Snapshots from the Vinoy
Tee || Skirt || Wedges || Clutch || Earrings || Bracelet || Watch
I have a serious love for historic hotels. Not only do they add to the story of a city, but they often serve as the social hotspot. If you want to get a good sense of a town’s culture, then you should stop by the local hotel. In St. Pete, the name to know is the Vinoy. It’s the focus point of the downtown area and is exactly what you should expect from a Florida resort. Painted in the prettiest shade of pink, that would make any visitor fall in love, it offers sweeping views of Tampa Bay and is right next to the laidback nightlife that St. Pete offers.
The History
In its nearly one hundred years, the Vinoy has had several different lives. Originally opening in 1923, the bright salmon building served as one of the premiere Florida destinations of the time. Then during World War II, it was taken over by the U.S. Army for a training school. When the war was over, it was back to the hotel life, but time had not been kind. It quickly fell in to disrepair, ultimately closing in 1974. It’s hard to believe, but this prime slice of real estate remained vacant until the 1990s. That’s when it was scooped up and restored to the beautiful hotel that all locals know and love.
Old Meets New
When you stay at the Vinoy, you get a real sense of the old world meeting the new. The Mediterranean Revival architecture leads to striking white details and charming archways. Visitors even have the option of staying in the historic building or the new annex that overlooks the bay and pool. I even know about a little secret guest room in the historic building with it’s own private balcony. David and I stayed here for our wedding night and it was intimate.
The Local Watering Hole
Like any great resort, the Vinoy boasts two different spots to watch the world pass. Both the Veranda and Paul’s Landing have become local favorites. They’re the kind of places where regulars from St. Pete come to feel like they’re on vacation and visitors feel like they’ve lived here their whole lives. I’ve bragged several times how friendly St. Petian’s are and that’s doubly true for who you’ll see at the Vinoy. ‘Let’s meet at the Vinoy,’ is one of the most commonly used phrases in my vocabulary.
If you live in the Tampa Bay Area, then you don’t need any introduction to the Vinoy. It’s a place where you can kick back, relax, and live your best life. No matter where you’re from, it’s this hotel will always feel like a piece of home.
Love from Florida,
Katie
As always, thanks for stopping by! To keep up with all things about the Sunshine State, be sure to visit my exclusive Florida page, here.