Design in Detail: The Capri Inn’s Rejuvenating Refresh
Flamingo-fresh wall art, a private cottage accommodation that one starred in a home improvement TV series, and baby blue bicycle cruisers – these are just a few of the bright and breezy highlights to look forward to when you stay at Opal’s newest Naples hotel.
When asked to sum up the vibe of The Capri Inn’s recent top-to-bottom renovation, General Manager McKenzie Van Essen doesn’t use words at first: she simply takes a deep, rejuvenating breath to demonstrate his point. “That’s it really,” she elaborates. “It feels like a much-needed breath of fresh air from what was formerly here.”
With that in mind, we drill down deeper to capture just exactly what makes this 59-room property the best boutique hotel to hit downtown Naples, Florida, in years.
THE BEST OF BOTH WORLDS: SHELTERED BUT STEPS FROM OLD NAPLES
It’s one of the first things you notice when pulling up to the porte cochère: silence – that is, with the exception of the sound of a gentle breeze swaying through the lush landscaping and palms encircling The Capri Inn. “I think this may be the best part of this property,” says Van Essen. “Its sense of utter seclusion and tranquility despite being in the heart of the historic charm of Old Naples.” Located in a residential area about a five-minute walk from major landmarks like the Tin City shops and Fifth Avenue South, it truly has a very subdued feel, allowing patrons to live it up in vibrant Naples, but then retreat back to a place of peace and quiet.
THE VIBE: BREEZY WITH POPS OF PINK
The previous property, formerly the Trianon Old Naples was an Italian-style property, featuring a dated décor of muted greens and dark woods. “It wasn’t long after we wrapped the renovation [in February of 2023] when we had a pair of guests arrive whose eyes were wide all during check-in,” says Van Essen. “It turns out that they had been repeat guests of the Trianon and they were just taking it all in. Before they left, they told us they were happy to see a place they love get some much-needed love in return.”
Much-needed indeed. And quite the transformation, as well: The overall aesthetic of the property went from dark and heavy to light and breezy. And you see that first in the lobby that was previously a weighty, mustard-yellow and now transformed with a bright and brisk blue with fresh-white wainscotting and crown molding. Design features layered on top of that include a show-stopping glass chandelier and a giant gilded and grand mirror over the fireplace (both of which were original to the property), rattan woven chairs, and cream-colored couches. And a motif you can’t miss that then carries on throughout the rest of the property: small pops of day-glo pink found in the form of throw pillows, fresh flowers, and beachy-inspired wall art (flamingos!).
A CENTERPIECE COTTAGE ONCE PURSUED BY BOB VILA
While the spacious one-bedroom suites and rooms boast the same clean and airy design, the hallmark accommodation is undeniably the property’s privately gated, two-bedroom Coquina Cottage. Set shrouded in greenery on the corner of 7th Avenue South and 10th Street South, this 1,500-plus-square-foot, wood-framed home is actually a historic cracker cottage – a type of architecture employed by early Florida settlers. In fact, this very cottage was first discovered and renovated in the circa-1990s by iconic home improvement guru Bob Vila for an episode of his tv show, Home Again.
While it’s since been renovated again, the structure and its living room and kitchen flooring are all original. New and noteworthy touches, however, include all-new kitchen appliances and cabinetry, a modern fireplace in the living room, a large, walk-in shower in the master bedroom, and more. There are also two separate patios flanking the house, one set with lime-green rocking chairs for whiling away the evening, another bordered by a lush lawn for a game (or two) of cornhole.
AMENITIES NOT-TO-BE MISSED
Of course, there are more activities to indulge in at this property other than drinking in its breezy vibe. If looking to stretch out and sunbathe, the on-site pool is a quaint and quiet refuge with seating for about 15 to 20 guests. Looking to adventure out to see all the nearby Naples attractions? Baby blue Sun cruiser bicycles are included in your stay for pedaling to points of interest. Rather be chauffeured to the sights? The property also owns a GEM, a small lightweight, electric vehicle available for whisking guests to spots like the beach, Fifth Avenue South, Tin City, and Cambier Park.
OTHER HIDDEN HIGHLIGHTS TO NOTE
Who doesn’t love a good breakfast pastry? Every morning, in the lobby’s bistro-like lounge, you’ll find a fresh spread of Southwest Florida’s best brought in by Naples’s beloved bakery, Mikkelsen’s Pastry Shop. Owner Paw Mikkelson grew up behind the counter of his parent’s Denmark bakery, so you can trust that the chocolate or raspberry-filled croissants, flavored Danishes, muffins, and more available behind the glass cases on the bar top are always the real deal. There’s also a self-service coffee station, but if looking for specialty coffees like cappuccinos and lattes, a barista mans the counter for crafting caffeine-fueled masterpieces.
In the evening, that same lounge space transforms into a bar, serving up a selection of beer and wine. But rather than belly up here, we suggest heading to the small, but sweet outdoor courtyard. Accented with a pergola and a bubbling water feature, it’s a perfect place to enjoy a pre-dinner drink before venturing out to devour Naples’s expansive restaurant scene.
