3 minute read
The Legacy Continues
St. Pete’s iconic Vinoy Resort has a new look as an Autograph Collection Hotel.
The venerable Vinoy Resort celebrates a new chapter in its nearly 100-year history with the completion of the first phase of renovations. The 354-room hotel recently dropped Renaissance from its name after rebranding as an Autograph Collection Hotel, part of Marriott Bonvoy’s portfolio of high-end luxury hotels around the world.
The hotel engaged with world renowned Rockwell Group to redesign the public spaces from the lobby and ballrooms to guest rooms. Every detail was carefully considered by a historic preservation expert, who advised throughout the design process.
The refreshed Vinoy Resort and Golf Club combines sophisticated yet modern elegance with Old-World Florida grandeur from the reimagined Veranda with its comfortable bar overlooking the marina to a refined new Grand Lobby complete with a chic French patisserie. Remodeled ballrooms, spa and guest rooms round out this phase of renovations.
The Grand Lobby
Step into the Grand Lobby for a complete surprise. The former check-in counter has moved to the far end, opening up the central space with its original ceramic tile flooring and cypress wood beam ceiling. Contemporary custom lantern-like chandeliers are a perfect fit. A new boutique, Sunni Spenser, has claimed a lobby space along with Lottie, a French bakery.
Guests are invited to grab a seat at one of Lottie’s bistro tables, or in an outdoor patio space. An in-house staff creates exquisite house-made pastries and sweets, including a signature pistachio cake, macarons, gelato, and over 20 flavors of truffles. The menu also features classic French lunch fare such as seared tuna niçoise salad, quiche Lorraine and a jambon fromage croissant.
The Veranda
The Vinoy’s newly renovated Veranda offers custom designed rocking chairs, a Vinoy tradition since opening in 1925, and a custom-designed bar. Guests may enjoy hand-crafted cocktails, wines and craft beer, as well as a light menu of Mediterranean inspired tapas and sharable plates, light entrees and desserts.
Guest Rooms
Guest rooms in the original hotel (not the expansion tower) have been renovated with a simple sophistication influenced by Florida’s coastal habitat. Commissioned custom art by painter Alicia LaChance adorns the walls. Colors of the sea – beiges and blues –are complemented by marble walk-in showers and coffee stations.
Spa & Dining
The newly remodeled Vinoy Spa is a peaceful respite with four treatment rooms and focuses on coastal-inspired and plant-based therapies. Services include massages, facials, full-body therapies and nail and hair services. With a nod to holistic treatments, look for natural, organic and marine-infused products from manuka honey to sea algae.
The open-air restaurant Paul’s Landing is open to the public and remains a Vinoy favorite with its poolside tiki bar and views of the marina and downtown skyline. Coming this summer, Parasol, a Latin American-inspired restaurant will offer tapas and cool beverages poolside. The final phase of renovations will welcome a fine dining restaurant off the Grand Lobby in the space formerly occupied by Marchand’s.
