The Renaissance Vinoy Resort

The Renaissance Vinoy Resort: A gem in St. Petersburg, FL - Is it really haunted?

As we arrived at the Vinoy, the staff rushed to get our bags, and we all proceeded to the check-in desk. I did have some concern when I saw that we were on the fifth floor! It’s not that I really believe in ghosts, but knowing that athletes from visiting teams report noises, lights that turn off or on, and closets that open in the middle of the night. Well, I did feel a little anxious. I had even heard that people have reported seeing the image of a young lady, dressed in white, floating around in the grand ball room looking for her lost love. Escorted to our bay view room, the bell hop assured us the “hauntings” were not in the new tower where we were staying. (A sigh of relief!)

Even the Ghost Hunters did a segment on the Vinoy; check it out!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6rTSb7gAl1g

The Vinoy in St. Petersburg boasts quite a history and is listed as one of the 200 Historic Hotels of America (http://www.historichotels.org/). Since its massive restoration and expansion in 1992, at 93 million dollars, it has become renowned for story book weddings, High Tea, Spa and Golf getaways, and of course, business conventions.

I read, An Architectural Thesis by Marilee Lloyd ‘83/84, and she stated that the Vinoy Hotel was built by Aymer Vinoy Laughner during the boom years of the 1920’s. The grand opening in 1925 was a great success and brought clientele from the North and Europe. During World War II, Mr. Laughner donated the building to the war effort for use as a barracks. Being refitted for such purposes, proved to be its demise. Efforts to re-establish The Vinoy’s former significance and splendor limped along until it was sold to a chain-hotel in 1972, and eventually in 1975, it closed its doors for twenty years.

Lloyd describes the conditions: the ballroom was a complete loss…most of the interior murals had been exposed to the elements, and the hotel roof had given way in two locations. Water broke through, into the second floor, causing much damage.

The stories of birds, squirrels, and even an alligator taking up residence in the basement of the dilapidated Vinoy have been circulating for years. There were protest to “tear it down”, and there were those who wanted it fixed back up. Finally in 1992, the fabled Vinoy opened once again. The guided tours offered by the Vinoy and its History Gallery are an ideal way to take in resort’s heritage and architectural delights like the archways and the original stenciled pecky cypress beamed ceiling.

There are some exceptional deals during the summer months; you can get Florida resident rates and enjoy all the amenities of this Four Diamond Award resort. Although we were staying there for a wedding, we lounged by the pool after brunch at Alfresco (which also serves a mean seafood platter!); enjoyed the tropical drink of the day, and even made an appointment at the salon for my hair and make-up. The staff at this resort was very accommodating making our stay a real mini-vacation.

The wedding took place in The Palm Room where a center stage was beautifully decorated for the bride and groom. A reception area on The Mezzanine Level was set up for entertaining with a grand piano, bars, and a few appetizer stations. The best part of the night was the bride’s grand entrance to the ballroom. Beautifully lit and decorated, the ballroom was set to perfection with tables on both sides of the center stage where the bride and groom met for their first dance. It didn’t hurt that the Temptations were there to play.

Dinner was served to about two hundred people with formality and ease. The waiters poured water, wine, and coffee, and served hot meals and scrumptious desserts. The Vinoy makes weddings an unforgettable affair.

To end our stay, we splurged ($50. pp) on a Mediterranean Market Sunday Brunch voted “Best in the Bay”. With seating around the dining stations, choosing what to start with first will be the question of the day! A seafood station offered fresh shucked oysters on the half shell, crab legs, seafood salads, paella, and shrimp to die for. Across the way was a table of hand-carved meats: pork, dry spice-rubbed roast beef, prime rib, and more. A large salad selection and assorted cheeses, freshly baked breads and crackers were displayed proudly. The fresh fruit table had a nice assortment not usually found at other brunches, but some were not as ripe as I’d like. We both enjoyed the primo raspberries and blueberries with a little yogurt.

What stood out, though, was the additional menu for the champagne brunch. The waiter offered his recommendation of Tapas, eggs Benedict, and/or Beluga Caviar. The caviar was an extra ten dollars and well worth the upgrade. Be brave, and you will see that Beluga Caviar, (most highly prized for their large grain and fine skin) adorned with shaved egg and purple onion and then rolled into tender little crepes the size of your palm, will be a real taste extravaganza! It was buttery, not fishy as many may think. Sample only the tiniest of the American Caviar and you will see why Beluga Caviar is sought after. I don’t eat that other kind, but it provides a unique education for newbies.

Tapas were also a highlight and a new treat for me. With encouragement from the waiter, I tried three tiny portions of duck, shrimp, and steak each on separate saucers and paired perfectly with vegetables or sweet/peppery candied mango chunks. They were all delicious.

The grand finale? - A chocolate fountain with an eclectic choice of fruits, cakes, pretzels, marshmallows, etc. It will bring the kid out in you! Speaking of kids, though there were not many, there is a counter for them to decorate their cookies and cake with icing and sprinkles. I’d also recommend the fresh baked pastries, and to top it off with tea or coffee; I loved the Cappuccino.

The Renaissance Vinoy Resort and Golf Club is a special place to stay whether for R&R or business. Being in the heart of downtown St. Pete doesn’t hurt either. Shopping boutiques, stores and other fine dining establishments round out the total experience…and the water, well, boaters love to come here, too. (The rumor that it’s haunted makes The Vinoy all the more intriguing. )

See the Vinoy's website:

http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/tpasr-renaissance-vinoy-resort-and-golf-club/