There’s a feeling of rejuvenation, of a refresh in the air in St. Petersburg, Florida as The Vinoy Resort and Golf Club, an area icon for nearly 100 years, completes the initial phase of a comprehensive renovation and joins Marriott’s Autograph Collection.
She opened her doors on New Year’s Eve in 1925, and today The Vinoy, listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places and a member of the Historic Hotels of America, still captures the magic of Florida’s Golden Age.
The renovation has touched every corner of the resort including its legendary Veranda, where new cocktails and rocking chairs welcome guests; grand lobby; guestrooms; ballrooms and meeting spaces; and eateries—there’s even a new spa and wellness area. Every detail, according to press material, has been carefully considered by a historic preservation expert, who advised throughout the design process.
Iconic Florida Resort Undergoes Head-turning Refresh
In reading through all the details of the refresh we know your clients are in for a treat, with exquisite new touches throughout—from the moment they enter The Vinoy’s front drive to the new chic French patisserie, Lottie, in the resort’s lobby to the custom art by painter Alicia LaChance that adorns guestroom walls. And opening this summer is Parasol, a vibrant Latin American-inspired, full-service outdoor restaurant with panoramic views of the Tampa Bay waterfront, will also overlook the historic resort’s all new glamorous pool deck. But there’s more: A fine dining restaurant off the grand lobby with a romantic, raised garden terrace that comes alive at night with lanterns and white tablecloth service, will complete the final phase of renovations.
“Every property within Autograph Collection Hotels has a truly unique story, and The Vinoy Resort and Golf Club, Autograph Collection is one of those ‘Exactly Like Nothing Else’ experiences,” said Jennifer Connell, global brand leader, Autograph Collection Hotels, and v.p., distinctive premium brands, Marriott International, in a press release statement. “The Vinoy has made its mark over the last 100 years, claiming an iconic status in Florida. With this comprehensive redesign rooted in its historic heritage, we look forward to celebrating a new, exciting chapter for the resort.”
One of the highlights for guests is what is being called the Mark, a point of distinction unique to Autograph Collection Hotels properties. Upon check-in, a Vinoy team member presents historic postcards to guests that depict different scenes of The Vinoy, while sharing their favorite memory of the resort. Each guest of this Florida property will then be invited to tour the resort with a docent and visit a newly designed history gallery, where they will see artifacts from The Vinoy’s beginnings, such as original room keys, plate ware and handwritten postcards highlighting some of the first guest visits.
“The Vinoy Resort and Golf Club, Autograph Collection has served as the front porch of the St. Petersburg community for nearly a century, and its refreshed aesthetic pays homage to its legacy while also representing our revitalized downtown,” said Vanessa Williams, the resort’s GM, in a press release statement. “The Vinoy is stepping onto the world’s stage as one of a few waterfront hotels in the United States that has full resort amenities along with urban walkability. Steps from the front door, guests have choice of multiple world-class museums and hundreds of restaurants all within walking distance. We look forward to graciously welcoming guests and locals for generations to come.”
For more information, visit marriott.com.
