The Vinoy Resort & Golf Club, Autograph Collection

A big rosé colored, castle-like building next to the marina, with a nice park next door, and run in Marriott Bonvoy’s Autograph Collection: that’s The Vinoy in St. Petersburg, Florida. I had a lovely room on the 7th floor in the historical main building, nicely furnished, elegant and modern, with a beautiful view to St. Petersburg’s skyline, close to the city center of the little vibrant town in Southern Florida. I enjoyed my short stay a lot. I had delicious ice cream, coffee and macarons at Lottie’s, played tennis, and sat on the huge veranda at the entrance, watching the comings and goings of guests and friends. A hotel with a vibe, with a charming atmosphere and the most efficient and helpful staff you can imagine. Everything was perfect. From the reception to housekeeping and the valet team. Friendly, efficient, just sweet. And all this in spite of the fact that it was a very busy weekend and a big conference event taking place at the hotel. The pool was too crowded for my taste, but that I would not blame on the hotel. After all, it is a downtown hotel, not a beach resort. And the most beautiful beaches are near, anyway. I was a bit unhappy about the tennis facility, though. It looks really nice on the website of the hotel, but in fact the courts I was assigned to are located on top of a car park. Thus, in order to reach them you have to cross the dark and ugly garage. The coaches I had were of very different levels, too: Raissa (from Brazil) and Victor were great and very professional. However, Fabiana (?, the Venezuelan coach) not so much: she wore a very big sun hat (not a cap), which she lost all the time, she preferred to chat with her colleagues on the court next to us, and – which is my biggest complaint – she used very old balls; when I mentioned this critically and asked for better (aka newer) balls, she alleged that what I considered bad quality of her tennis balls was in fact a consequence of playing near the ocean... Honestly? Otherwise, however, I was super-happy at The Vinoy, a beautiful place I will certainly come back to, when in Southern Florida. I also enjoy the very up-to-date handling of check-in and check-out you get with the Marriott Bonvoy app these days: An invoice folio sent in advance, and the option to check out online, without standing in line at the front desk. Very comfy.

Karlie is the best valet, such an easy and nice service!

We spent the weekend at the Vinoy in February and had a very nice time. The hotel was pretty full that weekend being Pride and other events going on but still did not feel crazy. Check in was quick and we were takend to our room (273). We knew we were not looking at the water from our room but being on the second floor looking at the tennis courts and parking lot did not make us want to use the balcony. The room itself was fine with no issues whatsoever. The bed was comfortable, and the bathroom nice with well stocked amenities. It was quiet and we were not bothered by outside noise or noise from the hallway. We had breakfast at Pauls in the morning (included with our stay) and decided to order off the menu instead of buffett. The food was very good but the staff were a bit overwhelmed. I think by the number of diners both staying at the hotel and those who are members of the gym/spa who dine there. Still though, the food was good, particularly the smoothy. We used the pool for a few hours one afternoon and though busy we found seating. I could see where this could be probelm on a busy pool day. Attendents were helpful and ordering drinks was no problem. We ventured into the hot tub one evening when it was cool temps and it was very hot. We took out the E-bikes that are avialble to guest and rode them around town one morning. That was a lot of fun and a great way to see the various neighborhoods. Twice we visited the Veranda bar and found the outdoor seathing in the courtyard in front of the Veranda bar empty. It was very nice sitting out there in the evening. We had some lite bites and drinks. Overall a nice stay and I would certainly stay here again if I get the chance.

I’ve stayed at the Vinoy before, but this time was special. Sections of the hotel were remodeled due to the hurricane and it’s lovely. The Marriott upgraded me to a bay view room on the 6th floor, and it was exquisite. But what really makes this place shine is the staff. No matter if I used valet, asked for directions, visited the Elliot bar, got help from the bellman, reservation checked in, or hunted for pool lounge chairs, every staff member excelled. You could tell they enjoyed their jobs and wanted you to have the best time ever. That only happens when you have great leadership mentoring and training employees. I especially appreciated the tall gentlemen who greeted us at the door of the hotel. My sister and I stayed for 2 nights and each day he remembered us and asked us about our stay. He also gave us a great tip – take the Jolly trolley. I’m sorry I forgot your name but you should get a few gold stars from management. Thank you! I will be back!

Location was great.

The service at the limited restaurants was slow at best! Breakfast at the pool area was terrible the brunch at the ASTOR was very slow, no attention to detail or normal level of service.

Great experience with valet during the Fostering Hope Gala. Most people arrived and left around the same time but Nick H was professional and quick at retrieving my car. He took the time to hold the door open for me and make sure we were all set. Great service.

I parked at the Vinoy valet for the Festival of Speed car show at noon . As I walked down the street I see the valet drive my Aston Martin by. He turned into the garage and floored the car all the way through 1st gear in the garage. The whole street could hear it, showing his complete disregard for anyone’s safety or my car. I can only imagine how many other cars they did that with today. I’m extremely disappointed in the valet and the immaturity that they displayed.

Good experience hope to come back

Always an amazing experience with great customer service across the board and the location and surrounds are special and unbeatable and we come here at least three times a year but this is the first time we won’t be eating here because of the menu changes at Paul’s Landing and Parasol and we’ve seen this before at other properties and it makes no sense where I guess they have a meeting and discuss what are the most amazing things on the menu and then decide not to offer them anymore. Have never understood that!! Oh well.

Wonderful brunch at Elliot Aster. And when I left - Karlie, Bobby, Landon, and Emilio were fantastic. Best service ever!!