LaPlaya Beach & Golf Resort- Naples, FL

My recent post about the Granville Inn uncovered a connection between the grand Jacobethan Revival Manor and the development of Naples, Florida. This got me thinking about the quaint seaside city. Contrary to popular belief, there are some extremely nice areas of Florida. Areas that combine mild winter weather, beautiful beaches and charming old construction; Naples is one of them. It’s no wonder why it is one of the most expensive areas in the country. And while there are many fabulous hotels in town, the sugar sand beach is where you want to be. In the throes of winter, few places are more pleasant than the LaPlaya Beach & Golf Resort.

LaPlaya opened in January 1968, as LaPlaya Beach & Racquet Inn- a reminder that at one time that sport was wildly popular. Built on a beautiful stretch of Vanderbilt Beach, overlooking the Gulf of Mexico, it was a true winter retreat. 98 rooms welcomed frostbitten guests, along with a grand French restaurant, and bi-weekly cocktail parties thrown by the owner, Philip Francoeur. It was considered an elegant escape, a bit of old Florida with a mid-century twist.

The city of Naples itself was founded in 1886, as a winter retreat, by a senator from Louisville and the owner of the Louisville Courier Journal. Upon hearing reports of the area’s unsurpassed beauty, the two immediately sailed down to assess the situation. Shortly after, they formed the Naples Town Improvement Company, and bought 3712 acres between the Gulf of Mexico and Naples Bay, for just $11,136. Railroad and coal magnate John Sutphin Jones, owner of the Granville Inn, would head this development company.

Within two years, a pier was built, the city planned, and a 16 room hotel constructed. Apparently, Grover Cleveland’s sister Rose was the first guest. However, by 1890, the Improvement Company found itself short of funds, and was auctioned off on the steps of the hotel; the only bidder was one of the company’s co-founders, Louisville Courier owner Walter Haldeman. For $50,000 he purchased 8600 acres of land, the hotel, the pier, and the steamship that transported visitors to the town. Which seems like a pretty good deal.

Development of Naples continued, generally around the pier area. A collection of small single family homes remain from this time, including the Palm Cottage, built in 1895. While early visitors arrived by steamship at the pier, rail service was introduced in 1927; each day at noon, visitors arrived at the Naples depot aboard the Orange Blossom Express. In 1928, the Tamiami Trail opened the area to automobiles, connecting Naples to Miami. Were it not for the stock market crash a year later, development may have exploded in the area.

Luckily, the town stayed relatively small until the mid-century, when a booming post war economy once again spurred development. Many hotels were built during this time, such as La Playa. While the resort has expanded several times since 1968, including a tower in 1983, the resort manages to retain its old Florida feel. While there may no longer by hosted bi-weekly cocktail parties, or even racquet ball, it’s still the perfect place for a winter vacation.

Just off a fabulous refresh, the rooms are brand new, yet classically designed. Be careful when booking; the resort consists of several buildings, one of which is across the street, and not beachfront. For a low key experience, with easy access to the beach, book the Beach House. Only four stories, it is a much more intimate experience than the tower. Although a bit pricey, spring for a room with a view of the Gulf of Mexico. You will not be disappointed. With the dramatic views afforded by the balcony, you may not want to leave your room. Except maybe to grab a pina colada from the Tiki Bar, because this is the perfect place to enjoy one.

For those that play golf, the resort does have an off-site course. They do not offer transportation to the club, however, which is a bit odd for an upscale hotel. Located on the site of an earlier 1958 golf course, it was completely redesigned by Bob Cupp in 2002. It’s a tough course, with a lot of water in play, but fun. It is also an excellent place to spot a variety of birds.

Located a short flight from just about anywhere on the East Coast, Naples makes for a perfect winter weekend getaway. With sugar sand beaches, and over 90 golf courses, you could actually stay much longer. LaPlaya is an excellent choice for those who want to relax; close enough to town to enjoy the restaurants, far enough out to avoid the crowds. Indeed, with several pools, restaurants and Vanderbilt beach, you may never want to leave the property.

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