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| THE LIVING ROOM of The Inn on Fifth’s Presidential Suite has a pull-out bed, a 52” TV and a large balcony with views of downtown Naples. |
With the third-highest density of millionaires in the country, it’s no surprise Naples, FL, is a swank escape with plenty of luxury shopping, elegant dining and fabulous golf options. And did we mention the beaches? Here are three hotels in the area A-listers should consider while they’re sampling this southwest Florida enclave.
The Inn on Fifth
The Inn on Fifth is an independent boutique hotel right on one of Old Naples’ charming main streets, and is a good fit for those who want to be right in the middle of the action.
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| Club Level Suites at The Inn on Fifth provide secluded rooftop retreat with vibrant streetscape below. |
The Inn also has some of the city’s newest notable hotel rooms: Following an $18 million expansion and renovation, the hotel opened a new three-story building across from the original venue last December, complete with a rooftop hot tub and sunbathing area. (Who says you have to go to the beach to get some rays?) The new building also has 32 Club Level Suites that are tops for jetsetters: Perks include continental breakfast every morning, tea every afternoon and cocktails (with snacks) every evening; and complimentary transportation to and from the Naples Airport and around downtown in a Cadillac Escalade SUV. The rooms have furnished balconies that look over the downtown area.
The hotel also recently announced plans for a new restaurant to be constructed on the site of McCabe’s Irish Pub & Grill. We hear the menu will serve American cuisine for lunch and dinner with seasonal breakfasts. The as-yet unnamed restaurant is expected to open before Christmas.
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| The Ritz-Carlton, Naples’ Gulf Front Room affords direct views of white sand beaches and the Gulf of Mexico. |
While they wait for the debut, foodies can still try the signature stone crab claws at the hotel’s restaurant, Truluck’s, which serves crabs from its own fisheries on the Isle of Capri, only 18 miles from the restaurant. Tasty Tip: From October 15 through May 14, guests can go for all-you-can-eat stone crabs on Monday nights.
Top digs at the Inn are the Presidential Suites in the new building, which have two bedrooms (each with its own bathroom); a living room with a queen-sized pull-out bed (good for families), a wet bar with refrigerator and a French door to large balcony with views of downtown Naples. On the second floor, the Naples Florida Presidential Suite has a 500-square-foot balcony that looks onto Fifth Avenue and Park St. The third floor has the Fifth Avenue Presidential Suite, with three separate balconies (for each room and the living area).
For families or larger groups, the majority of the Club Level suites can connect to other rooms. For top views, ask for suites that overlook Fifth Avenue.
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| Ritz-Carlton Naples Golf Resort features a GPS system on all carts, packed lunch and pre-stocked coolers. |
The head concierge is Club Level Manager Miriam Graniel ([email protected]; 239-280-2770), and luxury travel advisors can reach out to Director of Sales & Marketing Cathy Christopher ([email protected]; 239-263-2807).
Also on the Scene
Naples has two Ritz-Carlton hotels for different interests: The Ritz-Carlton, Naples is right on the beach (and is referred to as the Beach Resort), while The Ritz-Carlton Golf Resort is three miles away. The two resorts seem to represent Naples’ dual nature as both a seaside town and a golf haven. Visitors can make a complete vacation by spending a few days at each property.
The Ritz-Carlton, Naples
We’re impressed by the sheer size of the Ritz-Carlton Spa at the Beach Resort, which is big enough for two full hotels: The 51,000-square-foot tri-level spa has 35 treatment rooms, including 19 for massage therapy, one eco-friendly and Thai massage, two couples massage rooms, seven aesthetics rooms, four body therapy and two hydro baths.
For any spa bookings, contact Leisure Reservations Supervisor Mike Granizo ([email protected]; 239-514-6131). Spa Director Michelle Kelthy ([email protected]; 239-514-6127) can also help arrange special requests, like bridal party events (think airbrushed makeup).
The most popular rooms at the Beach Resort are the Two Bedroom Royal Suites, which have one bedroom with a queen bed and another with either a king bed or two double beds. The living room has a pull-out sofa and the dining room has a table for eight, so there’s plenty of room for the whole family. The balcony overlooks the pool and has a side view of the Gulf of Mexico. Families should book rooms in Coastal, Gulf View, Gulf Front and Beach Front categories.
But VIPs will want to book one of the Presidential Suites, which have perks like a Jacuzzi; a fireplace, wet bar and entertainment system; a separate dining area for eight (and a dedicated service pantry); and—best of all—three private balconies with direct views over the Gulf of Mexico. Family Touch: The Presidential Suites can connect to a Club Coastal Room.
The concierge team can arrange all kinds of activities and special events for guests, including sea excursions, dolphin-watching trips, chartered boats and beachside dining. Contact Concierge Supervisor Kelly McCann ([email protected]; 239-248-6685) for more information.
Good to know: Just as we were going to press, the Beach Resort closed down for a two-month renovation that will overhaul all guest rooms, suites, and corridors, three dining outlets and the event space. The Golf Resort will remain open during the renovation, and guests there can get to Vanderbilt Beach by a complimentary resort shuttle.
Ritz-Carlton Naples Golf Resort
Of course, golf is in the spotlight at the Golf Resort, and they make it special: Normal services include a GPS system on all carts, packed lunch and pre-stocked coolers (with advanced request). The Tiburón Golf Course was designed by Greg Norman and is home to the annual LPGA Tour’s CME Titleholders event and the Franklin Templeton Shootout. Good to know: The Gold Course measures and The Black Course alternate each day for resort play.
Novice and experienced golfers can take lessons at the PGA TourAcademy—private classes can be arranged, and there are even programs for kids. Reach out to Director of Golf Kyle Mercer ([email protected]; 239-254-3340) for special requests or arrangements.
After a round, no need to head over to the Beach Resort to work out the knots in the muscles: The Golf Resort has a small facial and massage center with four treatment rooms and a sauna.
The most popular rooms at the Golf Resort are the Tiburón Suites, which have a private covered balcony. These suites can also connect and look over the golf course. Families should go for the Resort View or Golf View rooms, and both Executive and Tiburón Suites, which can interconnect.
The Presidential Suite here has two private balconies that look over the Tiburón Golf Course. The parlor has a dining area for eight and service pantry separated from the bedroom by French doors. As with the Beach Resort, the Suite can connect to other rooms for groups or families.
Bonus: For something really special, get access to the Club Lounge, which serves food and drinks throughout the day and has a complimentary menu of libations. A dedicated concierge in the Lounge can also help arrange special requests.
Lead Concierge Jill Bound ([email protected]; 239-254-1721) can arrange the same experiences as her counterpart at the Beach Resort, and Director of Travel Industry Janet Miller ([email protected]; 239-598-6699) is the best contact for special requests at both hotels.