Exquisite Stay at The Vinoy St. Petersburg

Well folks, recently we found ourselves soaking up the Florida sun in St. Petersburg, with a couple of nights at The Vinoy Resort & Golf Club. Yes, it’s part of the Marriott’s Autograph Collection, making it fancy and, let’s face it, a bit expensive. But hey, it’s Florida. We were there to visit my mom and decided to also check out the St. Regis Longboat Key during the same trip, which I’ve rambled about in another post.

Is The Vinoy Worth the Splash of Cash?

Let’s talk numbers. We dropped about $350 a night for our stay, resort fee included. We booked through the Marriott Luminous program, which tossed in a few perks like complimentary breakfast and a tempting $100 credit. Believe me, these little add-ons do make you feel a tad less guilty about burning cash. If we’d used our precious Bonvoy points, it would’ve set us back 52,000 points a night. A fancy equation tells me paying cash made more sense this time.

Speaking of fees, The Vinoy charges you a little extra for resort goodness – $40 a night, to be exact. But, wait for it, you get cocktails, museum passes, bike rentals, and even a swing at the tennis courts. Who says no to cocktails?

Heart of St. Petersburg – The Vinoy’s Location & History

Right there in downtown St. Pete, The Vinoy graces you with its presence, letting you stroll to the city’s exciting bits. Picture Miami but quieter – that’s St. Petersburg for you. We cruised down from Miami, enjoying a scenic four-hour drive. If flying is more your style, Tampa International and St. Petersburg Clearwater airports are quite close.

Here’s a fun nugget – this hotel is approaching its centennial, having opened its doors in 1926. It’s gone through a facelift to mix modern chic with that classic old-world vibe. Check out Val Seny ski resort if you fancy a climb over slick slopes instead of history lessons.

A Walk Through The Lobby & Check-In

The lobby? It’s a visual treat with that Mediterranean Revival style. Think grand, gorgeous, and maybe a little intimidating. Check-in was a breeze, and we scored an upgrade to a corner studio suite. Go, Ambassador status!

Unpacking the Suite Experience

So, our digs were pretty spacious – not full-suite kind of spacious, but enough elbow room. There was a cute dining area, minibar with Nespresso (thank heaven for caffeine), and a comfy living area. The king bed? Top-notch comfort.

The bathroom flaunted double sinks, a decent shower, and stylish toiletries. Our room gave us a sneak peek at the marina and a distant view of St. Pete Pier.

Lounging by the Pool and Sweating it Out at the Gym

The pool’s a gem with its waterfall and hot tub. If you’re thinking luxury resort beach lounging, this might miss the mark. The gym is open 24/7, equipped with everything you might need. It’s lacking natural light, though, so it feels a teensy bit dungeon-like.

Trying Out the Dining Options

Dining at The Vinoy? It’s a mixed bag. There’s Elliott Aster, the signature restaurant, but getting a reservation is akin to finding a needle in a haystack. I mean, where’s the preferential treatment for hotel guests?

• Paul’s Landing serves breakfast through dinner with seafood focus and feels more like a sports bar.
• For pastries and coffee, Lottie is your spot, with its charming ambience.
• The Veranda offers cocktails, best enjoyed while soaking up the ambiance of the porch.

Paul’s Landing hosts breakfast but doesn’t quite fit the rest of the hotel’s enchanting vibe. Why not relocate breakfast to somewhere with a touch more charm?

Wrapping It Up

If you’re heading to downtown St. Petersburg, The Vinoy is your go-to. It’s a perfect blend of history and comfort with enough modern flair to keep you entertained. Yes, service can be improved, and the dining setup is not without its quirks. But hey, it still offers a compelling stay with a sprinkle of charm.

What are your thoughts on The Vinoy St. Petersburg?