vkb2

We are going for spring break with my 14 year old daughter. She wants the beach and other kids her age to be able to play with. My husband only cares about a fitness facility and maybe some biking. I just want everyone to be happy and would also like a nice town. Any recommendations between the Registry and LaPlaya which apparently have both just completed renovations?

Patrick

I would think over spring break there will be lots of families at either place. I'd probably go for The Registry as it's bigger and maybe a little more going on, plus being closer to downtown or "the mall". And bike riding is much nicer there -- on the edge of Parkshore -- a huge area with good bike paths (although part of the streets). Better than the single traffic laden road along Vanderbilt Beach.

vkb2

Are both hotels of the same caliber?

Patrick

I'd say yes. The Registry is a little larger and more "flashy". LaPlaya was totally rebuilt and redone in the last couple of years and is a little more "laid back" in feel. LaPlaya is right on the beach though. The Registry sits back from the beach in natural mangroves. It's a decent walk or tram ride out to the beach. That may be a consideration.

vkb2

Are both resorts in the same vicinity and are they fairly close to town. Also I thought both resorts just recently went through renovations.

Patrick

If you call "town" Fifth Avenue South in Naples, which is the "heart" of the entertainment and restuarant area, then The Registry is about a 15 to 25 minute drive away in season. La Playa is a good 10 to 15 minutes longer (25 to 40 minutes total in heavy traffic and hitting all the stop lights).

The Registry did just undergo a major refurbishment -- primarily redoing rooms I'd think, nothing too major structurally. La Playa was almost rebuilt from the ground up a year or two ago, and in the past couple of years a big new tower was built. Both should have very nicely furnished rooms and decor now, as well as beautiful public spaces. The Registry has three complete restaurants on site for a little more variety. LaPlaya basically has just one (plus maybe a snack bar type thing?). There is also a private club at LaPlaya, but that is for members only.

Paul

Ummm.... I would hate to ever disagree with Patrick regarding Naples, but I do on this one.

LaPlaya has a nice fitness facility, is located down the street from Wiggins Pass, and IMHO, has far nicer hotel open spaces compared to The Registry. Not to mention the location of being RIGHT ON the beach (sorry - not into the tram at Registry). Unless the pool has undergone improvements at The Registry, La Playa's swimming facilities are FAR superior in comparison.

The rooms are absolutely gorgeous in LaPlaya, it is practically next door to The Ritz with the Waverunners/Windsurfing, additional restaurants (poolside is nice, as is the beach/tiki restaurant), etc.

There are always plenty of kids around the Vanderbilt Beach area - which is between LaPlaya and The Ritz. I have biked through the streets on canals and found it peaceful and fun. True, you probably couldn't do much intense biking in the area; with the exception of the 3 1/2 mile bike ride straight down Vanderbilt to "the other" Ritz Golf Resort (with a few intersections).

The Turtle Club restaurant is right there on the beach as well, and it is a great spot for lunch. Also, the restaurant at LaPlaya is one of my favorites for its food, atmosphere and unbelievable sunsets. Yes, service has always been spotty there for me, although I have returned year after year and enjoyed my dining experience every time.

You will make it to downtown with the drive. It's not that bad. It is interesting all the way, with plenty of shopping and restaurants all around you on your way.

Have a great time in Naples! It is a beautiful city.

Patrick

Paul, I'm not sure you're disagreeing with me. I've tried to be very open on my posts here. And most recently I've said if being right on the beach is important, then that might be a consideration.
But other than the landscaped medians, I can't think why the drive from either of the places discussed would be "interesting". It's kind of strip shopping center row -- Office Depot, MacDonalds, Red Lobster, gas stations, mall, Publix, Walgreen's, Holiday Inn, and what else?

vkb2

Both of you are very convincing and make good points. I've seen the pictures online of the rooms at La Playa and they look beautiful compared to the Registry and you both say the fitness center is better at La Playa along with the beach being so close. Apparently the Registry has redone their main pool to have a 100 foot slide but reading comments on Fodors it sounds like the pool can get very crowded. However, the Registry is closer to restaurants and town and might have more going on for my daughter. Sounds like I should be thinking more of La Playa but for some reason can't decide. Maybe after sleeping on it I'll make up my mind.

I really appreciate all the input you've given Patrick. You should do this for a living.

Paul

Dear Patrick,

I think you've been living in Naples for too long and vacationing only in exciting cities! lol For those of us from the rust belts and not-so-exciting areas, we can honestly say you've got it all goin' on all over your town, buddy.

I would try and list all of the places I have stopped along 41 between Vanderbilt Beach Rd. and downtown, but I just wouldn't remember them all. I see beyond the chain restaurants and stores that you see. Yes, it is a stip-style places haven, but it is always exciting to me.

Start with shopping at Vanderbilt in the great discount store Steinmart. Pick up at least four pair of great sunglasses for the year! Then have coffee next door at Caribu Coffee on the patio outside with a jazz band playing under a warm star-lit sky and palm trees swaying; it is pretty exciting to me to grab a cup of java (you shoud see OUR Caribu Coffee LOL).

Down the street are the Waterside Shops at Pelican Bay - with some great restaurants and uniquie shopping. The Silver Spoon is a terrific casual restaurant - California Pizza too.

Admiring the large beautiful banks, the gorgeous landscaping, the palm trees, the many restaurants including; Carrabbas, Charodnnay, P.F. Changs, Macaroni Grill, Cilantro Tamales, Perkins, DAmici's (terrific take-outs!), Lulu B's (go meet Judge Judy husband's hussy!), Pippins, etc. Yes, I realize that some of the fore-mentioned are chains, and you will also see about a half-dozen McDonalds from LaPalya driving to 5th Avenue, but it is still exciting to many people! {And these are just some of the places I remember!}

Of course, once you're on 5th or 3rd in downtown proper - you've really hit the jackpot with things to see, do, and taste, and purchase. No question that it is a pretty exciting place with endless things to do. Yes, downtown is spectacular!

But I wouldn't discount the trip to get to downtown from the Vanderbilt area. For us out-of-towners, it really is special in it's own way.

Happy Tamiami Trails,
Paul

PS to vkb2 - If you get the chance I'd hop on the Naples Sightseeing Trolly. I know it picks up passengers just outside LaPlaya. You'd get a great feel for the city in a relatively short time. I took my parents years ago and we all loved it.

vkb2

You know one main drawback about La Playa for me is that they charge $18 a day just to let our car sit there. Decisions, decisions.

Paul

Yes, to me that is an awful thing to charge your hotel guests for - whether it be New York, San Francisco, or even Naples. Even if you go the to Naples Ritz for dinner, there is still a valet charge (no free parking at all anymore). I wish hotels wouldn't do this. But I still say, bite the bullet - you'll be glad you did.

Patrick

Paul you are absolutely right. I think I've lived here too long to appreciate how nice Naples really is! All those places you mention along the Trail are really there and many of them are so nice. I guess when I'm sitting in traffic trying to get somewhere I can only see the uglies, not the joys.

For the record, how much does the Registry charge for parking? If it's free, I'd be very surprised.

vkb2

The Registry has free underground parking for it's guests. If you want valet parking then it's $18. La Playa has a flat $18 a day parking charge.

Do you both think we will be happiest at La Playa or is it a toss up?