A more spacious, ritzier Ritz is planned before the end of the year just off the beach in North Naples. A 14-story tower rising on the local horizon is targeted for completion in December as part of a $50 million renovation project at The Ritz-Carlton, Naples.
The new addition, built in place of a former swimming pool, is connected to the southwest side of the beachfront hotel. Four cabana buildings and an updated pool deck area are associated with the 18-month expansion project, which involves 2.65 acres of the 26.27-acre Ritz property at the end of Vanderbilt Beach Road.
When the transformation is unveiled, the Ritz will have 92 new suites and a 4,000-square-foot Ritz-Carlton Club Lounge with floor-to-ceiling Gulf views. Substantial enhancements to the luxury hotel’s lobby, meeting and event spaces, and existing guest rooms and suites are being made as well. The hotel is calling it “the evolution of an icon,” the most notable makeover in nearly a decade.
“This is a defining moment for The Ritz-Carlton, Naples,” said Mark Ferland, area general manager of The Ritz-Carlton Resorts of Naples, during a recent topping-off ceremony for the hotel’s new tower. “As we honor the legacy of the resort’s nearly four decades on Florida’s Paradise Coast, we set our sights on providing the finest services and facilities for our guests in the next chapter for this iconic property. As the needs and desires of today’s traveler have evolved, we look forward to continuing to exceed our guest’s expectations through sophisticated design elements, globally-inspired culinary themes, amplified guest experiences, and the unparalleled service provided by our ladies and gentlemen.”
The 101,334-square-foot tower addition rises more than 157 feet. A lobby with a mezzanine on the second level will welcome guests to the AAA five-diamond resort’s 474 rooms and suites, including its dozen new 1,478-square-foot three-bay suites, according to plans by Cooper Carry, an Atlanta-based architectural and design firm.
Executive Chef Satish Yerramilli also will debut Sofra, a new vegetable-forward restaurant featuring Eastern Mediterranean cuisines. Named after shared tables, Sofra promises to offer shareable plates made with wholesome ingredients and authentic spices.
