenue, but not a friendly walk (dark at night and no sidewalks). But fine if you have a car.
Naples Beach Hotel is near to that same location. Frankly it is often called one of "God's waiting rooms" because when it is not filled with conventions, the average age really tends to the senior citizen. Not very inspirational for a honeymoon. My mother loves going there for brunch because she fits right in with her rolling walker.
The Registry Resort is a Ritz wannabe, and is nearly as far from downtown as the Ritz. A recent article about the Naples resorts (I think in Travel and Leisure) really berated the Registry, which has been suffering numerous problems.

By the way, I would echo something mentioned above. If you choose the Escalante, I'd strongly suggest a deluxe room or a suite. There have been several reports of the standard rooms being quite small.

My parents stay in Naples every winter for several months and I visit them every year. Naples is VERY upper class, refined and lovely. It does have an elder population but if you want rest, beauty, fine restaurants and a community that is first class from top to bottom, than Naples is it.

Have stayed in Palm Beach and was highly disappointed. It was unbelievably expensive and an Island of wealth surrounded by some very poor neighborhoods next to it. Everything in Naples is beautiful. The Ritz is NOT on the beach and there are many hotels that are not. If you are interested in the beach try La Playa or the Registry which are right on the beach. I do know that the Registry was undergowing some renovation last winter. I would check to see if it is complete. The Registry draws a younger crowd as well, which may appeal.

You will want a car while you are here. Most US communities are geared around people having cars. You will enjoy yourself more if you can get around to the different parts of Naples.

Old Naples (the older section of town) is filled with beautiful shops, many restaurants, lots of art galleries. That section has inns nearby but you will be blocks from the beach. Choose what you are most interested in, beach or shopping and stay near your choicest activity. Get a car and visit the other things of interest.

FYI - Naples has a wonderful symphony and theatre center which has big name performers and shows come through. Check it out!

If you want activity you can rent seadoo personal watercraft to take out on the gulf, or parasail or go for a boat ride from the dock/harbor area of Naples. A car will give you the most options. It is NOT like driving in NYC or other big cities, the roads are clearly marked, wide and the speed limit is pretty slow. You will be fine.

Many thanks for the replies. The Escalante it is then. I'll look into room rates and and see if we can afford a deluxe room or a suite.

Thanks for the help guys, I'd have been lost without you

Martin

To BBkay The Ritz Carlton is on the beach. There are two Ritz Carltons one that is right on the Beach on Vanderbit Beach Road has been there for 19 years And the other one is four miles away The Ritz golf resort and spa at Tribruon ( Greg Norman built Course)On Vanderbilt beach road & Airport Pulling Road . They have a shuttle bus so you can enjoy both places.

Sadly the "PHIL" that is mentioned above for cultural events is closed in July. Summer cultural activities are a little fewer, but do check out The Naples Players at the Sugden Theatre in the center of 5th Avenue South. They do a big musical every summer -- July to August.

Hi all

Well I think 10 nights at the Escalante is just about agreed on. Now the problem is with the 4 nights previous!!
We're going to go to New York for 4 nights first and have no idea where to stay!! - I know this is the Florida board, but you guys have been so good so far (and I have posted on the New York board, but only 1 reply!), so was wondering if any of you had any reccommendations for areas/hotels to stay in. Again, looking for that bit extra special as honeymoon and nights will be spent looking for good restaurants and seeing a couple of Broadway shows so would like to be near that (1st time in New York, subway at night might be a bit scary?)

Any help appreciated

Martin

Just so you know, Martin, there aren't separate boards for Fla. & NY. It's all on the US board. I would suggest looking at the Michelangelo Hotel. It's in the theater district but not in the middle of all the hussle bustle. People seem to like it. I believe it's listed on the Fodor's list of NYC hotels so you can look at Rants & Raves. Also look at reviews on tripadvisor.

If you are young (20s-30s) you might prefer to stay further downtown which tends to be a little younger/trendier. I have no sense of your age or what style place you might like.

Oops...sorry thought there was different forums :-)

Michaelangelo looks ideal. A question though - I'm not really an experienced traveller but on loads of rants and raves (especially for this hotel) it says - they knew it was our honeymoon/anniversary so upgraded us. How do they know??? Is it not a bit rude to just mention it at check-in in hope of getting an upgrade? What's the etiquette?

Thanks

Martin

When you first contact and/or book them, you should mention you are looking for something special for your honeymoon. It's another reason to deal with the hotel directly so that information gets passed along. And no, it doesn't hurt to say at checkin "Oh, did we get an upgrade since its our honeymoon?" It's New York, don't worry about being too blunt!!

Oh, and if you have your veil on and rice dripping out of your hair, they'll know!! (Just kidding.)

I couldn't agree more with the suggestion of the Michelangelo in Manhattan for your honeymoon.

Don't get me wrong Martin, Key West is a great place but it just didn't sound like the vein you are in for your honeymoon.

I think Naples is an excellent choice.

Patrick - lol thanks for the advice.
I'll try and 'drop it in' when speaking to the hotels!!! - discreetly, of course.

So after much delibiration it looks like
New York - 4 nights - Michaelangelo
Naples - 10 nights - Escalante

Thanks for the help folks, and I'm sure I'll be back with a load more questions before we go!

Martin

As for being 'scary', the subways in NYC (in the areas you'll be visiting) are busy, efficient, and really quite safe.
IMO they're not quite as well designed and run as the tube system in London, but not all that different. I don't think you'll feel uncomfortable at all if you're familiar with the system in London.

Naples is a bit old for a honeymoon. Try Captiva. It's the west end of Sanibel. And there is a great resort, South Seas Plantation, that takes up a huge chuck of Captiva. They have tons of acvitivies, and it is beautiful.

Those who are telling you that Naples is "old people" and you would be bored have obviously not been there for a while or didn't know where to go when they were here. My husband and I are 32 and we have plenty of friends in their 20's who love it here b/c there is a lot to do without the danger and cheesyness of the east coast of FLA. There are great restaurants, nightlife, beaches, shopping,boat trips, etc! Much more thatn on some island in the caribbean where they tell you not to leave the hotel or you might get mugged or worse! The escalante is in a great location! Also, I had friend's who stayed at Edgewater and loved it but you cannot walk to shopping from there (right on the beach) Key West is fun but has gotten raunchy in the last few years - not really a romantic, honeymoon place IMO. Have a great time wherever you choose!