Glamorous Getaways: the Inn on Fifth in Naples, Florida!

We recently kicked off our Glamorous Getaways segment which featured Tampa's new food and wine-centric Epicurean Hotel. This week, we're heading to the newly renovated Inn on Fifth in Naples, Florida, a boutique hotel whose newest incarnation is arguably the gem in the crown of downtown's tony Fifth Avenue.A recent $20 million renovation and expansion of the Inn on Fifth added the Club Level Suites, located directly across the street from the hotel proper. The new three-story building features 32 beautifully appointed suites, adding an air of exclusivity to an already elegant establishment. The Club Level rooms feature large floor plans ranging from 500 to 1,160 square feet and amenities of the Club Level include a 24-hour Concierge, separate check-in, private rooftop hot tub and sunbathing area. Club Level guests are also treated to complimentary breakfast, snacks and beverages throughout the day, and evening cocktails and appetizers - everything you'd expect from one of our Glamorous Getaways!In keeping with the luxurious feel of the newly added Club Level Suites, the renovation of the existing hotel was also beautifully executed with a similar attention to detail and commitment to elegance. The contemporary décor features a palate of warm grays, creamy whites, crisp black and bold splashes of red, and guest rooms offer custom furniture and artwork, crown molding, and a variety of views showcasing the Inn's pool, tropical interior courtyard, and fabulous Fifth Avenue. Standard amenities include luxurious French terry bathrobes, in-room refrigerator, iPod alarm clock/docking station, complimentary valet parking and my personal favorite, free Wi-Fi! Formerly a Fifth Avenue bank building this boutique hotel is located in the center of Fifth Avenue and is surrounded by upscale boutiques, antique shops and art galleries and is just a short stroll from the beautiful beaches of the Gulf of Mexico.The Inn on Fifth was recently included as one of just 46 Recommended Hotels in the world to be showcased in the Forbes Travel Guide, and has once again been awarded AAA Four Diamond status. It was also the recipient of a 2014 Certificate of Excellence from TripAdvisor. This prestigious award recognizes businesses that consistently earn top ratings from TripAdvisor travelers.For the culinarily inclined, there is the addition of a fabulous new restaurant, Avenue5. Taking the place of McCabe's Irish Pub and Cafe on the hotel's ground floor this beautiful new restaurant, designed by world-renowned designer Jeffrey Beers, serves lunch and dinner daily in a distinctively glamorous atmosphere. The décor features an inviting island bar in the restaurant's center that seats 19 while nearby is the Chef's Table which can accommodate up to eight for an exclusive culinary experience created by Executive Chef John Welch (pictured above). Phil McCabe, owner of Avenue5 and the Inn on Fifth and Club Level Suites, comments, "Countless hours of planning and hard work have gone into the design and opening of Avenue5, but it has all paid off." After a recent visit to the hotel, at the invitation of its marketing group, I definitely agree!Upon arriving I checked into a beautiful second floor suite in the main building with a fabulous view of Fifth Avenue. After the quick two hour drive from Florida's east coast, I had just enough time to change and pop downstairs for dinner at the Chef's Table at Avenue5. The seven course Chef's Table menu, prepared by Chef Welch, a native New Englander who has trained under James Beard Award-winning and Certified Master Chefs, featured creative and inspired dishes beautifully executed and expertly paired with wines from around the globe.Some of my favorite courses and pairings included King Salmon Gravlax, Rock Shrimp, Lemon Grass, Ginger, Asian Greens and Tamarind Vinaigrette paired with the 2011 St. Supery Dollarhide Ranch Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc; the Blue Diamond Shrimp, Florida Corn Two Ways, Cotija Cheese, Ancho Chili Sauce & Cilantro paired with the 2012 Frank Family Carneros Chardonnay; Masami Skirt Steak, Roasted Cauliflower, Salt Cured Potato, Enoki Mushrooms and Gravy paired with the 2009 Numanthia Toro from Spain; and a dessert of Blueberry Potato Cake, Blueberry Caramel, Berries and White Chocolate Mousse paired with Taylor Fladgate 20 yr. Tawny Port. The restaurant's focus plays to Chef's passions which include Maine lobster, Florida's bounty of savory seafood, as well as mouthwatering steaks. The restaurant also features an impressive selection of 300 wines by the glass and by the bottle including American favorites, European classics, and select specialties from South America and Australia. Guests can also enjoy popular craft beers, premium liquors, and signature cocktails such as barrel aged cocktails and herb-based drinks. Avenue5 features deliciously creative food and sophisticated drinks served in an aesthetically appealing "Vintage Glam" ambiance which makes a wonderful addition to the hotel and the Fifth Avenue culinary scene.The next morning, after a leisurely stroll across the street for a cup of coffee at Starbucks (located about a half block away), it was time for a massage at the Spa on Fifth. Located on the third floor of the Inn's main building, this is the only part of the hotel which has yet to be renovated. Its Balinese-inspired, bamboo adorned décor is in stark contrast to the elegant feel of the rest of the hotel but a renovation of the spa is planned for later this year. Despite the décor the 60-minute Signature Massage I received was wonderful and thoroughly relaxing, I look forward to returning to check out the new facility.The Inn on Fifth is another fabulous Florida Glamorous Getaways location. Whether you're looking for a relaxing weekend reading a book at the beach, enjoying a gourmet experience at Avenue5, sunbathing on the rooftop deck of the Club Level Suites, or pampering yourself at the Spa on Fifth, Naples' Inn on Fifth definitely has a little something for everyone.The Inn on Fifth & Club Level Suites 699 5th Avenue South Naples, Florida 34102 Phone: 239.403.7170 www.avenue5naples.comCheers,