La Playa Beach & Golf Resort, a Noble House Resort

One of my favorite hotels! Stay there every year!!

La Playa Beach & Golf Resort Review The La Playa Beach & Golf Resort is our very own slice of paradise! We first visited 20 years ago this year on our honeymoon! So of course it has always held a special place in our hearts. Last week we returned with our teenagers in tow and it was as if we had never been away! We were treated like royalty from the offset. From Michael’s warm and friendly welcome on the front desk to Claude’s the concierge’s fun and efficient demeanour, the La Playa team were effortlessly synchronised. Be sure to ask for the supremely talented Vinny at the Tiki bar, who is a whizz with a cocktail and kudos to the chef as we have never tasted bar food like it on all our travels! Marley is the super composed face of the tiki bar and manages to look after the beach and pool area with effortless swanlike grace! Highly recommend talking to lovely Chris about hiring a cabana for the day. Sheer luxury which will see you pampered whilst enjoying the privacy of the stunning swimming pools and jacuzzi! Our rooms were pristine, opulent and availed of unrivalled views of Vanderbilt Bay. On that note the La Playa has the best frontage on the beach and we even witnessed a dolphin swimming past whilst we ate breakfast in the revered Baleen restaurant! I must mention Wenderson who oversaw our check-out. He personally ensured that our experience ended in the way that it had began. His natural warmth is infectious. A genuine ambassador for the resort! During our stay we were most fortunate to meet the charismatic gent that orchestrates everything at the La Playa in GM, Gregg Harper. Gregg, we want to personally thank you and your talented team for helping us to create lifelong family memories!

The positives: This hotel has a lot of charm. The location is great- right on the beach. We stayed in the beach house and the rooms were comfortable and clean. The pools and landscaping are beautiful. The bartenders and waiter/waitress staff are awesome. The onsite restaurant, Baleen, is delicious and probably has the best beachside dining available in Naples. The tiki bar and beachside dining options are good, expensive - but to be expected. ( $20 drinks / $25 sandwiches) The negatives: If you are comparing this place to other 5 star resort experiences, you will be disappointed. Expect Hampton Inn in terms of guest room and in room amenities. Internet is not included, Coffee machine is a Keurig, no bedside outlets. They do not have a good control over their mini bar system- when we arrived snacks were open, wine/items appeared to be missing and even though I called to report at check in- I was charged for it upon checking out. It isn’t really a kid friendly place ( maybe by design). They don’t have any planned kid activities or included beach or pool items like other 5 stars so adjust expectations and plan accordingly. Tips: Stop at Publix or Target on your way in to scoop up some basics or order Instacart delivery. They don’t even give you waters in the room so unless you’d like to pay $9 for a bottle of water to make your morning coffee, bring your own. Take a photo of your minibar snack tray and fridge upon arrival. Make restaurant reservations, places book up for dinner. Bring your own blow dryer.