Any suggestions for a upscale resort in naples and what is your opinion on above resort.We are a couple in the 40's meeting
friends and were wondering about whether to stay in Naples,Sanibel,or at sanibelharbor resort.

Sanibel Harbor Resort is still getting ready to reopen in February 2005. Since it sits at the mouth of the Caloosahatchee River at the Sanibel Causeway, it had significant damage from Hurricane Charlie. It is a nice resort but it is sort of isolated. There is a very nice spa on the property, absolutely great tennis facility (it was developed with Jimmy Connors at the height of the tennis craze), a very good formal restaurant: The Golden Bear (I've always wondered why the name and then the thought strikes me it is probably for another investor: Jack Nicklaus (? speculation). I don't know who is doing the renovation. Hopes are that it will be spectacular when finished. Fort Myers area needs a major luxury resort which we do not have.

That said, I'd probably pick LaPlaya resort in Naples but Sanibel Harbor is the best bet in Fort Myers at this time.

http://www.laplayaresort.com/
http://www.sanibel-resort.com/index2.asp

LMF

Edit above: Sanibel Harbor Resort: So long weird Golden Bear...Looks like all the restaurants with the exception of the sports bar at the tennis facility are newly created.

LMF

Most people go to Sanibel for the beach. Pictures having breakfast in your condo then zipping over to the beach for some shelling, then back to the condo for lunch and to change clothes. Then back to the island to do a little shopping or exploring. Then back to the condo for a little R&R, before dressing for dinner and heading back over to Sanibel for dinner. You've just racked up $18 in tolls to get across the bridge.

If you want Sanibel, definitely stay ON Sanibel.

I'd agree with LaPlaya at Vanderbilt, if not the Ritz or Registry in Naples.

LilMsFoodie: I believe it was always called Chez le Bear, not Golden Bear. At least all the years I stayed at the resort. I can't honestly remember if I ate there or not, though.

Sanibel Harbour Resort is a beautiful resort with wonderfully landscaped grounds and a great spa. I have spent many vacations in one of the condominium towers, and one night in the hotel itself.

As others have stated, there are drawbacks. There is only a small beach - very small. And if you want to spend most of your time on Sanibel, then you have to spend the $6.00 toll to get there. But I know some people are not beach people and this may not be important to you. You may want to visit Sanibel a couple of times for shopping, dining, or swimming, but there are many other options for shopping and dining in the Ft. Myers area (and Ft. Myers Beach for swimming). The Sanibel Harbour is in a convenient location to visit both.

I hope this helps.