One of St. Petersburg’s most iconic destinations has been officially reintroduced to the city. The Vinoy Resort and Golf Club has completed the initial phase of a comprehensive renovation, officially joining Marriott Bonvoy’s exclusive Autograph Collection. I Love the Burg got a tour of the beautiful transformation this week, along with a sneak peek at two new restaurants coming to the historic resort.

The renovation “captures the magic of Florida’s Golden Age,” showcasing the resort’s rich history and iconic status in St. Pete and beyond. The expansive transformation includes The Vinoy’s legendary veranda; refined grand lobby; elegant guest rooms; historic ballrooms and meeting spaces; diverse international dining experiences; and a new spa and wellness area. As a new Autograph Collection property, every detail was carefully considered by a respected historic preservation expert, who advised throughout the design process.

“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 Vice President, Distinctive Premium Brands, Marriott International. “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.” 

New restaurants, bars add to The Vinoy experience

Locals who frequent The Vinoy’s veranda and lobby for bites and drinks with a view will be among the first to experience the reimagined social areas. The Vinoy’s reimagined Veranda, overlooking the glistening waters of Tampa Bay, has introduced an enticing new menu of creative takes on classic craft cocktails, plus Mediterranean inspired shareable plates, light entrees and desserts.

If you’re looking for something new to try, we recommend the Bianca Flatbread, topped with artichokes, zucchini, feta, parmigiano and mozzarella. The menu also showcases fresh seafood, including oysters, tuna carpaccio, and red snapper crudo. And of course, you can still sip on the signature Veranda Spritz cocktails, which are best enjoyed while joining in on the storied Vinoy tradition of relaxing in a rocking chair.

Meanwhile, Lottie has made its debut just inside the main doors, an incredible French patisserie that we already consider a must-visit. Lottie welcomes Vinoy guests as soon as they step inside with a wraparound café just to the left of the main entrance. With house-made pastries and elevated takes on classic French lunch fare, as well as a full coffee bar serving La Colombe coffee, Lottie adds an exquisite touch to the beautifully-renovated lobby.

Of course, there is still even more to come. Parasol, a vibrant Latin American-inspired, full-service outdoor restaurant, will be opening this summer, bringing yet another excellent food-and-drink destination to the resort. With panoramic views of the downtown waterfront, Parasol will also overlook The Vinoy’s all new glamorous pool deck. Parasol will create an “energetic, island-like atmosphere,” with a menu starring fresh seafood, bright flavors and spices, and tropical craft cocktails ideal for poolside indulging. The restaurant will also feature a marble wrap-around bar and living green wall.

While its opening is further down the line, a fine dining restaurant off the grand lobby will complete the final phase of renovations. In the former Marchand’s space, the new concept will house a romantic, raised garden terrace that comes alive at night with lanterns and white tablecloth service.

The resort recently unveiled its renovated ballrooms, as well, and in the grand ballroom, the resort has restored the iconic Chihuly chandelier and installed a lush walled garden outside the ballroom’s arched windows. Renovations also include upgrades to the resort’s pool terrace, complete with stylish cabanas and sun loungers. Additionally, The Vinoy’s new luxury fashion boutique, Sunni Spencer, is now open. Learn more about the popular Tampa-based shopping experience here.

Joining Autograph Collection cements The Vinoy’s global reputation

The Vinoy’s comprehensive renovation was led by world-renowned architecture and design firm Rockwell Group, with Hart Howerton as architect of record. The renowned hotel embodies the ethos of Autograph Collection Hotels – independent hotels with their own identity, selected on four curatorial principles: product vision, heartfelt design, dedication to craft, and sense of place. Part of Marriott Bonvoy’s portfolio of 30 extraordinary brands, the diverse and dynamic collection of independent hotels around the world, hand selects each hotel that is unlike any other, and offers guests rich, immersive moments that leave a lasting imprint.

As the only Autograph Collection Hotels property in St. Petersburg, The Vinoy Resort and Golf Club, will deliver an intimate connection to the destination, with authentic moments weaved into all guest experiences, and thoughtful design that nods to the resort’s glamorous past while embracing a new era.

Its Mark, a point of distinction unique to Autograph Collection Hotels properties, will be a special moment upon check-in, in which a Vinoy team member presents historic postcards to guests that depict different scenes of The Vinoy, while sharing their favorite memory of the cherished resort. Each guest 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 general manager. “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.”