Resort Overview - History

The Naples Beach Hotel and Golf Club has a rich history in the Southwest Florida region. The beachfront hotel was originally constructed in the 1880’s in Florida and was aptly named The Naples Hotel. The hotel was built two blocks east of the Naples fishing pier in historic Olde Naples and 1-1/2 miles south of what would eventually become the current beachfront location for The Naples Beach Hotel and Golf Club in Naples, FL.

In 1930, Allen Joslin, married to the heir of the Jergens hand lotion fortune, built the first 18-hole golf course in the Naples, FL area. In addition, he obtained the adjacent beachfront property where he built The Naples Beach Club – the first building at the site of what would become The Naples Beach Hotel and Golf Club.

Prior to the construction of the golf course, the only available golf in Naples, FL was at a 9-hole city site with sand greens that doubled as the airport. Golfers had to use 3rd Street and 5th Avenue as fairways.

In late 1946, Henry Broadwell Watkins Sr., a 56-year old retired toy manufacturer from Ohio, bought the original Florida beachfront hotel and embarked on a second career. A few years later he acquired The Beach Club and the golf course from Allen Joslin. Watkins Sr. then proceeded to create a new beach resort between the golf course and the Gulf – the site of the current beachfront resort.

The old hotel, east of the Pier, remained in service for several years and even served as a dormitory for the resort staff until it was demolished during the 1970’s. Over the years, Henry Broadwell Watkins Sr. continued to add buildings to the beachfront resort as demand grew in Naples, FL. The final guest room building of the beachfront resort was constructed in 1971. Prior to his passing at age 91, Watkins Sr. placed the Naples, Florida beachfront resort and golf club company in the able hands of his son Henry B. Watkins, Jr., who continued to renovate the beachfront resort during the 1980's to make it the premier resort to visit in Naples, FL.

Grandsons Michael Watkins and Henry Watkins III have built upon this family passion, committing more than $50 million to bring their historic past into the new millennium. They have constructed a spectacular new Clubhouse and Spa, while renovating the beachfront resort’s guest rooms and suites, common areas and PGA golf course in Naples, Florida. And today, The Naples Beach Hotel & Golf Club, a true tropical paradise, continues its family tradition started so long ago in Florida.