Where the River Moves Slow
A Quiet Retreat at the Perry Hotel Naples
Located on Florida’s southwest coast, Naples is the kind of beach town that doesn’t need to shout to be heard. No neon signs, no bass-thumping clubs. Just polished charm, low-key luxury, and the kind of Gulf breezes that make you forget what your email password is.
On the quieter side of town, right along the Cocohatchee River, is The Perry Hotel Naples – a newcomer with old-soul energy. With 160 rooms, a rooftop pool, and on-site restaurants, The Perry is confident in what it offers: unfussy, well-composed, and in-step with its surroundings. Our room, a Riverview Balcony King Studio, was clean, modern, and easy on the eyes. But the real luxury was the balcony view – mangrove-lined water, the occasional boat drifting by, and no sirens, screens, or deadlines.
Naturally, we bee-lined to the rooftop pool. The Tigress Rooftop Bar was just steps away, with cocktails being mixed and views that stretched for miles. It’s a scene where couples read, families snack, and friends sip drinks without anyone yelling “cheers” for the ‘gram.
For dinner with a touch of Southern charm, we walked to The Bay House, a local favorite with twinkling lights and just the right seafood aroma. Accessible through a private gate by the pool, the restaurant sits right on the water. Acoustic music drifted over the sound of lapping waves while we lingered over Gulf Coast oysters and a beautifully seared snapper. It felt like a dinner party you didn’t want to leave, hosted by someone who knows how to season things properly.
We kicked off the next morning with almond croissants and hot lattes from The Perry Coffee Shop before heading to our private fishing charter with AWE Marina.Pickup was from the dock behind the hotel, but if the tides are low or the winds kick up, a shuttle is available to take you to where the boat is normally docked. You can also walk to the marina, but we just didn’t want to sweat. Out on the Gulf, dolphins made an early appearance, and I reeled in a small black sea bass – a modest bounty, but a rewarding moment that made the morning a win for someone whose idea of catching seafood usually involves a fork and a lemon wedge.
After fishing, we recovered with lunch at Bodega Poolside Bar. We ordered the grouper sandwich and a frozen daiquiri that was dangerously good: citrusy, icy, and stronger than it looked. A pool nap may or may not have followed.
That evening, we dined at Tigress Restaurant and Rooftop Bar – a celebrity chef concept by Chef Dale Talde., a polished, down-to-earth spot where we shared the Chilled Lobster Bao: soft buns, spicy aioli, and pickled radish that hit all the right notes. The filet mignon and picanha steak followed; I’d go back just for the sesame soy glaze.
On our final day, we did what any emotionally attached guest would do: delayed checkout and soaked up every last ray by the pool. As the sky turned amber, we joined AWE Marina’s sunset cruise. Boats glided across the water like they were in a painting, and dolphins popped up right on cue like they were paid to perform. The whole scene felt too perfect to be real – like nature’s version of a mic drop.
One last craving hit before packing up, so we returned to The Bay House for a final dinner. No debate – just a craving for something familiar and quietly elegant. I ordered the Paris bistro-style lobster tails with grilled asparagus and arugula, and we toasted with glasses of champagne. It was the kind of dinner that doesn’t need a grand finale – just a few more bites, another sip, and a slow walk back to the room.
As we rolled our bags out to the car, we still weren’t ready to leave. And that is the best compliment a hotel can receive. The Perry doesn’t try to dazzle you with flash. It just nails every detail with quiet consistency. Other beach towns may be louder, but Naples leaves a deeper impression.
The Perry Hotel Naples
239.423.9000
12155 Tamiami Trl N, FL 34110
Perryhotelnaples.com