An Overnight at the Vinoy
đź“Ť St. Pete, Florida
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One last blog post from the Sunshine State! You’ve followed along on my Gasparilla Inn adventures, but there’s still one more leg to share, Brennan’s first visit to St. Pete! For those of you who are newer followers, I am a born and raised Floridian, calling St. Pete home for many years. It’s where David and I met, got married, and holds so many incredible memories. Although we are beyond happy with our move to Connecticut, we still miss a few things about this little corner of Florida. Apart from family and friends, the Vinoy Hotel is one of those things that we miss. Before heading down to Boca Grande, we decided to stay at this historic hotel for a quick overnight, and it was such a great decision!Â
The Vinoy has been a fixture in downtown St. Pete for nearly a century, and stepping inside always feels like a return to something familiar. Built in 1925, it was originally a seasonal resort for the well-to-do escaping northern winters. Over the years, it’s welcomed celebrities, baseball legends, and generations of Florida families. After falling into disrepair during the mid-20th century, it underwent a major restoration in the 1990s and has only become more beautiful with time. Today, it’s part of Marriott’s Autograph Collection and blends historic charm with thoughtful modern touches—ornate ceilings, terrazzo floors, and that unmistakable blush pink exterior that always makes me smile.
We checked in and went straight into vacation mode. The pool was our first stop, and even though the setting has been refreshed over the years, it still holds that same relaxed energy I remember growing up. Brennan was taken with the shallow end, splashing and squealing excitedly while we caught up with friends under a big striped umbrella. Later that afternoon, we met one of our dearest friends for lunch at Paul’s Landing, the hotel’s breezy waterfront restaurant. I had a frozen Congelado (so good on a warm day), and we watched boats bobbing in the harbor while Brennan people-watched from her high chair like a seasoned local.
The next morning, we were all up early and decided to take a family walk along the bay. The light was soft, the breeze was gentle, and there’s just something about those quiet, early hours in St. Pete that feels restorative. Brennan loved taking in the boats and birds, and we took our time soaking in the views and crisp morning air. Afterward, we grabbed coffee from Lottie and found a spot on the Veranda patio to sit and relax. It was the perfect little pause before heading down for breakfast by the pool. Dining poolside felt like such a treat—Brennan was content in her high chair, we had a shady table with a view, and the Bloody Marys were as good as I remembered. It was one of those simple, unhurried mornings that reminded us why we love this hotel so much.
It was a quick trip, but exactly what we needed. The Vinoy will always be one of those places that feels like a chapter of our story. I’m so glad we carved out the time to visit, especially with Brennan in tow. Watching her take in the same sunshine, poolside giggles, and waterfront views I’ve loved for years was pretty special. If you ever find yourself in St. Pete, this spot is absolutely worth a stay—or at the very least, a slow morning coffee on the veranda.
Love from St. Pete,
Katie
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