Hawthorn Suites by Wyndham Naples

Visitors pull into a wide, palm-lined entry road and into the spacious parking area of the Hawthorn Suites of Naples. The grounds are surprisingly serene, with numerous trees dotted around the manicured gardens, which include colorful flora and sculpted shrubbery surrounding the sunshine-yellow facade of the hotel. A grand columned portico and ornate fountain marks the entrance to the hotel's lobby -- a subdued and down-to-earth reception area with little more than a check-in desk and a pair of colonial high-back chairs. The hotel is arranged around the property's central tropical garden and swimming pool, complete with playful frog water features. The vibe is relaxed and informal, attracting mostly families with children and vacationing couples on longer-term stays.

The hotel is located in a typically suburban area just one minute from I-75. The immediate area doesn't have a whole lot of charm, though there are chain restaurants nearby including Hooter's and IHOP. It's about a 15-minute drive from the Gulf of Mexico, though the sandy beaches and lively vibe of downtown Naples will take a good 20 minute to reach by car. Nature lovers are in a fine spot here as well. The popular Naples Botanical Gardens are a 25-minute drive, and the Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary will take about 30 minutes to reach by road. Additionally, it takes about 10 minutes to reach US-41, which heads toward Everglades National Park. Naples Municipal Airport is seven miles away, or a 15-minute drive, and it's 30 minutes by car to Southwest Florida International Airport outside of Fort Meyers. 

The hotel has 82 spacious apartments ranging from studios to one- or two-bedroom suites. All are decorated in a straightforward homey style, with simple mid-tone wood furnishings and muted green tones. While generally well-maintained and clean, the look is a little dated, with a few signs of wear and tear like sagging couch cushions. Apartments have light green carpets and bland landscape and still lives hang on the walls. All units include free Wi-Fi and full kitchens -- including tea- and coffee-making facilities -- as well as separate living rooms or seating areas with pull-out sofas and 37-inch flat-screen TVs with cable channels and DVD players (a DVD library is available at reception). Keep in mind that sofa bed mattresses are quite uncomfortable. Modern, functional bathrooms have shower/tub combos and wall-mounted hairdryers plus spacious vanities. 

For a mid-range apartment-style hotel, the Hawthorn Suites offers a nice list of freebies to guests. A hot breakfast buffet is included in the room rate and served in the dining room. Options include waffles, eggs, oatmeal, and breakfast meats and it all gets solid marks from guests. Additionally, an early-evening happy hour offers free beer and wine. Other free perks include a weekly barbecue next to the heated outdoor swimming pool and hot tub, where guests can eat burgers and hot dogs. A bar features an electric fireplace and a large TV for sporting events, while sports and health facilities include a putting green, a basketball court, and a spacious fitness center with a few pieces of modern cardio equipment and limited free weights. Parking and Wi-Fi are free, while laundry services come with a fee.