5 Shocking Transformations And New Secrets Of The Vinoy Resort & Golf Club (No Longer A Renaissance)

The Vinoy Renaissance St. Petersburg Resort & Golf Club, a pink-hued landmark that has defined the downtown St. Petersburg waterfront for nearly a century, has undergone a comprehensive and highly-anticipated transformation. As of today, December 15, 2025, the resort has officially completed a massive refurbishment and rebrand, moving away from its long-standing "Renaissance" affiliation to emerge as The Vinoy Resort & Golf Club, Autograph Collection. This change signals a new era of luxury that blends its Roaring Twenties heritage with contemporary, high-end amenities, making it one of Florida's premier historic destinations.

The extensive, multi-million dollar project has revitalized every corner of the property, from the grand lobby and iconic Veranda to the guest rooms and sprawling event spaces. This deep dive reveals the five most significant changes and new secrets that visitors and locals must know about the newly redesigned Vinoy, securing its status not just as a historic hotel, but as a fresh, modern luxury escape in the Tampa Bay area.

The Complete Transformation: From Renaissance to Autograph Collection

The most crucial and recent update to this historic property is its official rebrand. The hotel, which was long known as The Vinoy Renaissance St. Petersburg Resort & Golf Club, has transitioned to The Vinoy Resort & Golf Club, Autograph Collection. This move places the resort under Marriott's exclusive portfolio of independent, one-of-a-kind hotels, emphasizing its unique history and character.

• The Facts Of Life Cast Where Are Eastlands Girls Now 2024 Updates 2tx8p

This is more than just a name change; it represents a commitment to a higher level of bespoke luxury and an intimate connection to the St. Petersburg destination. It is the only Autograph Collection property in the city, underscoring its unique position in the local luxury market. The resort's iconic salmon-colored exterior remains, but the interiors now feature a stunning blend of 1920s historic charm and modern, sophisticated design.

Key Renovation Highlights and Entities

• Historic Tower Guestrooms: Refurbished with new wood flooring and millwork portals, blending vintage elegance with modern comfort.
• Grand Lobby & Arrival Court: Completely reimagined to create a more dramatic and welcoming sense of arrival.
• Event Spaces: Over 60,000 square feet of redesigned event space, including the legendary Vinoy Grand Ballroom and the Palm Court Ballroom, have been upgraded to host world-class events.
• The Veranda: The resort's legendary Veranda has been given new touches, restoring its status as a premier gathering spot overlooking the waterfront.
• Recent Accolades: The Vinoy was recognized as the #1 Hotel in St. Pete in the U.S. News and World Report Best Hotels Rankings 2024, a testament to the success of the renovation.

A New Culinary Dynasty: The Arrival of Elliott Aster and Chef Lee Wolen

Perhaps the most exciting development for food enthusiasts is the complete overhaul of the resort’s dining program, spearheaded by new, distinct concepts. The centerpiece of this culinary transformation is Elliott Aster, the resort's new signature fine dining restaurant.

Elliott Aster is an elevated culinary experience led by award-winning Chef Lee Wolen and the renowned Boka Restaurant Group. Wolen, known for his Michelin-starred work, brings a refined, contemporary American menu to the hotel’s original dining hall space. This focus on high-quality, destination-worthy dining is a major step up, positioning The Vinoy as a serious culinary contender in the Florida luxury resort landscape.

• 5 Shocking Facts About Anna Congdon Penn State Sweetheart To Nfl Fiances Social Media Firestorm Cc90e

The Five Distinct Dining Concepts

The Vinoy now boasts five unique food and beverage concepts, ensuring a diverse and world-class culinary journey for every guest.

• Elliott Aster: The flagship fine dining experience, offering a refined menu by Chef Lee Wolen.
• Parasol: A vibrant poolside restaurant serving creative Latin cuisine and refreshing, flavor-bursting cocktails. This is the perfect spot for a casual, high-energy lunch.
• Vinoy Club Grill: Located at the picturesque Golf Club clubhouse, this restaurant offers a mix of classic American clubhouse favorites and fresh Florida fare.
• French Patisserie Café: A stylish café offering freshly baked pastries, artisanal coffee, and a European-style atmosphere.
• The Veranda Bar: The iconic bar connected to the newly refurbished Veranda, perfect for classic cocktails and Mediterranean-inspired small plates.

The Historic 18-Hole Championship Golf Course

The "Golf Club" portion of the name is not merely a formality. The Vinoy's 18-hole championship golf course is a historic gem that dates back to the Roaring Twenties, with the original course established in 1920.

The course’s rich history is tied to the golden age of golf architecture. It was influenced by Franklin Meehan, who worked closely with the legendary golf course architect, A.W. Tillinghast. Tillinghast is famous for designing courses like Winged Foot and Baltusrol. The course is a proud member of the Florida Historic Golf Trail, recognized for its unique heritage and challenging layout that entertains golfers of all skill levels.

• The Unseen Story Jessica Simpsons Battle For Privacy And Body Image In A Digital Age Mlvqa

Located on Snell Isle, the course offers a unique and exclusive experience, separate from the main resort building but easily accessible. It features a full-service club with the aforementioned Vinoy Club Grill, tennis courts, and a resort-style pool area, making the Golf Club a destination unto itself for both resort guests and local club members.

The Vinoy Legacy: A St. Petersburg Landmark Since 1925

The Vinoy's story began in 1925, founded by businessman Aymer Vinoy Laughner. The hotel quickly became a playground for the wealthy and famous, a true icon of the Jazz Age. The resort is a member of Historic Hotels of America and has been a fixture on the St. Petersburg waterfront for nearly a century.

The resort’s history includes a period of decline and a massive, $93 million restoration in the 1990s that saved the property and added the guest tower and modern recreational facilities. The current renovation, completed in the 2020s, builds upon that legacy, ensuring the historic integrity of the building is preserved while modernizing the guest experience.

The resort’s location is unparalleled, offering stunning views of Tampa Bay and the downtown St. Petersburg skyline. It provides easy access to key cultural entities like the Salvador Dalí Museum, the Chihuly Collection, and the vibrant arts and entertainment district of downtown St. Pete.

Beyond the Rooms: New Amenities and The Club Experience

The comprehensive renovation has also focused on enhancing the resort’s recreational and relaxation offerings. The resort-style pool area has been updated, now featuring the Latin-inspired Parasol restaurant and a new splash pad, making it an ideal family-friendly destination.

The hotel offers a full-service club experience, which includes the 18-hole golf course, multiple tennis courts, and a state-of-the-art exercise room. The overall atmosphere is one of exclusive, yet accessible, waterfront luxury, a perfect blend for a Florida vacation or a staycation for local residents. The transformation ensures that The Vinoy Resort & Golf Club, Autograph Collection remains a timeless and essential part of the St. Petersburg experience for decades to come.