Inn at Pelican Bay

This is a boutique hotel, conveniently located in close proximity to Vanderbilt Beach, the Mercato, and within easy driving distance of downtown Naples. The staff treated us like family, most notably Krenar (sp?) who goes above and beyond standard hotel service. You want a ride to the pool, umbrellas and chairs, whatever. It just wouldn't be the same without him. The rooms are well-appointed, clean and our room came with a very nice balcony and view of the pool and lake (including some interesting wildlife). This is not a big, fancy (overpriced) resort hotel with restaurants, room service, multiple pools and a huge bar open all night. Instead, it fills a very important niche. What you get is quiet, class, exemplary service, a free breakfast, rides to the beach, beach chairs and umbrellas, bikes if you want them, parking by the front door, a pool (somewhat small but enough), great patio area including a fire pit, and a great guitar player (Nickola) at breakfast. Breakfast is mostly do-it-yourself continental fare (with waffles and pancakes available) with a staffed omelet station in season. There is a small bar, and it is not open very late. However, if that is what you want, the Mercato is across the street and has plenty of options. This place just feels like home away from home. We won't even consider staying somewhere else. Could I maybe find a few small things to nitpick; sure, but why bother when the overall experience is so exemplary. Hope to see you soon!