You know that pink hotel. If you’ve spent any time at all on the St. Petersburg waterfront, you’ve seen it. It’s hard to miss. That salmon-colored, Mediterranean Revival silhouette has basically been the face of the city since 1925. But here’s the thing: calling it The Vinoy Resort & Golf Club, Autograph Collection (it dropped the "Renaissance" tag a bit ago during a massive renovation) is a mouthful, yet it actually matters.
It’s not just a hotel anymore. It's a landmark that nearly died in the 70s.
Honestly, the history of this place is wild. Most people see the luxury and the golf carts and assume it’s always been this way. It hasn't. Back in the day, after its initial Roaring Twenties peak, the building sat vacant for years. It was a crumbling mess. It stayed that way until a massive community effort and a $93 million renovation in the early 90s brought it back from the brink. Nowadays, it feels like the heartbeat of Beach Drive.
The Renovation Nobody Expected
Walking into the lobby today, you’ll notice something different if you haven't been there in the last couple of years. It’s brighter. The 2023 renovation by Rockwell Group was a massive undertaking. They didn't just paint the walls; they reimagined the whole guest experience. They brought back the original cypress beams and the hand-painted tile work that had been obscured or dulled by time. It feels airy now.
The Veranda is still the place to be. You’ve probably heard people talk about "sitting on the porch" at The Vinoy. It’s a whole vibe. You can grab a drink, watch the yachts in the North Straub Park marina, and just... exist. It’s one of the few places in Florida where "slow living" doesn't feel like a marketing slogan.
But let's talk about the rooms.
The redesign moved away from that heavy, traditional Marriott-style decor. Now, it’s all about soft blues, creams, and textures that feel like the Gulf Coast without being "beachy" in a cheesy way. You won't find plastic flamingos here. Instead, you get custom wood accents and stone finishes.
The Golf Club and the Sunset Problem
If you’re coming for the golf, you aren't actually staying on the course. This is a common point of confusion for first-timers. The Vinoy Golf Club is located on Snell Isle, a short shuttle ride away from the main resort.
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The course itself is a Ron Garl-designed masterpiece. It’s a par-71 that manages to be challenging without being frustratingly difficult for a casual weekend player. Since it’s a Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary, you’re basically playing in a botanical garden. You'll see ospreys. You'll probably see an alligator or two in the water hazards. It’s very Florida.
One thing people often get wrong: the sunsets. Because the resort faces East toward Tampa Bay, you don't get that "sun dropping into the ocean" view from your balcony. You get the sunrise. It’s spectacular, but if you’re a sunset person, you’ll want to head over to the roof or walk a few blocks west into the city to see the sky turn orange over the Pier.
Where to Eat When You’re Not Leaving the Property
Eating here used to be a bit "old school," but that’s changed. Lema is the flagship now. It’s a Mediterranean-inspired spot that feels very high-end. They do this salt-crusted branzino that is, quite frankly, incredible.
Then there’s Parasol.
It’s the poolside restaurant. It's vibrant. It feels like something you'd find in Tulum or maybe the French Riviera. The food is light—think fish tacos and fresh salads—and the cocktails are dangerous. It’s the kind of place where you sit down for lunch and suddenly it’s 4:00 PM and you’re on your third margarita.
- Paul’s Landing: This is the more casual, "Old Florida" spot. It’s named after William Paul, the guy who built the original railroad pier back in the 1800s. The smoked fish dip is a local staple.
- The Vinoy Club Room: Mostly for members and resort guests, it’s got that classic, wood-paneled "clubby" feel.
- The Lobby Bar: It’s the social anchor. Great for people-watching.
Why the Location is the Secret Sauce
You could stay at a beach resort on St. Pete Beach, but then you’re stuck in traffic every time you want to go to a museum or a decent local brewery. The Vinoy is in the middle of everything. You’re steps away from the Museum of Fine Arts. You’re a short walk from the Dali Museum.
The Pier is right there. St. Pete’s new Pier is a $90 million playground with an inverted pyramid-style structure at the end, and staying at The Vinoy means you can walk there in five minutes.
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It’s about the walkability. St. Pete is one of the most walkable cities in the South, and the resort sits at the very best corner of it. You can spend an entire weekend here without ever touching a car. That’s a luxury most people don't realize they need until they have it.
A Note on the "Old" Wing vs. the "New" Wing
This is a pro tip: when you book, pay attention to which building you’re in.
The historic building is where the soul of the property lives. The rooms have more character, but they can be slightly smaller because, well, they were built in 1925. The Tower wing is more modern. The rooms are generally larger and have better views of the bay. If you want the "Grand Dame" experience, stay in the main house. If you want more elbow room and a massive walk-in shower, go for the Tower.
The Ghost Stories and Local Lore
You can’t talk about The Vinoy Resort & Golf Club, Autograph Collection without mentioning the ghosts.
Baseball players are the ones who usually report the weird stuff. For decades, MLB teams staying at the hotel while playing the Tampa Bay Rays have told stories of flickering lights, water faucets turning on by themselves, and the feeling of being watched. One famous story involves a player seeing a man in a formal suit standing by his bed, only for the figure to vanish.
Is it true? Who knows. But the staff leans into it just enough to keep it interesting. It adds to the mystique. This isn't some sterile, new-build Marriott. It has layers of history, some of them a bit spooky.
Actionable Steps for Your Visit
If you're planning a stay or just a day trip, here is how to actually do it right without wasting money or time.
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Book the "Club Level" if you can swing it.
The Vinoy’s club lounge is actually worth the upgrade. Unlike most hotel lounges that offer stale crackers and sad fruit, this one has high-quality breakfast spreads and evening appetizers that could honestly replace dinner. Plus, the view from the lounge balcony is one of the best in the city.
Use the Downtown Looper.
Even though the area is walkable, St. Pete gets hot. Like, "sweating through your shirt in three minutes" hot. The Downtown Looper is a trolley that stops right near the resort and takes you all over the city for a very low cost (or free, depending on the current city program).
Visit the History Gallery.
Most guests walk right past it. There is a small mezzanine area dedicated to the history of the resort. It has photos of the property when it was a training camp for the military during WWII. It puts the whole experience into perspective.
Check the Tennis Schedule.
The Vinoy has one of the few green clay court complexes in the area. Even if you don't play, the club atmosphere around the courts is very "Old Florida" and worth a look. If you do play, book your court time at least 48 hours in advance because the local membership is very active.
Skip the weekend crowds at the pool.
If you aren't staying at the resort, you can sometimes get a day pass through sites like ResortPass, but honestly, it gets crowded on Saturdays. If you want that peaceful, luxury experience, go on a Tuesday or Wednesday. You’ll have the staff’s undivided attention and your choice of the best cabanas.
Walk the "Coffee Pot Bayou" route.
Step out of the front doors, turn left, and walk north along the water. You’ll head toward a residential area called Old Northeast. You’ll see manatees in the winter months and some of the most beautiful historic homes in Florida. It’s a 2-mile loop that most tourists never find.
The Vinoy isn't just a place to sleep; it’s a piece of Florida history that managed to survive the wrecking ball. Whether you’re there for the golf, the ghosts, or just a really good cocktail on the veranda, you’re participating in a century-old tradition of St. Pete hospitality. Just remember to bring your walking shoes—and maybe a camera for the sunrise.