How to Have a Great Staycation

It’s fun being a tourist in your own town sometimes. Before school started for my boys, we spent some quality fun time together during an overnight getaway at IHG Staybridge Suites in Naples, which is only twenty minutes away from our home.

Sure, "staycation" is a buzzword and I was skeptical, but after experiencing one, I'm so down. It's great to check out without having to incur the extra expense of traveling far. And forget an Air B&B when you can have all the conveniences and amenities of a suite and a hotel. In fact, I didn't want to leave and go back to reality.
Staycation Guide and Hotel Review: Staybridge Suites Naples Gulf Coast, Florida


Benefits for Families and Staycations at Staybridge Suites Naples :

  • Large suites, all with full kitchens are ideal for families. Our two-bedroom suite had a patio with direct pool access, so I was able to watch my boys swim from a private lounge chair in the shade, while sipping a pina colada.

  • Complimentary breakfast each morning with kid-friendly options too, plus juice and coffee.
  • Location! Although not on the beach, but US-41, you're very close and can walk to Waterside Shops or take a short ride to Downtown Naples' 5th Avenue and the Naples Pier.
  • Tiki Bar by the pool. Kids can spend the entire time splashing and you can be sipping, thus a win/win for families ;)

  • Free Social Hour! WHAT? Yup! Starting at 5:30 p.m. out at the Tiki Bar, just flash your room key and receive a glass of wine or beer on draft at no fee. Be sure and tip the friendly bartender of course. My husband had a stout and I called a Cab, Cabernet that is! 
  • Appetizers in the Lobby - besides the generous glass of red wine, they have appetizers and snacks in the lobby in the evening. The evening that we stayed, the hotel had yummy grilled cheese, salad, and tomato soup available for guests. My boys loved it so much that we ended up going light on dinner after.
  • Bicycles are available to rent at this Naples hotel.
  • Parking is also free (I always hate that additional expense). 
  • Fitness Center - it's not grand but has everything you need. I also loved having it to myself at night and even turned the volume up and channel to Twilight. This wellness me time was really appreciated. 
  • DVD library The lobby has a catalog of complimentary movies available, you just need to put down a $10 deposit, which you get back once the disc is returned. And yes, there are DVD players in your room. After the kids had a bath, we watched Muppets in Space that evening together. 

Tips for a Great Staycation - act like a tourist in your own city. Load up the car like you can't go back home again (wine, pool noodles, etc.)

Tips for a Great Staycation:


  • Pack like you can't easily go home. Go big, so you don't have to go back home, lol. After all, you're driving, so load that trunk up. I even tossed in our pool noodles, some pool toys and the and the best pool floats for the boys. The key is to make this stay your temporary home away from home, but without having to clean up after. *sigh*
  • Go overboard on wine and snacks. The wine to unwind and the snacks to indulge. Again, you don't have to worry about oz counts for flying! And whatever you don't finish you can bring back with you - nothing wasted. 
  • Act like a tourist in your own city. Go do something that all the visitors do, but you either haven't or hardly ever take advantage of. We went to the Naples Botanical Garden for the first time after living here for four years and it was beautiful. If you need ideas, look through the pamphlets in the lobby. 
  • Relax! After all, tomorrow is another day. Sure, you're still close to home, but pretend you're much further away. Don't think about money or what needs to be done after you get back, just chill! This is your staycation vacation! 

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