Tamiami Trail  
A roadway (275 miles) connecting Florida's Gulf and Atlantic coasts from Miami to Tampa

Alligator Alley

Tamiami Trail Alligator Alley Everglades Florida Route 41

After leaving Fort Myers I drove south to Naples then had a choice of routes to take to Miami. Several locals recommended taking US41 on The Tamiami Trail instead of the better known I75, aka "Alligator Alley", if I wanted to see gators. I wasn't disappointed.

I will have to take I75 later to compare the difference but US41 was just covered with all kinds of wildlife.

Every stop I made there were alligators, birds and fish of all types. And these were just not small gators.

I was shocked to find monsters waiting right next to the road. I kept my distance from them and they didn't seem aggressive, but I know they can be deceptive.

They did appear to smile as soon as they saw my 17 pound Schnauzer Heidi. I think I even heard one whisper "here, little doggie" :)

The last scene of the airboats was technically on State Route 90 which US41 turns into if you're going West to East.

There are two ways to cross the bottom of the Florida peninsula — the fast four-lane Alligator Alley (I-75), or the more scenic two-lane Tamiami Trail (U.S. 41).

Florida's Real Alligator Alley. ... But there is another road off Tamiami Trail, the old road to the south (Highway 41) that originally connected Miami with Florida's west coast and runs parallel to Route 75, where you'll often see alligators galore, right up close next to your car given the right conditions.

Naples Hotels are Ordered from North to South

Prices may have changed - Check pricing before you go

Smoke-free hotel - 4 floors, 199 rooms
Located one-half mile from beach
Complimentary beach shuttle
Heated outdoor swimming pool - fitness center - restaurant - lounge
Pet friendly hotel - click and read - Pet-Friendly (maximum weight 75lbs; $75 fee) Click here for more information. All guests bringing a pet must complete the Hilton Pet Addendum prior to check-in. 

Mid-priced all suite extended stay hotel - 4 floors, 122 suites
Heated outdoor swimming pool - fitness center - lounge
Pet friendly hotel - click and read -Pet deposit $75. Each pet must weight less than 80lbs.  Up to $75 for 1 - 6 days, $150 for 7  + days 

Upscale, smoke-free all suite extended stay hotel
3 floors, 120 suites - elevator
Heated outdoor swimming pool - fitness center
Microwave and refrigerator in every room
Pet friendly hotel - click and read - $75 per stay pet fee 

Smoke-free hotel - 5 floors, 99 rooms and suites
Heated outdoor swimming pool - exercise room
Not pet friendly - no pets allowed 
Hotel Reviews

Beautiful, tropical setting; felt like I was staying in a villa - room was clean - bed was comfortable - helpful, friendly staff - there were lizards in the pool area - breakfast room was crowded - I thought I was in paradise - Aug 2009

Very nice room with large balcony - friendly staff - complimentary breakfast had good variety, including hot selections - Dec 2005

Smoke-free hotel - 4 floors; 98 rooms, 4 suites
Heated outdoor swimming pool - fitness center
Not pet friendly - no pets allowed

Hotel - 4 floors, 107 rooms
Heated outdoor swimming pool - fitness center
Not pet friendly - no pets allowed 

2 floors, 121 rooms
Heated outdoor swimming pool - restaurant - lounge
Not pet friendly - no pets allowed 
Hotel Reviews

Nice room - breakfast needed more variety - I was pleased - Jan 2009

Located about a mile from beach - good value - room was clean - staff was very friendly and helpful

Rated very high by guests
Smoke-free motel and condos - 4 floors, 110 rooms
AAA 3 Diamonds
2 heated outdoor swimming pools - hot tub - miniature golf
Chardonnay restaurant serves dinner only - lounge
Microwave and refrigerator in every room
Not pet friendly - no pets allowed - updated Feb 2008
Editor comment: Beautiful grounds - helpful staff - family-friendly hotel - VCRs in every room with a nice video library in lobby 
Hotel Reviews

Room was clean and quiet; liked the amenities - loved the DVD lending library - nice grounds - staff was courteous, helpful, and personable - great place to stay - Jan 2010

Nice clean room - liked the gardens - staff was friendly - good place to stay - Oct 2009

Nice bayside location, but not much to do within walking distance - breakfast was sparse - good stopover

Close to the beach - excellent value - room had a kitchen - no wireless Internet access - nice grounds - good stay

Beautiful place with stunning gardens - spotlessly clean everywhere - staff was very helpful and accommodating - breakfast was early and plentiful - we'll definitely stay again 

Rated high by guests
Motel - 2 floors, 137 rooms - no elevator
Located less than a mile from the beach and Gulf of Mexico
Heated outdoor swimming pool - fitness center - restaurant - lounge
Restaurant open for breakfast and dinner only
Pet friendly hotel - click and read - $25 per night pet fee - updated Feb 2010
Editor comment: Conveniently located between downtown and north Naples - nicely landscaped grounds and pool area - rooms are decent-sized and clean 
Hotel Reviews

Beautiful surroundings - good value - room was comfortable - efficient housekeeping - breakfast was good - a quiet, peaceful place to stay 

Great value - loved the room - good housekeeping service - nice pool - restaurant automatically added a gratuity to the bill 

Supermarket nearby - quiet hotel - room was spacious, felt secure and comfortable - had a fridge and microwave - grounds were well-manicured - didn't like the captive bird in the lobby - staff was helpful and respectful - Aug 2007

Easy to reach - nice hotel with perfect, calm surroundings - large pool - friendly staff 

Good value - neat and clean, everything was well-maintained - room was average - nice pool - I'd definitely stay again