The captivating vacation town of Naples, on Florida’s Gulf of Mexico coast, is popping with accessible dollar deals for Canadians.
On the list below, only the Naples Grande Beach Resort is beachfront on the Gulf of Mexico. The others are in “downtown” Naples, aka Old Naples, an appealing, walkable district of 50 boutiques and galleries and more than 30 restaurants along Fifth Ave. S. and Third St. S.
Downtown hotels are between one and three kilometres from the beach, and some have shuttles. You can also hop-on and hop-off the Naples Trolley (fees apply).
Other downtown attractions are the Tin City shopping village, the Naples Princess Cruise, the Naples Botanical Garden, the Naples Zoo, Opera Naples and the von Liebig Art Center.
Here is the scoop on Naples’s loonie-loving hotels
Luxurious Inn on Fifth: The ne-plus-chic boutique hotel Inn on Fifth is offering a fourth night free for Canadians in its stunning Club Level Suites.
This prestigious property is the epicentre of Naples’ upscale lifestyle, with cocktails and dining at Avenue5 and Truluck’s, as well as the Spa on Fifth, which runs great packages such as Romancing the Stone and Chocolate Indulgence.
The Club Level suites are luxurious accommodations with rich classic-contemporary decor, superior bedding, satin-trimmed robes and marble bathrooms. The Club Level lounge is a sublime place to chill with Champagne and an open bar, all-day refreshments and gourmet spreads at breakfast and cocktail hour.
Grande on the Gulf: The sweeping Naples Grande Beach Resort is extending a 20-per-cent discount to Canadians, plus a $25-per-night resort credit.
This resort has it all — contemporary rooms and suites, a gorgeous beach club with water sports on the Gulf, $5 Champagne on Fridays, a luxurious spa, 15 tennis courts, a scenic golf course and three swimming pools — one for adults, one for kids and one for laps.
The deluxe Tuscan-inspired Naples Bay Resort, built around a marina, has a 30-per-cent discount for Canadians staying three nights or more.
Picturesque Naples Bay: The deluxe Tuscan-inspired Naples Bay Resort is a full-service getaway built around a marina and extensive grounds, with a full-service spa, four swimming pools, tennis courts and a shuttle to its own beach area.
Canadians are treated to a 30-per-cent discount with a three-night minimum stay if you reserve before April 25 and stay before Oct. 31.
Spacious accommodations with traditional decor include hotel rooms, one- and two-bedroom suites with kitchens, plus larger cottages with a six-night minimum. Several dining options include the stylish new 1500 SOUTH by celebrity chef Art Smith, set to open next month.
Homespun Gondolier: The eight motel-style efficiencies at Gondolier Apartments & Inn have been a home-away-from-home for snowbirds for 58 years. A retro treasure that now is surrounded by modern-day beach estates, Gondolier Inn is offering a 20-per-cent discount to Canadians for visits of 28 days or more, and 10-per-cent off on visits of 10 days or more.
The Gondolier’s homespun apartments have new duvets, refreshed decor with terrazzo marble floors and colourful beach art by Popo Flanigan, plus kitchens and patios with café tables. Guests can use a communal barbecue and enjoy a tropical garden with orchids. The hotel supplies chairs for the Gulf beach — a 750-metre walk.
Handy Holiday Inn: The two-year-old Holiday Inn Express & Suites Downtown Naples will extend a discount of 15-per-cent off best-flexible rates, which start at $249.99 U.S., along with money-saving perks such as a free breakfast buffet, free use of business centre, local calls and Wi-Fi. All 124 rooms have mini-fridges and microwaves, and there is an outdoor pool and hot tub.
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IF YOU GO:
Paradise Coast Tourism: (Naples, Marco Island, Everglades): 800-688-3600/ 800-2ESCAPE, ParadiseCoast.com.
The Inn on Fifth: 888-403-8778, 239-403-8777, innonfifth.com; Fifth Ave. S., Naples, Fla. Price: Prices fluctuate daily. Club Level suites start at $999 U.S. in March or $559 U.S. in April (with Canadians getting a fourth night free), including twice-daily housekeeping, Club lounge, rooftop swimming pool, hot tub, shuttle around town when available, and fitness room. No resort fee. Without the Canadian special, deluxe rooms (not Club Level) currently start at $429 U.S.
Naples Grande Beach Resort: 844-330-1755, 239-597-3232, naplesgrande.com. Canadians’ discount on regular rates (use code 20CA), $399-$499 U.S. per day (or $169-299 U.S. after May 1); tower suites and garden villa suites cost more. Children free in certain rooms. A $35-a-day resort fee covers Wi-Fi, welcome drink, newspaper, beach shuttle (one-half kilometre), beach loungers, bicycles, golf driving range balls, 800- and local calls, 24-hour fitness centre, and a 10-per-cent discount on kids’ club, beach sports and tennis.
Naples Bay Resort: 855-998-9302, 239-530-1199, naplesbayresort.com; Fifth Ave. S.; Canadian 30-per-cent discount not valid March 20 and 26-30, April 29-30, May 27-29, Sept. 3-4. One-bedroom suites start at about $250 U.S. and generally decrease in early May; resort fee, $35 per day, includes private beach setups (less than four kilometres away), Wi-Fi, valet or self-parking, town/beach shuttle, four pools, hot tubs, local and 800- calls, newspaper, fitness centre, Har-Tru tennis courts, nature path. Pet-friendly.
Gondolier Apartments & Inn: 239-262-4858, gondolierinn.com; Eighth Ave. S.; Canadians have discounts off regular rates; until April 15, $170-$198 U.S.; April 16-Oct. 15, $90-$110 U.S., including assigned parking, Wi-Fi, cable TV, air-conditioning.
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Naples Downtown: 800-HOLIDAY/800-405-4329, 239-261-3500, hiexpress.com/naplesdwtnfl; Canadians have a discount of 15-per-cent off best-flexible rates, which start at $249.99 U.S. Rates change daily and are lower after April 11. Until April 30, IHG loyalty members receive an extra 1,000 points on Sundays.