Hello, I am tying to get my act together to book a trip to Naples Florida this April. I know that I am a little late. Years past I have stayed in a Condo. This year I would like to stay in a Hotel. Has anyone recently stayed at the Hotel Escalante or Edgewater beach hotel? Would really like the beach this year, but the Ritz gets a little costly for 10 days. Thank you! Kris

Hi Kris. I'm a little confused by your post. You do know that Escalante is not on the beach, but about 2 to 3 blocks away, don't you? It is a lovely property and certainly convenient to all the 5th Avenue restaurants, but not on the beach. Have you checked availability? I'd be sort of surprised if you can still get 10 days at the Edgewater in April, but maybe I'm wrong.
Of the two, I'd probably choose Escalante, but if looking out to the beach is important to you, then go for Edgewater. Both are nice properties.

Try the La Playa Beach Resort. Right on the ocean and a little bit less pricey than the Ritz.

But I think Kris is saying she wants to stay in Naples. LaPlaya is in Vanderbilt, quite a drive away in season traffic.

What ocean is Naples near?? I thought it was on the Gulf of Mexico. Did it move?

to the top.

Hi! I was surprised too that I could get so many days at the Edgewater. That is why I asked. Yes, I did know that it is a walk to the beach at the Escalante, I have never been in that hotel before and wondered if it was worth not being on the beach. I would really rather be in town this year. We have stayed in Bonita Bay, and the drive everyday was terrible. I love the restaurants in Naples so I was always driving both day and night. Thank you everyone! Kris

I walk by the Escalante every day on my way from my beach walk to Starbuck's (who said I'm in a rut). I did peek in some rooms just before they opened two years ago after the huge renovation. Rooms vary greatly in size, but all looked beautiful. I think it's a great location, you can walk to all the bars and restaurants on Fifth --even to three of my favorites which are all at Bayfront (Stoney's Steakhouse, Il Bellagio, and Syrah) -- a little further, but pleasant walk. Also you can walk to Tommy Bahamas or Campiello, about 8 blocks, but sidewalks and well lit.

I do know that Escalante will also set up an umbrella and chair, etc. for you on the beach.

Traffic is miserable. We left from downtown Naples to go see Chicago the other day in North Naples allowing a half hour and didn't make it!!! Vanderbilt is even further. I personally wouldn't want to drive back and forth to Vanderbilt if you like the downtown restaurants -- and the police are patrolling like crazy -- so it isn't even safe to drink or have wine with dinner!!! Two glasses of wine will easily put you over the limit, and I suspect that the county jail does not provide as nice accomodations as any of the places you mentioned.

Hi Patrick! Thanks for the warning! That is alot of my motovation to be closer. A family friend of mine lives in Naples and she said you DO NOT have two drinks and drive around their. Escalante sounds wonderful! That is if I still can get in...That way I can walk to shops and dining. Thank you!

In April you'll miss me in Kiss Me Kate at the Sugden on Fifth which closes the end of March, but if you like theatre, get tickets to see Born Yesterday running mid April and into May.

Thanks! Sorry not be their in Mar. are there any restaurants that I need to make advanced reservations? I love to go to the top places, for lunch and diner. Is St George and the Dragon still around? I went their thousands of years ago. I am that old! But have not looked for them in years.
Thank you for all of your help!
Kris

Yes St. George is still there -- I'm taking my mother tomorrow for her 83rd birthday -- it's her favorite. Still no reservations there, prepare to wait in the bar, but great steaks, conch chowder, and almond fried shrimp -- their specialties.
Generally you can make reservations within a few days at most of the places on Fifth, especially if you aren't exact on time required. Eight o'clock is always difficult.
They're doing a big "Thursday on Fifth" now with entertainment along the sidewalks -- very busy night!

Best in the downtown area in my humble opinion:
Pazzo
Chops
Campiello
Stoney's
Il Bellagio (also one of the best bargains)
Syrah
Bellisimo

WORST -- Avoid at all costs!!!
Annabelle's
Viva on 5th
Vergina's

Also Good:
Mangrove Cafe
Corks
Buon Gustaio (especially outside, pretend you're in Rome -- the waiters are just as difficult to understand)
Tommy Bahamas
Ciao (overpriced, but good)
Cheeburger, Cheeburger (had to sneak that one in)
Bistro 821
Yabba
Catch 22

Thanks for the list! And Happy Birthday to you Mother. The bar at St George was just like a "Chicago" bar. I will have to go back. I have decided on Escalante, good to know their is a Starbuck's arounds. May go to West Palm first to some of the horseshows.
Thank you again for all of your help.
Kris

Thanks so much for that list Patrick, especially for including the good, the bad and the ugly!! It's really helpful. I'm printing it off and putting it with my "Naples stuff", for our next trip down.

It is a little disconcerting to think that two glasses of wine puts you over the limit, and that they patrol so vigorously. I imagine that wine by the glass is a big seller then?

We had lunch at Tommy Bahamas on our last trip down. Never would have eaten there had I not seen your previous rec for it, but it was excellent, with an interesting menu. We were glad to have taken your advice.

Because we stay at Coconut Point, we'll generally dine in that area rather than make the long drive at night (and after a couple of glasses of wine), but do lunch in Naples. Does the same list hold true for lunch? Any additions or subtractions?

Hi Olive! One place that I loved for lunch, now this is really casual, was the The Dock. I am such a nut for Stone Crab, and they serve Champagne splits their so I found it to be a wonderful combination. But I bet Patrick has more ideas....I did find most dressy places open for lunch. The Venetian area had some nice places for lunch.
Kris

So many are not open for lunch.
But favorites for lunch are Campiello, Il Bellagio, and Tommy Bahamas. Unfortunately my least favorites mentioned above ARE open for lunch -- but I'd still avoid them.

I'm not a fan of The Dock, but it is a "fun" place, along with their sister restaurant at Tin City -- The Riverwalk.
Yabba was always my favorite for a real Carribean lunch -- but they are no longer open for lunch at all (keep hoping they will in season, but it's looking like no). Mangrove Cafe has a really good lunch menu.