Naples Hotel Areas Explained: Old Naples & Downtown vs Pelican Bay, Vanderbilt Beach & North Naples

Inn on Fifth is an award‑winning boutique hotel located directly on Naples’ iconic 5th Avenue South, offering a sophisticated blend of modern luxury and walkable convenience. The hotel features stylish contemporary rooms, a full‑service spa, a heated rooftop pool, and the exclusive Club Level Suites housed in a private building across the street. Guests enjoy immediate access to Naples’ best chef‑driven restaurants, art galleries, boutiques, and nightlife — all just steps from the hotel’s front door. The atmosphere is refined yet approachable, making it a favorite for couples, business travelers, and visitors seeking a polished downtown experience. The rooftop pool provides a serene escape above the city, while the Club Level offers elevated amenities including private check‑in, gourmet snacks, and personalized service. The beach is a short walk or bike ride away, adding to the hotel’s appeal for travelers who want both city energy and coastal relaxation. Why We Recommend It: A 5th Avenue South stay about a 10-minute walk from Naples Beach at Lowdermilk Park, with complimentary golf-cart transfers.

AC Hotel Naples 5th Avenue brings sleek European‑style boutique elegance to Naples’ historic downtown. The newly opened property features minimalist guestrooms with clean lines, modern finishes, and a calming aesthetic. Guests can enjoy Limon, the hotel’s gorgeous rooftop bar and kitchen offering Mediterranean‑inspired dishes and sunset views over the city. The hotel also includes an outdoor courtyard pool, a stylish lobby lounge, and easy walkability to Naples’ best restaurants, galleries, and shops. Its location places guests just minutes from the beach and premier Gulf Coast attractions, making it a convenient and chic home base for exploring the city. Why We Recommend It: A hotel on walkable 5th Avenue South in Old Naples, with self-parking available.

Naples Four Seasons — located at the historic Naples Beach Club — is the city’s premier upcoming ultra‑luxury destination. The resort spans expansive beachside acreage and blends Naples’ relaxed coastal charm with Four Seasons’ world‑renowned five‑star standards. Guests can expect heated pools, custom cabanas, beachfront dining, and a beautifully designed golf course. Although still emerging as Naples’ newest luxury icon, the property promises elevated service, modern coastal architecture, and a serene beachfront setting that will redefine high‑end hospitality in Southwest Florida. Why We Recommend It: A beachfront Four Seasons resort in Old Naples with 1,000 feet of white-sand beach and a spa.

LaPlaya Beach & Golf Resort is a luxury coastal haven nestled between Vanderbilt Bay and the Gulf of Mexico. The resort features custom‑designed guestrooms, a private golf course, cascading oceanfront pools, and tiki‑style beach service that enhances the tropical atmosphere. Guests can dine directly on the sand at the award‑winning BALEEN restaurant, known for its romantic beachfront setting and elevated coastal cuisine. The resort’s SpaTerre offers specialized tropical wellness treatments, while the beachfront location provides stunning sunset views and easy access to Naples’ calm Gulf waters. The atmosphere is serene, upscale, and perfect for both couples and families seeking a refined beach getaway. Why We Recommend It: A beachfront Naples resort on the Gulf. The resort fee covers beach chairs, towels, umbrellas, and weekly yoga.

The Ritz‑Carlton, Naples is the pinnacle of beachfront luxury on Florida’s Gulf Coast, recently reopened after a grand renovation that elevated every aspect of the resort. Guests enjoy access to the largest Ritz‑Carlton Club Lounge in North America, a sprawling 51,000‑square‑foot spa, and multiple pools overlooking the Gulf’s calm, turquoise waters. Oceanfront dining at Gumbo Limbo offers fresh coastal cuisine beneath swaying palms, creating a quintessential Naples experience. The resort’s children’s programs, beachfront activities, and polished service make it a favorite for both families and couples. Rooms and suites are beautifully redesigned with modern coastal elegance, offering stunning sunset views and premium amenities. With direct access to white‑sand beaches and world‑class dining, the Ritz‑Carlton Naples delivers a legendary luxury escape. Why We Recommend It: Oceanfront near Vanderbilt Beach, with beach chair and towel service and e-bike use included in the resort fee.

The Ritz‑Carlton Naples, Tiburón is a Mediterranean‑style luxury sanctuary surrounded by lush natural scenery and world‑class golf facilities. The resort features two championship 18‑hole golf courses designed by Greg Norman, a premier golf academy, and a full‑service spa offering restorative treatments. Its elegant architecture, warm earth tones, and manicured grounds create a peaceful, upscale environment. Families especially love The Reservoir, the resort’s custom‑designed water park featuring a lazy river, splash pad, and three thrilling water slides. Guests can also enjoy multiple dining options, spacious rooms with modern coastal décor, and easy access to Naples’ beaches and attractions. Why We Recommend It: About three miles from the Gulf, with a waterpark, bicycle rental, and a shuttle to The Ritz-Carlton, Naples for beach days.

Naples Grande Beach Resort is one of Southwest Florida’s most versatile coastal escapes, offering a blend of luxury, recreation, and natural beauty. Set on 23 acres of lush tropical landscape, the resort features an 18‑hole championship golf course, 15 Har‑Tru tennis courts, three sparkling pools, and a full‑service spa known for its restorative treatments. Families love the dedicated kid‑friendly pool with its 100‑foot waterslide, while couples gravitate toward the adults‑only pool for a quieter retreat. One of the resort’s signature experiences is its scenic boardwalk tram ride through a protected mangrove estuary, leading guests to a wide stretch of white‑sand beach with calm Gulf waters. Rooms and suites are spacious and modern, each offering private balconies with sweeping views of the Gulf of Mexico or the resort’s tropical grounds. Dining options range from casual coastal fare to refined evening meals, giving guests plenty of flexibility throughout their stay. Why We Recommend It: A Naples beach resort with a spa and a waterpark. A free tram or boardwalk through the mangroves leads to Clam Pass Beach.