Hotel Snapshot
Checking in at a 100-year-old hotel, you might imagine the space to feel stuck in the past; perhaps a little dated or dusty. But what’s old is definitely new at The Vinoy Resort & Golf Club, Autograph Collection. In advance of its century celebration this year, the pretty-in-pink Bayside landmark went through a robust $110 million restoration that preserved the best of the property (which is part of the National Register of Historic Places) while integrating plenty of thoroughly modern amenities (the on-site brasserie’s pull-apart focaccia is sure to blow up on your social media feed). Ahead, take a peek inside this storied stay.
Design and Character
The grand New Year’s Eve party on opening day in 1925 was the first of many signs that The Vinoy was the place to be in St. Petersburg. The vision of wealthy businessperson Aymer Vinoy Laughner; locals and world travelers alike would flock to show off their most fashionable looks, dance in the opulent ballroom, and enjoy sweeping views of Tampa Bay.
Within a few decades, the eye-catching pink façade had grown to become an emblem of sorts for The Sunshine City. The Vinoy welcomed the likes of Marilyn Monroe and Joe DiMaggio, presidents, and more. By the 1970s, though, The Vinoy had fallen on hard times and sat unoccupied for 18 years. But locals and investors fought for its renaissance, and in 1992, the pink palace reopened with air conditioning (bless!), a new guest tower, a state-of-the-art tennis complex, a Ron Garl-designed 18-hole golf course, two heated outdoor swimming pools, a spa, a fully-equipped fitness center, and a 74-slip marina.
During this restoration and the recent one, the designers painstakingly maintained as much of the opulent Mediterranean Revival architecture as possible, including the pecky cypress beams, Pompeian frescos, glazed quarry tile floor, plaster castings, and delightfully quirky elevators.
The Rooms
The Vinoy’s 354 rooms are decked out with all of the comforts of home—and a really nice home, at that. After refreshing with Ortigia Sicilia bath products, guests can dry off with super-absorbent Lynova towels, slide on their pair of Frette slippers, cozy up in a plush robe, and rehydrate after their travels with the 2 reusable PATH aluminum water bottles that are complimentary in each room.
At the end of the day, there’s no better site than the crisp, luxurious bed, with its pillows crowned with custom chocolates after turndown service.
Features like a spacious closet, coach-lined living space, thoughtfully-installed outlets, and a makeshift dressing area lend a residential feel.
The Amenities
History buffs can celebrate The Vinoy’s 100-year legacy and learn more about how the property returned like a phoenix during the complimentary 45-minute docent-led History Tour, available Saturdays and Sundays from 2 to 2:45 p.m.
If sports are more your style, The Vinoy has ample options. Your $50 resort fee includes daily access to wellness classes and the fitness center, a 1 ½ hour tennis court reservation (with racquet rentals), driving range access with range balls at Vinoy Golf Club, and e-bike rentals for two.
After all of that action, enjoy some TLC at the Vinoy Spa, which offers coastal-inspired and plant-based treatments in a serene, nature-inspired space that’s tucked below the main pool. Try the marine renewal massage, which can be customized to ease any pain points and promises to immerse you in a wave of grounding and relaxing vibes.
The Food and Drink
You could easily savor your whole vacation on property, as The Vinoy has culinary offerings from day to night. Start the morning at Lottie, a French-inspired bakery with top-notch lattes and laminated pastries.
Dive into lunch at Paul’s Landing or Parasol. Better yet, try both during your stay, so you can savor everything from blue crab cakes with pickled onions and succotash to corn and black bean empanadas.
Come happy hour, sip on a Pasubio Spritz (blueberry amaro, elderflower liqueur, and Prosecco) on the buzzy Veranda as you overlook the marina.
Then for dinner, Elliott Aster is a must. One of the toughest reservations to score in St. Pete since it opened a year ago, this grand brasserie is part of Chicago’s acclaimed Boka Restaurant Group and has a menu designed by Michelin-starred chef Lee Wolen. The aforementioned pull-apart focaccia pairs beautifully with the Italian steakhouse’s homemade pastas, meatballs, grilled sea bream, and lacquered brick chicken with foie gras chicken jus.
Location & Neighborhood
No car rental is required, as The Vinoy is situated in the heart of walkable downtown St. Petersburg. As you get your lay of the land, try strolling down Central Avenue and pop into the boutiques, cocktail lounges, and restaurants that speak to you.
While you’re in town, be sure to carve out time to visit a museum… or a few. Your resort fee includes two free tickets to the St. Petersburg Museum of History. Other collections like the furniture-focused Museum of the American Arts and Crafts Movement and the surreal Dalí Museum will leave you with plenty of inspiration as you pack your bags—and begin dreaming about how soon you can return.
Fast Facts
Location: St. Petersburg, Florida
Rating: 4 stars
Rooms: 354, including 318 guest rooms and 36 suites
Pricing: Rates start at $429, plus $50 resort fee
Food + Drink:
Amenities: Fitness studio and classes, tennis court, driving range, e-bikes, spa, restaurant, coffee shop, room service, WiFi, boutique, in-room refrigerator, event space
Closest Airport: Tampa International Airport (TPA)
St. Petersburg, Florida, United States
