Top 5 Luxury Hotels in Naples, Florida — Where Elegance Meets the Gulf Coast Sun

Picture yourself pulling off the highway into the polished, palm-lined streets of Naples, Florida, where sugar-white sand meets emerald water and luxury hotels abound. For a refined getaway with sun, sea and supreme service, these five properties rise above the rest. I found myself sampling each one (or imagining their delights) and here are my top picks.

11/12/20253 min read

This website uses affiliate links which may earn a commission at no additional cost to you

1. The Ritz‑Carlton, Naples

The Ritz-Carlton in Naples is the very embodiment of seaside elegance. With sweeping Gulf views, a refined service ethos and all the trimmings of a top-tier resort, it’s hard to imagine a more polished stay. Ritz-Carlton
From the moment you arrive at 280 Vanderbilt Beach Road, you’re greeted by a lobby bar offering a Master Sommelier-curated wine list, and just beyond lies the ocean. Suites feature terraces, ocean views and that signature mix of comfort and grandeur.Ritz-Carlton
What really impressed me: the Club Level in the Vanderbilt Tower, offering tailored concierge service and daily culinary presentations. Picture yourself sipping Champagne at sunset on the terrace, then retreating to a spacious suite with every comfort. Whether you’re on a couples’ escape or a celebratory trip, this property nails luxury.
Tip: Reserve a cabana on the beach early (they go quickly). At dusk, stroll the boardwalk and watch the sun set over the Gulf — the colours here can rival a Caribbean island.

2. LaPlaya Beach & Golf Resort

If you’re after the beach-and-golf luxe combo, LaPlaya delivers. Nestled between the Gulf of Mexico and Vanderbilt Bay, this resort offers waterfront rooms, a full spa (SpaTerre) and an 18-hole links-style golf course nearby. LaPlaya Beach & Golf Resort+1
Rooms and suites are spacious, many with floor-to-ceiling glass walls and private patios overlooking the water.Booking.com The on-site dining at BALEEN Naples features toes-in-the-sand sunsets and upscale cuisine.
Why I recommend it: You get that resort feeling — lap the pool, tee up at the course, unwind at the spa — but still feel perfectly connected to the beach and scenery.
Tip: Opt for a Gulf-view room if you can. Schedule a spa treatment around golden hour for maximum relaxation and view-impact.

3. Inn on Fifth

Stepping into the vibrant downtown core of Naples, the Inn on Fifth stands out as a boutique luxury option. Located on Fifth Avenue, it places you in the heart of shops, galleries, cafés and nightlife. Inn on Fifth
With just 87 guest rooms and 32 Club Level suites, the scale is more intimate than mega-resorts. Enjoy the rooftop pool with fire-pit lounge, a full-service spa, and the energy of downtown right at your doorstep.Inn on Fifth
Why I love it: Ideal for travellers who want luxury and walkability. After a sunset cocktail, stroll Fifth Avenue for a meal or gelato — no car required.
Tip: Choose a Club Level suite for elevated service. And check for evening events in the lounge — you might catch live music or a chef’s tasting.

4. Naples Bay Resort & Marina

For a waterside escape that’s a little different, Naples Bay Resort & Marina offers a blend of marina views, resort amenities and easy access to both beach and downtown.Naples Bay Resort & Marina
The property sits on a full-service marina with boat rentals available, a private club featuring five heated pools, tennis, spa and sauna — it feels like a resort town within itself.Naples Bay Resort & Marina
What makes it special: If you love being on the water (not just beside it) this is your pick. A sunset boat ride out of the marina, then cocktails on the deck — that’s the mood.
Tip: Book a marina-view room for the best backdrop. Bring swimsuits for both the pool scene and beach access (just a short shuttle away).

5. Naples Grande Beach Resort

A grand resort surrounded by 23 acres, Naples Grande Beach Resort brings scale, variety and full-service luxury. Think multiple restaurants, three pools (one with a water slide!), spa village, tennis courts and beach shuttle service.Naples Grande Beach Resort+1
Rooms feature private balconies and blend comfort with resort amenities.Naples Grande Beach Resort
Why consider it: If you’re travelling with family or a group, or want non-stop amenities on site, this gives you that “luxury resort campus” feel while still being central to Naples.
Tip: Because it’s larger in scale, book ahead for preferred room types. Use the beach shuttle early in the morning (less crowded) to get a great spot on the sand.

Final thoughts & blog wrap-up

Whether you’re looking for ultra-refined resort indulgence, downtown boutique luxury or waterside adventure, Naples offers an array of top-tier hotels. Each of the five above brings something distinctive to the table: service that knows your name, locations that make the most of Gulf-Coast sunsets, and amenities designed for both relaxation and delight.
When planning your stay, consider:

  • Mood: Do you want max pampering (Ritz-Carlton) or high-energy surroundings (Inn on Fifth)?

  • Location: Do you want beachfront seclusion (LaPlaya) or downtown walkability (Inn on Fifth)?

  • Group size & travel style: Larger resort for family/group stays (Naples Grande) vs. intimate luxury (Inn on Fifth).

  • Activity focus: Golf and spa (LaPlaya), boating and marina life (Naples Bay), or pure beach + iconic service (Ritz-Carlton).