Big changes are coming to a popular Naples hotel and golf club, but not everybody is on board with the overhaul. The project received it’s approval from city officials, and construction is set to begin. This will will put the hotel and golf club out of commission, and it will affect another lot and beach access, which means beachgoers won’t be able to access the area until updates are completed.
Naples City Council approved the zoning ordinance for The Naples Beach Hotel & Golf Club at its Wednesday meeting, making way for construction to begin.
“This is a major part of the beach club moving forward, and it is going to,” Naples Mayor Bill Barnett.
The Naples Beach Hotel & Golf Club will be three stories taller than it is now. And, by adding condos, some residents and beachgoers worry the traffic and parking will get bad.
“It’ll be an inconvenience for some people,” neighbor Rod Perkins said.
Neighbor Therese Rowerdink says it needs to happen sooner than later.
“The feedback’s been a little negative and a little positive. But as they continue on, growth generally is a good thing,” Rowerdink said . “You can’t put lipstick on a pig as they say. It’s an old infrastructure that needs updating.”
Robin McLaughlin and many other beachgoers will have to change their tradition near the hotel for now.
“It’s a great place to watch the sunset,” McLaughlin said. “A lot of people actually come and park in that parking lot besides the hotel to watch the sunset and get their drink right at the the bar.”
Perkins said he spends most of his days at the beach club, but he will adapt to the temporary changes.
“We will learn to live with it,” Perkins said. “There’s plenty of other beautiful beaches here in paradise.”
Developers say they have planned enough parking for even the busiest days, and there is room at the driving range for overflow parking. One construction is done, everything will be open again for the public.
With the zoning approved, the hotel and golf club still needs to get approval for how to manage the construction and traffic near the site.
There will be a new hotel, condos and conference center. The plan includes beach access for the public, and they will keep the restaurant, beach bar and golf course on site.
“I think if they’re going to be able to hold some of the charm and probably some of the additional amenities, they might be able to provide that would be great that would be a good balance,” said Steve Mach, who visits the Naples Beach Hotel and Golf Club