The hype
The renovation is stunning and the staff are incredible, but the prices for food and drinks have reached 'comedy' levels.
The Ritz-Carlton, Naples
$900-1600+/ night
Book this if You want the 'Grand Dame' Florida resort experience where the service is telepathic and the price tag is irrelevant.
Why People Love It
- The legendary sunset bell ringing ritual at Gumbo Limbo
- The new Vanderbilt Tower Club Lounge is arguably the best in North America
- Service that feels like they've been expecting you personally for years
Quick Take: It is a massive, well-oiled luxury factory for wealthy families and weddings—do not come here expecting a quiet boutique hideaway.
Reviewed by @n.mayzlina: I come back here whenever I need to escape reality. The moment I step onto that balcony and see the ocean, my stress vanishes. The sunsets are incredible, and the breakfast spread is my favorite way to start the day. It's truly my happy place.
Guest Who Stayed Here Said
Reality check
You might get stuck listening to a DJ from a wedding in the ballroom if your room is near the event spaces.
- You are a Marriott Bonvoy loyalist chasing the ultimate Club Level experience
- You want a resort where you never have to leave the property for 3 days
- You are traveling with kids but still want 5-star dining and a serious spa
Cleanliness & Maintenance
8.5
- Housekeeping: Twice daily, generally flawless. They fold your clothes and organize your toiletries.
- Bathroom hygiene: Sparkling marble, but watch out for weak water pressure on high floors.
- Maintenance: The renovation is fresh, but the 'damp basement' smell in the 4th-floor corridors is a known, unresolved HVAC issue.
- Linens & towels: Frette linens, plush and heavy. Top tier.
- Odors & scents: Signature Ritz floral scent in the lobby, but occasional musty/damp whiffs in the older tower hallways.
Sleepability™
7.5SILENT
0-4LOUD
4-7.5MODERATE
7.5-10SILENT
- Wedding DJs in the ballrooms (ask to be away from them)
- Neighbors on adjacent balconies
- Hallway noise in the main 'Coastal' tower
Before you book
Good to know
- The beach is public. While the hotel has a setup, locals and other tourists will be right there with you.
- Dinner reservations at Gumbo Limbo and The Grill are mandatory weeks in advance.
- The shuttle to the Tiburon (Golf) property is free and worth it for the water slides if you have kids.
What to pack
- White linen everything (it's the Naples uniform)
- Earplugs (for the balcony noise)
- A sweater for the AC—they keep the interiors freezing
Room Genie
Best picks
- Vanderbilt Tower Club Level: The newest rooms, best soundproofing, and access to the massive lounge that covers your food/drink costs.
- Gulf View Rooms (High Floor): Essential for the sunset views; 'Coastal View' often just means 'parking lot and some trees'.
Rooms to avoid
- 4th Floor Main Tower: Repeated complaints about a damp/musty smell.
- Rooms directly overlooking the 'Vanderbilt Ballroom' courtyard during wedding season.
Room Request Genie – copy & paste
“I am celebrating a special occasion and requesting a room in the Vanderbilt Tower, specifically on a high floor away from the ballroom event spaces. Please ensure the room is not on the 4th floor due to sensitivity to odors.”
FAQ & Hidden tips
Everything you actually want to know before you book.
Is the Club Level worth the extra cost?
Yes. It's the largest in North America, with 5 daily food presentations and an open bar. If you drink and eat breakfast/lunch there, it pays for itself.
Can I bring my dog?
No. Zero tolerance. You must book the Ritz-Carlton Naples, Tiburon (Golf Resort) for pets.
Is the beach private?
No. The hotel provides chairs and umbrellas (included in resort fee), but the sand itself is public and can get busy.
How much is the hold on my credit card?
Expect $200-$300 per night for incidentals, as dining prices are steep.
Is there an adults-only pool?
Yes, the Relaxation Pool is 18+, but it can sometimes be louder than the family pool if a group is drinking there.
What is the 'Vanderbilt Tower'?
The new tower added in the 2023 renovation. It houses the Club Level rooms and is significantly more modern than the original Coastal tower.
Insider Tips
- ✨
Walk 5 minutes north on the beach to 'The Turtle Club' for dinner—it's legendary, cheaper than the Ritz, and literally on the sand.
- ✨
The spa has a mineral pool that many guests miss; arrive 45 mins early to your treatment to use it.
- ✨
If the main valet is backed up (it often is), the bellmen can sometimes grab your bags faster if you pull to the side.
5 things to know before you go
💡The 'Coastal View' rooms often overlook the parking garage roof.
💡The 'Adult Pool' is not a library; it's often a social scene with loud conversation.
💡You have to take a shuttle to play golf; the course is not on-site.
💡The water pressure in the showers (especially on high floors like the 14th) is frequently reported as weak.
💡The 'resort fee' includes beach chairs, but if you want a 'pod' or cabana, that's hundreds of dollars extra.
Local Playbook
Map
See where The Ritz-Carlton, Naples is located and what's nearby.