Part of Marriott’s Autograph Collection, The Vinoy Resort
and Golf Club in St. Petersburg, Florida has completed the initial
phase of a comprehensive renovation led by the
architecture and design firm Rockwell Group with Hart Howerton as
architect of record.
The renovation includes the resort’s legendary
veranda; lobby; guest rooms;
ballrooms and meeting spaces; F&B outlets; as well as a new spa and wellness area.
The renowned hotel, listed on the U.S. National
Register of Historic Places and a member of Historic Hotels of
America, is the only Autograph Collection property in St.
Petersburg, Florida.
“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.”
From the moment one enters The Vinoy’s elegant
front drive, the historic resort embraces guests with hospitality inspired by a
bygone era.
The reimagined arrival court, designed by Hart Howerton, highlights the dramatically detailed original entry
portal while incorporating original 1920s brick that has been
carefully re-laid and is surrounded by indigenous Floridian
foliage.
The enchanting Veranda, The Vinoy’s iconic front porch,
has been enhanced with custom Rockwell Group-designed rocking chairs, a Vinoy tradition since its opening in 1925, and a custom designed
bar.
With nods to the urban resort’s illustrious past,
Rockwell Group introduced a design throughout the public spaces
and guest rooms that celebrates The Vinoy’s traditional
Mediterranean Revival style and old-world Florida grandeur.
The lobby is now home to a French patisserie and
luxury fashion boutique, while a mezzanine level above the lobby will be home to
a revitalized gallery that captures The Vinoy’s history, having served as the host of important social
events and welcoming famous guests including U.S. presidents,
athletes and celebrities.
Rockwell Group’s design of The Vinoy’s
guest rooms was influenced by Florida’s coastal topography and
features the hotel’s signature polished palette, streamlined crown
molding and dramatic fixtures that create a sense of laid-back
sophistication.
Commissioned, custom art by painter Alicia LaChance adorn the walls, while the floors transition from wood
to custom, blue-patterned carpeting, presenting the look of sand
meeting the sea and creating distinction between the sleeping area
and the rest of the room.
In the King rooms, cane panels separate
the entry vestibule from the bedroom area, furthering the coastal
feel.
Luxurious stone-covered bathrooms, most of which have marble
walk-in showers, feature luxe Ortigia Sicilia toiletries, while
other in-room amenities include a coffee station and charming
dressing area.
Opening this summer, Parasol, a Latin
American-inspired, full-service outdoor restaurant with panoramic
views of the Tampa Bay waterfront, will overlook the
resort’s all-new pool deck. The restaurant will feature a marble
wrap-around bar and living green wall.
In addition to the new F&B outlets, the resort
also now features over 60,000 square feet of event space; an
extensive spa; a comprehensive fitness center with Peloton bikes
used for
daily indoor and outdoor group classes; a tennis complex; and
popular
18-hole championship golf course.
“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.”
A fine dining restaurant off the grand lobby with
a romantic, raised garden terrace that comes alive at night with
lanterns and white tablecloth service, will complete the final
phase of renovations.
