Beach lovers searching for a tropical paradise in the Southeast USA will love lazing on the white sands in Naples, Florida. For travelers to this ritzy beach town, choosing where to stay in Naples, FL, isn’t always easy. One of the most popular places to visit in Southwest Florida, Naples offers endless accommodation options spread across a variety of interesting areas and neighborhoods.
If you’re a first-timer, Old Naples and Downtown Naples, particularly around 5th Avenue South, are the top areas to stay in Naples. Getting further outside the city center, you’ll have plenty more choices, too, including Pelican Bay and Vanderbilt Beach in North Naples, and Marco Island. Each neighborhood has its own quirks and attractions.
Ready to book the perfect Southwest Florida beach vacation? Find all the best places to stay in Naples, FL, with this complete guide to the city’s top areas, neighborhoods, and hotels.
Looking for more ideas for your trip? Check out our other hotel & accommodations guides and our Florida Travel Guide for recommendations on when to visit, where to go & what to do!
Best places to stay in Naples, FL
If you’ve never been to Naples, Florida, choosing which part of the city to stay in can be difficult. Perched on the Gulf of Mexico, Naples is stringed by beautiful beaches featuring stunning views and warm water. No matter where you lay your head, you won’t be far from the beach and pristine Gulf shoreline.
For travelers, the most popular areas are Old Naples & Downtown Naples. These two central neighborhoods offer the city’s best dining choices and are close to its fine white-sand beaches and tourist attractions. For a sophisticated and elegant stay, book a room along 5th Avenue South. To indulge in golfing, luxury shopping, and upscale dining, narrow your lodgings search to Pelican Bay.
If your main vacation goal is to frolic in the water and work on your summer tan, Vanderbilt Beach and Marco Island are solid choices, too. From both of these areas, you’re within reach of some of the area’s loveliest nature preserves and never far from partaking in crazy adventures on the water.
The best areas to stay in Naples, FL, are:
Old Naples & Downtown Naples
✓ Best area to stay in Naples for first-time visitors
First-time visitor to Naples? Start your accommodation search in Old Naples & Downtown Naples. These main areas are home to the city’s most delicious restaurants, historic buildings, and numerous art galleries. Naples Bay and Naples Pier are also nearby, offering classy upscale shops, outdoor activities, and boutique hotels.
For shopping in central Naples, head to Tin City. At this major waterfront shopping area, you can stock up on beach gear, souvenirs, and clothes. In the Naples city center, you’ll also be able to take historic tours, explore the city on a bike rental, or go antique shopping.
Naples Beach is close to the city, but just far enough away to let you lay in the sand and relax without much commotion and noise. For a more active beach trip, head to Lowdermilk Park and Lowdermilk Beach for hiking, shelling, fishing, and watersports.
Kids will also love scooting northwards to Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens to float among its exotic animals.
Recommended hotels in Old Naples & Downtown Naples
Lemon Tree Inn
Right in the center of Old Naples, Lemon Tree Inn has countless amenities close to everything you need. The fabulous location is within walking distance of art galleries, boutique shopping, unique dining, and crazy nightlife. They have an outdoor swimming pool, free coffee and lemonade, and a breathtaking garden and courtyard.
Trianon Old Naples
Book your room in Trianon Old Naples for a stylish hotel with refined elegance. Book yourself into one of its suites, perfect for couples, solo travelers, and even families. All the rooms have private balconies where you can enjoy views of the gulf shore. Make sure to take advantage of the on-site dining and heated outdoor swimming pool.
The Gondolier Inn
For a vintage stay right in the middle of Old Naples, check into the Gondolier Inn. First opened in 1958 by a native Floridian couple, the inn is cute, simple, and clean. It’s family-owned with spacious rooms. Countless activities are within walking distance and you can relax anytime in the charming garden.
Cove Inn on Naples Bay
For waterfront views and access to a huge pool, reserve a space at Cove Inn on Naples Bay. The rooms are spacious with big beds, flat-screen TVs, and sitting areas. Hotel guests have access to complimentary WiFi, free parking, private pools, free bike usage, and laundry facilities.
5th Avenue South
✓ Best district to stay in Naples for luxury travelers
For glamorous hotels and endless sophistication, choose one of the many luxurious accommodations on 5th Avenue South. If you aren’t bringing a car or plan to walk everywhere, the street is completely pedestrian-friendly and offers tons of green space.
5th Avenue South is right next to Old Naples and extends all the way to the Gulf beaches and the Tamiami Trail. The shopping and jewelry shops are great places to treat yourself and get some special things to remember your trip forever. The entertainment and dining options are also family-friendly on 5th Avenue South despite being fancier than the surrounding areas.
Make sure to check out the local artwork for sale as well as the endless home decor shops. For a spa treatment including massages and facials, check out one of the many luxury spas in the area.
Recommended hotels around 5th Avenue South
Holiday Inn Express Naples Downtown 5th Avenue
For a basic and simple stay in this elegant area, pick a room at the Holiday Inn Express Downtown 5th Avenue. The hotel offers free breakfast every morning. All the rooms have HD TVs, microwaves, and coffee makers. The fitness center has everything you need to stay in shape while on vacation. Guests will also get use of a hot tub and outdoor pool.
The Inn on Fifth
To get close to the city’s most desirable beach destinations, check in to The Inn on Fifth. The on-site dining options are upscale with seasonal menus. The large suite rooms are perfect in this elegant hotel with sitting areas, kitchenettes, and spacious bedrooms. Make sure to get a treatment at the spa and check out the shops and shoreline within walking distance.
Hotel Escalante
Hotel Escalante is a little tucked away from the main parts of the city giving you peace and quiet on your beach holiday. Amenities include a huge outdoor pool, a relaxing courtyard, and patios or verandahs for every room. The on-site restaurant caters to lunch and dinner and breakfast is free. Enjoy the free gulf cart rides to the beach as well as complimentary umbrellas and chairs.
Pelican Bay
✓ Top-rated neighborhood to stay in Naples for active vacationers
If your vacation plans include playing tennis and a few rounds of golf, Pelican Bay should be on your radar. Besides keeping you immersed in activity, the area is full of shopping boutiques where you can pick up souvenirs and cool off from the hot Florida sun.
Clam Pass Park is perfect for jogging or walking if you feel like getting some exercise in. Pelican Bay is full of private beaches. Unlike other beaches in the area, you won’t have to worry about fighting for a spot to stick your chairs and umbrellas.
When you get tired of the beaches, check out the golf courses, canoeing canals, and countless walking paths. Pelican Bay also has tons of membership fitness centers where you can work out away from the hotel crowds.
Recommended hotels in Pelican Bay
Inn at Pelican Bay
For an upscale stay with an outdoor pool, book a room at the Inn at Pelican Bay. Complimentary breakfast is served right on the lake. When you’re not at the beach, enjoy the heated pools, jacuzzies, golf courses, and bike rental opportunities.
Staybridge Suites Naples Gulf Coast
Only a mile from Clam Pass Park, Staybridge Suites Naples Gulf Coast has a hot breakfast buffet and a heated outdoor pool. The hotel is also located less than 5 miles from all the major beaches including Vanderbilt, Lowdermilk, and Naples Beaches. All the guest rooms have full kitchens.
Hilton Naples
For convenient amenities and access to restaurants close to downtown, check into Hilton Naples. Only 5 miles from Old Naples, this hotel lets you be close to both the beach and the city center. The outdoor pool has a stunning waterfall. Free bike rental is also available right outside the hotel.
Naples Grande Beach Resort
For luxury right on the waterfront, book your suite at Naples Grande Beach Resort. The outdoor swimming pools are a great place to bring friends or the whole family. Make sure to spend time in the fitness center or book a massage at the spa. The private beach is quiet and relaxing, offering views of the nearby golf course.
Vanderbilt Beach
✓ Recommended area to stay in Naples for a casual atmosphere
Just north of Pelican Bay in North Naples, you’ll find Vanderbilt Beach. The area is small and more intimate than other places in Naples, Florida. Still, it’s just nine miles from Old Naples; if you choose to stay in Vanderbilt Beach, you can still enjoy the city’s fine nightlife and dining.
Located on a barrier island along Vanderbilt Beach, Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park is one of the area’s must-sees. It’s the perfect place for sunbathing, kayaking, canoeing, hiking, and bird watching. The park also offers a boat launch area if you want to explore the surrounding waterways.
If you’re searching for a casual and laid-back vacation where you can enjoy local bars, small shops, and watersports, Vanderbilt Beach has everything you need and more.
Recommended hotels in Vanderbilt Beach
Light House Inn
Light House Inn is a 9-acre oceanfront property. The private sandy beach is quiet and secluded, making it a great location for couples and families with young kids. Other amenities include a heated pool, tennis and volleyball courts, clear ocean views, and a full-service on-site restaurant.
LaPlaya Beach & Golf Resort
If you came to Naples for its links, you’ll love the private golf course at LaPlaya Beach & Golf Resort. With its location along the Gulf of Mexico and Vanderbilt Bay, you’ll soak in stunning views on both sides of the hotel. The guest rooms are spacious with attentive staff including turn-down service and room service.
Vanderbilt Beach Resort
For a small and intimate stay on the beach, reserve a room at Vanderbilt Beach Resort. It’s family-owned and operated, and all the staff treats you like a family member. The resort is further away from downtown, giving you all the peace and relaxation you need.
The Ritz-Carlton Naples
One of the best luxury hotels in Naples, The Ritz-Carlton offers the city’s most luxurious amenities, including a full-service spa, upscale on-site dining, and a lounge with daily happy hour. All the suites have a private balcony with stunning views of the water and the golden sand of the beaches below.
Marco Island
✓ Top area to stay in Naples for beach bumming
Located about 30 minutes from Naples, Marco Island is a perpetual Southwest Florida favorite destination. The drive to the barrier island is short and easy. You’ll have no problem scooting over to the city for evening dinners or daytime activities. Marco Island is full of resorts and smaller lodging options perfect for all visitors.
Since it’s further from the coast than other suburbs, the top tourist attractions in Marco Island are its beautiful beaches. Enjoy the sun, lay out all day, or go paddleboarding among the gentle waves. After an active day, enjoy fresh-caught seafood in one of the island’s many gourmet restaurants.
One of the top Naples day trips, Marco Island is an ideal location with family-friendly activities, famous beaches, and endless accommodation options. It’s the perfect place to stay to enjoy a quiet getaway with your family or partner.
Recommended hotels on Marco Island
The BoatHouse
Located on the northern tip of Marco Island, The BoatHouse has everything you need for a perfect beach vacation. They have BBQ grills for guests and temporary fishing licenses, so you can use the docks and sundeck for tanning. You’ll also be able to cool down in its small outdoor pool. All the rooms are pet-friendly.
Olde Marco Island Inn and Suites
Offering 2-bedroom condos, Olde Marco Island Inn and Suites is one of the best places to stay on Marco Island with friends or family. The hotel is on the north side of the island away from the business of the center and the public beaches. The nightly price includes parking and WiFi. Walk a few blocks to enjoy the island’s best shopping and dining options.
Marco Beach Ocean Resort
With its location right on the water, Marco Beach Ocean Resort has spectacular views of sunsets, blue water, and white sand beaches. Choose from a one-bedroom or two-bedroom suite with ocean views. The on-site restaurant Sale y Pepe is one of the island’s hotspots for elegant dinners. The resort also offers a full bar and poolside lunch service.
