My family is gathering in Naples next Thanksgiving to visit my brother. He lives in the Wiggins Bay area. We would need 3-4 condo/apt. type places. Can anyone recommend anything similar to the Park Shore Resort where we have stayed before?

Wow, that's a tough one. Park Shore Resort is kind of a unique property in Naples, and such a bargain compared to any of the real condos I can think of. Are you looking for a week or more for each one? Do you need kitchens?

Patrick - We really don't need kitchens . . .just an economical place to house that many people. Any ideas?

Look into "Bellasera". They have studio and 1, 2, and 3 BR condo units. It is brand new and has a very upscale feel -- granite countertops in kitchen and bathrooms. Price was very affordable -- I think about $150/night for a 2 BR condo (in August), and they set up a crib for no extra charge. I believe the condos are all privately owned, but it appears that the decor is standard throughout. There is a very nice pool and courtyard in the center of the property, although we were too busy to take advantage. We were really impressed that we could get such a nice condo for a short stay (2 nights) at that price. Very well maintained, too. When researching hotels, I had read in another thread a story of someone peeking under the bed at one of Naples' finer hotels and seeing lots of dust bunnies -- when I peeked under the bed in our condo, there was a card underneath that said "yes, we clean under here too"! (I thought that was pretty funny.) It's downtown -- not sure how that relates to Wiggins Bay.

You might also check DoubleTree Suites, right up by the river, not far from Wiggins Pass on 41. It tends to be primarily a business hotel, so they may offer special pricing over Thanksgiving when business falls off.

Does the family own in a condo complex? Another possibility is posting a notice on their own bulletin board saying they need a couple of places during Thanksgiving next year. With a small rental payment and hiring a professional cleaner to take care of everything when leaving, other owners may take you up on that, as a lot of people leave before then or don't come down until after Thanksgiving.

I'm assuming you need these places for less than a week? If so that makes rental nearly impossible for actual condos.

Thank you. Yes, we'll only be there Wed. - Sunday. Double Tree Suites is a good idea. Will check Bellasera too, although it would be more of a trip. Brother owns a villa near Tarpon Cove Yacht Club and most activites will take place there.

Got a good rate at the Doubletree Suites. Thanks so much.

Ah good. Once in awhile a good thought comes out of this head.