Naples in South Florida attracts millions of visitors each year. Its white beaches, blue Gulf of Mexico and pretty palm trees make Naples a true vacation paradise. But where to stay in Naples for the best experience?
Old Naples has that quintessential upscale vibe plus a lovely beach. But if you’re just craving some soft sand to lounge on, other great options are North Naples and Marco Island.
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Where to stay by area
- Old Naples – Quintessential charm.
- North/Vanderbilt – Beachfront resorts.
- Marco Island – Secluded island stays.
- East Naples – Budget-friendly lodging.
Old Naples
Naples beautifully sits on the Gulf of Mexico in Southwest Florida. Old Naples, also known as Downtown Naples, is a charming part of the city with spotless bright-colored architectural masterpieces and a unique vibe.
This is the fancy heart of the city, with some of the most exclusive addresses in the United States.
The most famous address of them all is Fifth Avenue South. Visit to enjoy a fascinating mix of laid-back South Florida attitude and luxury. The street is home to high-end stores, renowned restaurants and pleasant watering holes.
At the western end of 5th Avenue South, you’ll find another highlight, Naples Beach. Here, the iconic Naples Pier beautifully extends into the Gulf of Mexico. It’s one of the most classic and appreciated beaches in Florida.
But with a unique ambience and beautiful beach comes higher hotel rates. So if you visit on a budget, you may have to look towards the other areas of Naples.
Pick Old Naples for: The iconic heart.
Best hotels in Old Naples
Hotel Escalante
Want to stay in Naples on the beach and Fifth Avenue South? The expensive solution to that is Hotel Escalante. Here, you get the best of both worlds as you stay just a short walk from both Naples Beach and the best restaurants of Fifth Avenue South.
Cove Inn on Naples Bay
Cove Inn on Naples Bay sits with a stunning view of the marina, with all you need for an enjoyable stay. The location is convenient, a mile (1.6 km) from the beach and even shorter from Fifth Avenue South.
North Naples/Vanderbilt
North Naples is an interesting alternative to the conventional Old Town. The spectacular Vanderbilt Beach with sugar-white sand and the inviting Gulf of Mexico is a great area to unwind.
In the Vanderbilt area, there’s an abundance of dreamy beachfront hotels. Above all, Vanderbilt Beach is a superb option if you’re planning a quiet stay with lazy beach days.
North Naples also offers some great dining opportunities. So you don’t need to drive to Old Naples for dinner. You have all you need for a comfortable stay on the beach in the Vanderbilt area.
But from Vanderbilt Beach to Downtown Naples, it’s 10 miles (16 km) and about half an hour to drive. Therefore, it’s not the best area to stay in if you prefer to have Naples’ iconic entertainment scene close by.
Pick the Vanderbilt area for: The beach.
Marco Island
Marco Island is an island 20 miles (32 km) and about 40 minutes south of Old Naples. Just like Naples, Marco Island is blessed with spectacular beaches — white sand, blue water and stunning sunsets are everyday stuff here.
For effortless beach access, opt for one of the sprawling hotels along South Marco Beach.
But good or bad, on Marco Island, you’ll find fewer things to do than in Naples. The island is more laid-back and quieter than the neighboring upscale city. On Marco Island life really is a beach.
Pick Marco Island for: Seclusion.
Best hotels on Marco Island
JW Marriott
This oceanfront resort is located right on South Beach, just steps from the Gulf of Mexico, and offers fantastic facilities, including 3 outdoor pools.
Hilton Beach Resort
Along the beach strip and not far from JW Marriott, you’ll find Hilton Beach Resort & Spa. It’s another popular option directly on the beach with superb amenities.
East Naples
Naples is a popular destination in Southwest Florida, and the hotel rates throughout the city tend to reflect that. But if you travel on a budget, consider your options in East Naples.
East Naples neither has the charm of Old Naples or a glistening beach location. But accommodation in East Naples is generally cheaper than in the other areas.
Still you can go from East Naples to Old Naples attractions in just minutes. As a bonus, if you stay in the eastern part of the city, you also minimize the driving distance to Everglades National Park.
Pick East Naples for: Budget friendliness.
Best hotels in East Naples
Staybridge Suites
Staybridge Suites is an excellent place to stay in Naples without breaking the bank. Located between Old Naples and Everglades, it’s also a very convenient pick if you plan to visit both destinations.
You might wonder…
Old Town is the best area in Naples if you want great access to attractions and the quintessential vibe. But North Naples and Marco Island are stunning options with as beautiful beaches.
The selection of beachfront lodging in Old Naples is rather limited. Therefore, you may need to look towards North Naples and Vanderbilt Beach or Marco Island to find your perfect fit.
From Vanderbilt Beach, it’s 10 miles (16 km) and roughly 30 minutes by car to Fifth Avenue South in Old Naples.
East Naples is a great option for budget travelers. In only minutes, you can go from East Naples to famous Old Town spots including Fifth Avenue South.
Both Naples and Marco Island are excellent choices for dreamy beach stays in Southwest Florida. Naples is more upscale and sophisticated with lots of things to do, while Marco Island is more laid-back and quiet.
Destinations near Naples, FL
Offering sugar-white beaches, unique shopping and fine dining, Naples is a dreamy town for a South Florida vacation. However, there are many more gems to explore in this balmy Sunshine State region.
- Marco Island – Crave a quiet beach escape? Off Southwest Florida’s mainland, laid-back Marco Island is a beautiful place to get some sand between your toes.
- Fort Myers – It’s not hard to see why the great inventors Thomas Edison and Henry Ford fell for Fort Myers. Tour their historic winter estates and lounge on the soft dunes of Fort Myers Beach.
- Sanibel Island – You won’t find any high rises on this Florida island. Sanibel Island, also known as the world’s shelling capital, welcomes you to get back to nature — with top amenities, of course.
- Everglades – For an unmatched change of scenery, visit the alligator’s vast home, Everglades National Park. Memorable airboat tours depart from Everglades City, where you’ll also find the Gulf Coast Visitor Center.
- Miami – The Florida city that never sleeps, Miami is an energy-filled contrast to the Gulf Coast. Enjoy the high pace in South Beach, or sightsee the fascinating neighborhoods of Wynwood and Little Havana.
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