Poolside at the Vinoy
📍 Vinoy Hotel, St. Pete
It’s no secret that the historic Vinoy Hotel is one of my favorite spots in all of St. Pete! The beautiful pink and green exterior is enough alone, to make me love it. Add the impeccable service and stunning pool, and I’m ready to live here full time a la Eloise. Because David and I had a few days “in limbo” with our home, we took it as an opportunity to check-in. While I’ve previously shared snapshots from around the space, this post is solely dedicated to my day of lounging at the pool.
Grab a Spot Early
As I happily learned during my stay, the Vinoy pool opens up at 9 am sharp. Don’t be surprised to see a coordinated water aerobics class for Vinoy Club members. Other than that, it’s perfectly peaceful. The beauty of working remotely is I can get work done anywhere I snag some WiFi, which is plentiful all around the Vinoy. Sorry to my NYC and Connecticut co-workers who end up reading this. So, I grabbed my spot early and got some come color in the early morning sun. As soon as I needed a reprieve, I was able to take advantage of the menu cabana umbrellas available.
Sipping Drinks Poolside
As a sunny, poolside day goes on, you’ll need a frozen drink to help stay cool. Whether I’m a hotel guest or walk-in, I absolutely recommend the Congelado from Paul’s Landing. It’s a delicious concoction that I can only describe as a Creamsicle and Pińa Colada having a baby. Have a glass or two as you have some much needed relaxation. Disclaimer: this is a surprisingly filling drink, so I recommend moving on two the Frosè or Lemon Crush after your second round.
Taking a Quick Dip
The quatrefoil design of the Vinoy pool feels so unique! Throughout, the depth is pretty shallow, making it perfect for socializing with a beverage in hand. It includes a small waterfall that helps create a surprisingly relaxing ambiance. From years of competitive swimming, I tend to prefer the poolside to the actual pool. The one exception is the blue and turquoise water on a warm Sunshine State day.
Lunch at Paul’s Landing
If you need a bite to eat while lounging at the Vinoy pool, the best place for a meal is Paul’s Landing. I’m a regular there on weekends, but I swear it tastes even better when you’re a hotel guest. My absolute favorite thing on the menu is the Edamame Hummus. It’s the kind of dish you can share with a friend or call a meal for yourself. It comes with freshly cut veggies and their signature grilled bread. I know it sounds like an overstatement, but I think it’s the best bread I’ve ever had. Enjoy at the bar or order it to be delivered to you on the pool deck.
Whether you’re a local or visiting from afar, the Vinoy is the perfect destination while exploring St. Pete. It has an incredible history and is the number one icon for Downtown St. Pete. Each visit here is an absolute joy and I can’t wait to check-in again soon.
Love from Florida,
Katie
Thanks for stopping by! To keep up with all things about the Sunshine State, be sure to visit my exclusive Florida page, here.