The Ritz-Carlton Golf Resort is an elegant property located in a residential area off County Road 31. It is a golfer’s paradise, with two acclaimed golf courses on-site. For the non-golfers, there are four lighted tennis courts, an award-winning Mediterranean restaurant, and a large pool with poolside service. While the rooms are large (starting at 470 square feet) and have classic decor and modern amenities, they’re a tad bland and feel less luxurious than those at other Ritz-Carlton properties. Plus, the beach is far, and the spa is at the sister property, located a short drive away (free shuttles run every half hour).

The 87-room Inn on Fifth is a boutique option that is as glitzy as its surroundings. An impressive marble lobby with big chandeliers sets a luxurious tone, and there is great on-site dining at Trulucks restaurant. The rooms (renovated in 2012) feature stylish decor in a black and white color palate with pops of red. They are spacious and feature oak furniture, comfy sofas, high-end bedding, iPod docks, and plenty of natural light. The outdoor pool area is attractive, but the prime location in the thick of Fifth Ave's famous shopping and high-end dining is what draws most guests. Additional hotel features include include McCabe's Irish pub, and the Spa on Fifth. Rates are typically on the higher side here, though, and the beach is a 10-minute walk away.

The Doubletree Suites Hotel in Naples is a step above other hotels in its price range. From the grand lobby with high ceilings and chandeliers to the homey-feeling suites with wrought-iron headboards and bright walls, this hotel seems resort-like and relatively upscale, despite its location just off of a busy street (unfortunately, some suites look out onto the parking lot). The clean, secluded pool area sits right above a nature preserve, and the fitness center is small but modern, featuring cardio machines with attached TVs. Freebies such as Wi-Fi and parking are nice extras, as are the two on-site restaurants (one with outdoor seating).

The Bayfront Inn has a quaint and convenient location on 5th Avenue, near shops and restaurants and overlooking Naples Bay. The 91-room hotel is a step above some nearby hotels in a similar price range: It has stylish rooms with classic decor and modern bathrooms, a secluded tree-surrounded pool area with a nice water feature, and numerous rooms with attractive bay views. However, the pool is small, there is no fitness center, and only suites have mini-fridges and microwaves.

The Inn at Pelican Bay is an upper-middle-range property located closer to the interstate than the beach. The 100 rooms are fairly generic in appearance for a boutique hotel, but they look modern and offer plenty of space, along with comfortable beds. Room amenities include mini-fridges, microwaves, and in some rooms, lake views from nice balconies. The hotel seems geared toward the retired set who may not need to be right on the beach (the hotel even hosts a weekly "single seniors" event). Independent ownership sets the property apart from other options in the area. This hotel might not offer a beachfront location, but it does offer a free lakeside breakfast, free Wi-Fi, free parking, and bike rentals.