Depending on the situation, revolutions are generally frowned upon. I can’t say that is the case with the cultural revolution experienced in St. Petersburg. The west coast town boasts an incredible history along with a modern outlook that makes any traveler excited for a visit there. I stayed at St. Pete’s historic Renaissance Vinoy Resort & Golf Club, known to locals simply as The Vinoy. The unpretentious luxury hotel is located in the exciting downtown, and right on the calm Tampa Bay.
501 Fifth Ave. NE, St. Petersburg / 888.303.4430
Teeing off a pocket watch
Steeped in history yet brimming with modern touches, it’s not surprising to know the hotel is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Originally built in 1925 by entrepreneur Aymer Vinoy Laughner, the Vinoy’s history is so deep that history tours are regularly conducted by in-house historian Elaine Normile, who astutely recaps tidbits like Laughner’s golf shot off a pocket watch. There are even lobby walls filled with near floor-to-ceiling historic facts of the hotel. “It is unusual that I enter the lobby and not see someone take in the information,” Normile says.
Cultural Revolution
Someone in my party put it pretty aptly when describing the hotel’s 1992 restoration. He said the re-opening of the Vinoy was the cracking of the egg to the cultural movement in St. Pete. And I can see why. An easy walk away from the hotel is the phenomenal Dali Museum Collection, where 96 of the master’s work is held, the remarkable Museum of Fine Art as well as the awe-inspiring Chihuly Collection. It’s an art lover’s paradise in St. Petersburg, all within a few square miles of each other.
Sports Center
For some, vacations don’t necessarily mean vacationing from your active lifestyle. I’m one of those people. So thank goodness the Vinoy breeds a healthy culture, from its cardio-filled fitness center to its relaxing Jacuzzi and sauna for post-workout recovery. I even got a little tennis action in on one of the 12 clay courts, and fine-tuned my forehand with the advice from the friendly director of tennis, Hans Gallauer. And the hotel didn’t forget about their golfing guests, with its par-71 course located just a short shuttle ride away. Too bad I didn’t take my putting skills with me.
Oh, Chihuly!
One word: Chihuly. If the Vinoy appreciates anything, it’s fine art. And there’s no greater one at glass blowing than Dale Chihuly. One of his beautiful works is perched at the grand ballroom’s ceiling, a massive white chandelier that mesmerizes all guests.
Sailing Away
The benefit of the hotel having its own marina was not lost on me. Located literally steps away from the hotel’s doors, there are 74 slips in the marina, but I only had one on my mind: the one housing The Cat’s Meow, the 43-foot catamaran that we had chartered for the day to take us around the Tampa Bay.
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