It's a Naples, Fla., landmark: one of two luxury hotels built some 30 years ago to anchor the first phase of what has since become a popular, wealthy resort town.
First known as the Registry, then the Naples Grande and most recently the Waldorf Astoria Naples, the property is now back to being the Naples Grande Beach Resort, but with a modern flair.
Thanks to an $18 million renovation by its new owners, Northwood Hospitality, all of the resort's 474 rooms and suites, meetings spaces and five restaurants have been completely redone, the first major renovation to the resort's interior in decades.
The resort celebrated completion of the project with a party last month, bringing out community leaders and residents with deep ties to the resort, which along with the Ritz-Carlton was one of two anchors for the community when it was being developed in the 1980s. Some even sported name tags from when they worked at the hotel after it opened in 1988 as the Registry.
The new decor fits well with the resort's expansive spa, which has outdoor pools, waterfalls and even a meditation labyrinth.
The resort has two main pool areas, one with a twisting waterslide. The other is for adults only and includes private cabanas with butler service. There is also a smaller pool ideal for lap swimming near the resort's 15 tennis courts, which are set away from the main tower in an area of larger, condo-type units that offer family accommodations.
And, of course, it wouldn't be a Florida resort without an 18-hole golf course.
At first I was disappointed to find the hotel was not right on the beach but rather adjacent to a 200-acre mangrove estuary. But that actually turned out to be a plus in my mind. Right outside the pool gates is a half-mile boardwalk that winds through the mangroves and to the beach.
Nature-lovers can also take tours given by local volunteers who help them spot wildlife and fauna. And families juggling little ones can take golf cart trams that run pretty much nonstop between the hotel and the beach.
At the beach, the hotel provides the same luxuries as any beachfront property. There is an open-air, Greek-style restaurant and bar along with rows of comfortable lounges, day beds and umbrellas.
There is also a full-service beach concierge with plenty of equipment to keep travelers of all ages occupied, from stand-up paddleboards and kayaks to floats and pails and shovels for kids to play in the sand.
The resort's 395 standard rooms are among the largest in the area, at nearly 500 square feet, and are decorated in blue and white patterns. The bathrooms are also huge, with corner soaking tubs, walk-in showers and long, double-sink vanities.
Among the best features, however, are the spacious private, Gulf- and coastal-view balconies furnished with oversize, cushioned loveseats and chairs that give guests a private sitting area that essentially turns each room into a suite.
Winter rates start at $389. Visit www.naplesgrande.com.