Accomodation choice!

Can anyone advise? We are looking to stay in Naples over the Christmas and New Year period, (I appreciate this is peak time in terms of price of accomodation!). There are 5 of us. We are currently looking at various villas with private pools but also have the option of staying in the Bellasera resort, in a 3-bed suite. This gets pretty good reviews on this site but do any of you have tips on what would suit us better? There is not much on villas on this site and we are not sure what neighbourhoods to look at - Olde Naples close to 5th Ave shopping/restaurants or Vanderbilt Beach or places which describe themselves as ';10 mins by car from main shopping area';??

It is our first time in Naples so any advice appreciated!

Accomodation choice!

My first question is are you are more interested in having the nicer shops and upscale restaurants nearby (than check out Trianon, Bellasera or Inn on Fifth, or is it more important for you to venture out to the see and/or fish the Everglades, shop at the outlet center and be located in a more typical but still very nice florida beach environment (that would be LaPlaya at Vanderbilt) or other hotels in North Naples which are directly on the beach or condos which can be rented on Vanderbilt beach. Check out Bluebill rental properties, they should have properties for rent in your areas of interest.

Michelle....Naples Florida

Accomodation choice!

I%26#39;d make sure to know the exact location of any villa before securing a reservation. Whether you%26#39;d prefer the Bellasera really depends on what type of atmosphere you%26#39;re looking for.

Thanks for the replies Michmal and Loveflorida - we have decided a villa would suit us better - more of a ';home from home'; - especially over the holiday period - having our own pool would be a novelty (we%26#39;re from the UK). Shopping and upscale restaurants is not the priority but we thought it might be nice to have the proximity to that for evenings. During the day we plan a mix of day trips/visiting the islands/possibly golf or fishing for some of us and generally getting a feel for the area. We will of course rent a car - we have about 8 days in total so hope that is a good length of time.

A couple of villas have come up that we are looking at - areas are Old Naples; The Moorings, West Naples and I think Naples Park/North Naples? Can you advise on pros/cons of each area for us?

Also, this might be the wrong thread but where can I find out what events are on that we may like over christmas/new year period?

Is everything completely shut down on 25 Dec and 1 Jan (as it is in the UK?).

thanks!

Old Naples should put you near 5th Avenue and/or 3rd Street South -

which is a good location for walking to restaurants and shopping. Between Christmas and New Year there is an annual art festival along Fifth Avenue December 30 and 31 from 10am to 5 - watch the events calendar at United Arts Council - website is uaccollier.com/calendar.htm#December2006

or also check http:// www.naples-florida.info

For activities - if you are staying in Old Naples you will be close to Naples City Dock and Crayton Cove for fishing or boating - check

http://www.naples-florida.com/fish/home.htm for information on several fishing charter guides as well as shelling and sunset boat tours.

Hi Scotlass,

I think a villa/condo is a good choice given your needs. Any of the areas will be good......Old Naples will be nice since you can probably take some nice strolls out for dinner on Fifth Avenue or even to do some window shopping. This area along with the Vanderbilt area, in my opinion, will help you to feel you are on vacation in Florida. The other areas mentioned are beautiful but much more residential feeling. Another beautiful condo area to consider is Pelican Bay where they have their own beach and restaurants. Most buildings there do require up to a 3 month stay but you may still find a few that don%26#39;t and not all condos have a view of the water but most hi-rises in Pelican Bay do. To get to the beach there are trams that take you on a few minute ride through the mangroves. Within Pelican Bay some buildings are within walking distance to the Philharmonic Center for the Arts and Museum where you can take in a Symphony or concert or visit some fascinating collections in the Museum. Also in Pelican Bay is a beautiful botique type but quite large upscale mall with some great new restaurants and lots of beautiful shops. Also, Christmas and New Years is a busy toursist time and you will find everything open with the exception of maybe Christmas day itself.

Hope this helps!

Michelle....Naples

I agree with the other posters. I have relatives in North Naples, and while it%26#39;s very nice, it%26#39;s more of a residential than vacation area. My husband and I have stayed near the downtown area and enjoy the shops, restaurants, and bars. It%26#39;s a beautiful area to stroll around.

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