My family, (wife and 2 kids aged 6 and 10), stayed in a 2 bedroom cottage for two weeks from 4-18th August. Although we had been to Florida, (Miami, Sarasota and Orlando), before we have never been to Naples.
After a long flight, we flew American airlines from Heathrow to Charlotte and then down to Fort Myers, we arrived at the Naples Bay about 9.30pm. When we arrived at the cottage we were very happy with what we saw. Cottage was well kitted out to quite a high spec, and the request for two twin beds rather than a queen bed in the second bedroom had been actioned, we therefore did not have to use the sofa bed in the lounge, which could then be used as a living area. My wife particularly liked having a washing machine and tumble dryer so that we did not have to come home with a load of dirty laundry.
Being able to park in the space allocated to our cottage, which was right outside was also very handy for taking the luggage in and during big thunder storms. After previous experiences, to be be able to self park rather valet park was also an advantage.
We went for a non premium cottage, i.e. facing the road rather than the pool and were happy with our choice. The pool is a max 5 minute walk from the cottage and the extra cost was not really justified.
There is a family pool with a waterfall and adults only pool, plus a lazy river. Given that the summer is low season in Florida, there was plenty of choice of loungers by the pool and if you wanted to spend some extra there were also cabannas. We spent lots of time in the water and were able to use the rubber rings in the pool, very comfortable sitting in one whilst reading a book.
Towels were available from the gym by the pool, but didn't use their facilities.
Weird thing about the pool was that we were with two other families, and there 7 kids in total and 3 kids got ear infections which required antibiotics; the Dr said this was related to the water in the pool. Appreciate that it is easy to catch germs on a plane, but it seemed a bit strange.
There is a bar at the pool which opened at 11am, it didn't have an Italian coffee machine for capuccino, latte etc.., think they are missing a trick there. There was a cafe by the shops by the Naples Bay hotel which provided the full range of coffee options, but it is a 10-15 min walk each way, which in the sun with hot drinks is not a lot of fun. We ate by the pool on our first day, but found the food expensive. There are plenty of supermarkets nearby, Publix/ Walmart, and we ate in the cottage for breakfast or lunch thereafter after visiting a supermarket.
Although there was nothing to walk to from the cottage in terms of restaurants etc.., it is well located and only a short drive from downtown Naples, shopping malls, beach etc..
Naples we liked and driving round is fairly easy, as there are only a couple of main roads which are crossed by numbered streets and avenues. Riverwalk Cafe in Tin City serves very good fish freshly caught and should be visited.
We had been to the US for the last 2 years on holiday and found the food in restuarants expensive this year in dollar terms, regardless of the weakening of £ against the $, but found some good restuarants.
The beach is very pleasant and we visited twice at sunset which is quite spectacular. Didn't go in the height of the sun during the day, as there is little cover.
We would definitely go back.