Just Got Back from Naples Beach for the Weekend. My Review on Naples Beach Hotel & Golf Club.
Well I just got back from a weekend getaway to Naples Beach. Jeff told me he found a good deal on the internet for a hotel right on the beach so I figured why not. I haven't been to Naples in a very very long time. Well here is my review of the hotel we stayed at...The Naples Beach Hotel & Golf Club.
The hotel has been family owned and operated for 60 years. It has numerous buildings making up the property and has just undergone some minor renovations. Our internet rate was $318 (plus tax) for 2 nights. not too bad considering it's right on the beach.
We arrived on Saturday about 2 PM. The lobby was very nice...hard wood floors highly polished right at the entrance and a relaxing nautical feel. (I have a few pics below.) There wasn't a line to check-in which was perfect. I asked the clerk if there were any upgrades available...and he was quick to answer..."oh, sorry...no. We are oversold tonight, we have you in a Superior Water View Room with 2 queen beds on the 5th floor of our Watkins Tower." At first, I was excited because the internet did not mention that my room would have a water view. But what did concern me was that the clerk told me they were 'oversold'. I was in the hotel business for years and you NEVER tell someone you are oversold. (well, unless you don't have rooms at all for people checking in with prepaid reservations). I asked about the parking and he told me there should be plenty of spots by our building.
When we pulled into the parking lot...we had to 'make our own' spot. It was along the yellow curb and there were cars all lined up there already. I don't know where we would have parked if we didn't squeeze into this spot, because Naples Beach is full of condos and residential streets.
The room was on the 5th floor and it was right next to the elevator. The room was nice at first glance. Very 'beachy'. (see pics below). Now I've been in many hotel rooms and have seen lots of things. There are certain standards you expect when you are paying $150 plus a night. Here are some of the issues we encountered:
1. There was an old 'blood' stain on one of the pillow cases. Ick. These are WHITE sheets...and no way the housekeeper could miss it. She even missed it the 2nd day when she made up the room.
2. The bathroom plumbing is way outdated. The shower/tub is extremely slow to drain...so after 5 minutes you are standing in ankle-deep water.
3. I know this is a 'beach' resort...but you have to give guests other entertainment options in case the weather doesn't agree. The TV is a 13"..but at least it's stereo.
4. The ice machine is located on the 4th floor and was not working. Only operational ice machine is outside of the building. (Red Roof Inn anyone?)
5. The restaurant selection is very small. The place for dinner is very expensive as well. $20 for pasta. I'd recommend going north on Tamiami Tail to the mall...lots more dinner options.
6. The Housekeeper took one of the 'robes' that Jeff used and didn't replenish it. Now I can't WAIT to see that show up on my credit card. We called housekeeping and even asked the housekeeper about it...but she didn't speak English at all. AT ALL! Also, there was another housekeeper that showed up and didn't even knock on the door. She just came in...Think they need some re-training.
7. The parking. Horrible.
8. They gave us a handicap accessible room. 6 handlebars in the shower...door bell...and also they put us right next to the elevator. You can hear it ALL day and night. A loud whining sound when it moves.
9. The beds. Uncomfortable. A pull out sofa bed would have been more comfortable. They have a new Spa on the property...but if they can't make sleeping comfy...why would you go to their Spa?
We ate at the Everglades Room breakfast buffet one morning. Overall the meal was good. Large selection and they seemed to stay on top of stocking items. The price is $15.95 per person (adults) and you get a $2 off coupon when you check in. I'd say try it for one of your mornings.
There were some good things about the hotel:
1. Great View. See pictures below.
2. Small refrigerator and 'wet bar' in our room. In room safe as well.
3. Large Balcony in the Watkins Building.
4. Great spot for a sunset.
5. Right on the beach.
6. Kids activities.
7. Golf right on the property.
8. Close to downtown Naples...but you'll need a car or transportation.
9. Wi-Fi access on property. $9.95 per 24 hours.
So that is my review. Will we be back? Don't think so. While this might cost less than the Ritz Carlton, there should be some standards when you are charging $150 a night our of season. I do give them credit for trying to hold the place together, but I think it's time for an upgrade to the property.
While this isn't in SouthEast Florida, I just wanted to give everyone the scoop on this property.
The inside lobby of the main building:
Our room in the Watkins Wing:
The View from our room:
Sunset on the hotels beach:
The hotel has been family owned and operated for 60 years. It has numerous buildings making up the property and has just undergone some minor renovations. Our internet rate was $318 (plus tax) for 2 nights. not too bad considering it's right on the beach.
We arrived on Saturday about 2 PM. The lobby was very nice...hard wood floors highly polished right at the entrance and a relaxing nautical feel. (I have a few pics below.) There wasn't a line to check-in which was perfect. I asked the clerk if there were any upgrades available...and he was quick to answer..."oh, sorry...no. We are oversold tonight, we have you in a Superior Water View Room with 2 queen beds on the 5th floor of our Watkins Tower." At first, I was excited because the internet did not mention that my room would have a water view. But what did concern me was that the clerk told me they were 'oversold'. I was in the hotel business for years and you NEVER tell someone you are oversold. (well, unless you don't have rooms at all for people checking in with prepaid reservations). I asked about the parking and he told me there should be plenty of spots by our building.
When we pulled into the parking lot...we had to 'make our own' spot. It was along the yellow curb and there were cars all lined up there already. I don't know where we would have parked if we didn't squeeze into this spot, because Naples Beach is full of condos and residential streets.
The room was on the 5th floor and it was right next to the elevator. The room was nice at first glance. Very 'beachy'. (see pics below). Now I've been in many hotel rooms and have seen lots of things. There are certain standards you expect when you are paying $150 plus a night. Here are some of the issues we encountered:
1. There was an old 'blood' stain on one of the pillow cases. Ick. These are WHITE sheets...and no way the housekeeper could miss it. She even missed it the 2nd day when she made up the room.
2. The bathroom plumbing is way outdated. The shower/tub is extremely slow to drain...so after 5 minutes you are standing in ankle-deep water.
3. I know this is a 'beach' resort...but you have to give guests other entertainment options in case the weather doesn't agree. The TV is a 13"..but at least it's stereo.
4. The ice machine is located on the 4th floor and was not working. Only operational ice machine is outside of the building. (Red Roof Inn anyone?)
5. The restaurant selection is very small. The place for dinner is very expensive as well. $20 for pasta. I'd recommend going north on Tamiami Tail to the mall...lots more dinner options.
6. The Housekeeper took one of the 'robes' that Jeff used and didn't replenish it. Now I can't WAIT to see that show up on my credit card. We called housekeeping and even asked the housekeeper about it...but she didn't speak English at all. AT ALL! Also, there was another housekeeper that showed up and didn't even knock on the door. She just came in...Think they need some re-training.
7. The parking. Horrible.
8. They gave us a handicap accessible room. 6 handlebars in the shower...door bell...and also they put us right next to the elevator. You can hear it ALL day and night. A loud whining sound when it moves.
9. The beds. Uncomfortable. A pull out sofa bed would have been more comfortable. They have a new Spa on the property...but if they can't make sleeping comfy...why would you go to their Spa?
We ate at the Everglades Room breakfast buffet one morning. Overall the meal was good. Large selection and they seemed to stay on top of stocking items. The price is $15.95 per person (adults) and you get a $2 off coupon when you check in. I'd say try it for one of your mornings.
There were some good things about the hotel:
1. Great View. See pictures below.
2. Small refrigerator and 'wet bar' in our room. In room safe as well.
3. Large Balcony in the Watkins Building.
4. Great spot for a sunset.
5. Right on the beach.
6. Kids activities.
7. Golf right on the property.
8. Close to downtown Naples...but you'll need a car or transportation.
9. Wi-Fi access on property. $9.95 per 24 hours.
So that is my review. Will we be back? Don't think so. While this might cost less than the Ritz Carlton, there should be some standards when you are charging $150 a night our of season. I do give them credit for trying to hold the place together, but I think it's time for an upgrade to the property.
While this isn't in SouthEast Florida, I just wanted to give everyone the scoop on this property.
The inside lobby of the main building:
Our room in the Watkins Wing:
The View from our room:
Sunset on the hotels beach:
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