With a variety of activities for kids, and plenty of relaxing options for parents, Naples Grande Beach Resort in Naples, Florida, offers an upscale resort vacation experience the entire family can enjoy. If you follow tips from the Fabulously Frugal SheBuysTravel and book at the right time, you can even get a steal of a deal! This Naples hotel is on the Gulf coast in Southwest Florida, only a few miles from the Everglades and an hour and a half west of Miami.
Hotel Review: Naples Grande Beach Resort in Naples, Florida
The feel of this hotel is luxury meets authentic Florida. The versatility of the resort makes it a great place to stay with kids, as a romantic getaway, or for a girls trip. In fact, I’ve been there for all three, and have had a blast each time I’ve been because there truly is something for everyone to do. The beach part of the resort is open to locals, which is something we take advantage of at least once a week. Even though we live only a few miles away, we still love to stay on property. Hanging out with my girlfriends is probably my favorite way to enjoy Naples Grande Beach Resort.
The resort is surrounded by 200 luscious acres of protected mangrove estuary. When we visit, we love to explore the resort through bridges and elevated walking paths that lead to three miles of beachfront on the Gulf of Mexico. If you are lucky on the way to the beach you may even spot an alligator soaking up the sun. The last time we saw one, it was conveniently located behind a “Do not swim, alligators live here” sign. We appreciated the tip!
Exploring the outdoors is our favorite part of Florida, but we also love the opportunity to relax with the three heated outdoor pools, the full-service luxury spa, and 8,000-square-foot fitness center. Whenever we get tired of the resort, which isn’t often, it’s nice to know that we can walk to the renowned Waterside Shops, Southwest Florida’s most luxurious shopping mall.
The best time to visit is “in season” from October to March when the weather is absolutely perfect. The subtropical climate in Naples allows for mild winters where you can still enjoy the beach without being too hot. If you plan to go in the off season, you can get a steal of a deal! Make sure to check out all the other family friendly activities in the area.
What Works for Families
Activities for kids
There is so much to do for kids! There is an entire set of activities for kids called Grande Adventures. Some events, like the watermelon-eating contest, water balloon Olympics, and dive-in movies are even free! Other activities cost a little extra, like the Little Chefs experience for $29.
Pool with a slide
There is an amazing pool for families, complete with a waterslide. Our kids aren’t tall enough to use the slide yet, but they love playing in the zero entry swimming pool.
If the kids are old enough, you can leave them there and go enjoy yourself in the adults only pool area that even has cabanas for rent with televisions!
Activities on the beach
There are plenty of activities on the beach such as paddle boarding and kayaking. The concierge can even set you up with jet skiing, sailing, parasailing, and deep sea fishing. We usually just let the kids play on the beach all day!
The beach also has a full-service bar and grill with lounges, cabanas and daybed services. We like to grab a drink at the beachside bar and watch the sunset while the kids splash around in the water.
Large rooms
No matter what room you book, it will be spacious. The resort was initially built to be a condominium so even the regular rooms are large enough for a portacrib and plenty of luggage. All rooms come with a fridge as well, which is so important when traveling with a family.
View from every room, except villas
While the villas don’t have this amazing view, they do have perks of their own.
The villas overlook a large lawn that is perfect for kids to run around and play. We’ve personally stayed in the suites and found them to be comfortable and spacious. They are also very close to the main resort, which is a huge plus when you want to take advantage of all the resort has to offer.
What Doesn’t Work for Families
Honestly, there isn’t much that doesn’t work for families here. The only downside of this resort is the distance from the beach. Although the natural views during the walk are amazing and an electronic golf cart service is available, it can be tricky if you have a large family and are carrying a lot of belongings to the beach.
The Rooms
Rooms start at $285 a night and go up to $550. Prices are highest in season, which makes it possible to get a great deal if you book at the right time out of season. One thing to consider is that if you go out of season there will not be as much to do, and it will be very hot.
Dining
There are 5 onsite restaurants and bars. When dining with kids we think it’s best to check out the Oasis Pool Bar and Rhode’s End on the beach. Aura, inside the hotel lobby, is also kid friendly, and serves breakfast and lunch. The lobby bar also serves amazing drinks like this bacon and jalapeño margarita that this SheBuysTravel can’t stop thinking about. I would go back solely for this drink!
The Catch of the Pelican is the crown jewel of dining at Naples Grande Beach Resort, and it’s where I personally like to eat. It’s also open to locals. You know it’s good when the locals go there! It has a Florida resort relaxed atmosphere that makes it kid friendly while also feeling upscale. While you can easily dine with the whole family, I prefer to make it a special night out without the kids.
The Waterside Shops are less than a mile away and offer a variety of restaurants including California Pizza Kitchen, which is a kid-friendly favorite of ours.
Kate says
Hi! We are going in April and I have a few questions- do you recommend bringing anything like beach toys or a baby seat – for example where can she sit when we are by the pool? She doesn’t walk yet but crawls! Are there any things that the hotel will provide upon request? thanks
Hannah Rinaldi, Fabulously Frugal SheBuysTravel says
Hi Kate! You don’t need to bring beach toys. The resort has plenty down by the beach that you can use for free. As for a way to keep your little one contained by the pool, that might be a good idea to bring your own. I know my crawler couldn’t stay away from the zero entry pool. He kept crawling right back to it! The resort is crazy kid friendly, I’ve even seen swim diapers out by the towels before! They are very accommodating, so I wouldn’t be surprised if they offered to bring a pack and play down to the pool for you if you ask.
Laura says
Heading here for Easter/Spring Break. Thanks so much for the informatove write up.
What do you thibk about not getting a rental car? We plan to “beach it” and take advantage of on-property activities.
Thinking we could uber/lyft or use the hotel shuttle?
Appreciate any additional insight.
Hannah Rinaldi, Fabulously Frugal SheBuysTravel says
You can totally get away with uber here. There is a lot to do in walking distance and the onsite food is amazing. Locals actually go there to eat all the time because it’s so good. The only time you may want to get transportation is to check out 5th Avenue or 3rd Street. It’s a very inexpensive Uber ride from there. Have fun!
Tara says
So close and have yet to go, thanks for the tip