Anyone out there been to Naples/Marco Island?!!

[Debs Hill]

Was thinking of having a relaxing couple of weeks on the beach and liked the look of the villas at Marco Island that Virgin feature. Has anyone stayed in one, or been to that area?!

 

[keith&carol]

Hi,
We haven't stayed at Marco Island but have been there several times. It's very upmarket so can be pricey but the beach is beautiful.
The only problem I can see with a Villa there if you want the beach is that beach parking is VERY limited. Personally I would want a beach-front hotel but if you prefer a Villa you might be happier a bit further up the coast around Sarasota and Anna Maria Island.
Regards,
Carol

 

[Mrs Dazzle]

M arco Island is beautiful. Went there for a week last year, going back for 10 nights in October we loved it so much.

We stayed at a beach front hotel, but we looked at some of the villas while over last year and they are stunning. See if you can get one on the river (canal) - breathtaking.

There are two public beaches and - all depending on the season - during the week we understood it was not a problem to park.

There are loads of different types of restaurants, ranging from the very pricey to good ole US home cooking. It's a lovely place to just look around, or conversely it's a great base for exploring Naples, Fort Myers, The Everglades and 2 hours away is Miami.

We would recommend it for a nice, quiet, relaxing trip. (apparently it's called The Gateway to Heaven over there because so many people retire down to Marco).

Highly recommend it - if you need any more info, please shout. One of our fave places on earth

 

[jersey shark]

If you have 3-4 days to spend in the Naples/Marco Island (MI)area, I would recommend staying a nice hotel in Naples (Ritz Carlton, Hyatt, Registry) and making a day trip to MI (i.e. skip staying actually on MI).

If you have a week, I would do 3-4 nites in Naples, followed by 3-4 nites on MI.

Why go for beach only (MI) when you can have the beach, shopping, & great downtown at Naples??? MI is nice enough, but personally makes me feel somewhat cut off from civilization (it's built up but mostly all hotels/condos...not as many shops/restaurants etc... as Naples).

Any further questions, just ask!

 

[JohnnySharp]

Stayed at the Registry at Naples a few years back, very nice, can be expensive at certain times of the year but a fantastic hotel, we felt like royalty - just sitting at the bar in the evening was great, restaurants pricey though.

Naples is really classy, a lovely place to visit , a bit quiet though, a week is probably too long.

Don't remember too much from our drive through Marco Island, I think either is a good choice if you want to relax - a good mall at Naples otherwise not really recommended for shopping.

 

[UKPhil]

Late to the thread ...

Spent 2 weeks in Marco last November. Very quiet at that time of year but weather still lovely. Didn't find it expensive because we opted for an apartment away from the beach (Anglers Cove Resort) and at that time of year it was very reaonable indeed.

Not too much in Marco itself (apart from beautiful beaches and boating) so went to Naples several times for shopping etc. Next time might consider staying in Naples and making a few trips to Marco instead. Naples and Marco are totally different; the former VERY upmarket, the latter totally relaxed and informal - jeans in restaurants expected.

Be aware that peak season for that coast is January to Easter. During that time prices for hotel rooms etc. often double.

Don't miss The Everglades, sunset from Naples pier, Tiger Tail beach in Marco, The Snook Inn ...

Can't wait to go again !