Presenting

First opening its doors on New Year's Eve 1925, the Vinoy, a marvel of Mediterranean Revival design, was the most impressive and expensive hotels in the state of Florida at the time. It quickly became one of the country's most prestigious and coveted getaways for the world's rich and famous families, along with Hollywood stars, celebrities, presidents and authors. In spite of the Great Depression gripping the country, the Vinoy still attracted wealthy Northerners solidifying its position as the "grand dame" of St. Petersburg. As World War II gripped the country, the Vinoy ceased operation as a hotel in 1942 and leased it to the U.S. Army to be used as housing and training center for military cooks and bakers. After the war and an extensive restoration project, Charles Alberding purchased the hotel for $700,000. Post-war America euphoria coincided with the country's great highway expansion and returned Florida as the "go-to" destination for winter sun-seekers. The Vinoy regained its former popularity as an elegant oasis overlooking Tampa Bay where guests could enjoy superb cuisine, incomparable service, and a genteel ambiance. Unfortunately, the Vinoy's resistance to embrace the revolutionary invention of air conditioning prompted guests to seek cooler environs elsewhere. By the late 1960s, the lack of regular maintenance took its toll leaving the once "grand dame" a sad relic of St. Petersburg's golden past until the hotel finally closed its doors in 1974 and most of its contents sold at auction. The hotel sat vacant for many years and narrowly escaped the wrecking ball until it was purchased in the 1990. An ambitious three-year, $93 million renovation began to restore the grand hotel to its previous glory while adding all the modern amenities expected by today's travelers. In addition to the original pink palace, the expansion plan added a new guest tower, a state- of-the-art tennis complex, a Ron Garl designed 18-hole golf course, two heated outdoor swimming pools and three spas; a fully equipped fitness center and a 74-slip marina. The modern era of The Vinoy Renaissance Resort & Golf Club has been filled with accolades earning the coveted AAA Four-Diamond Award in 2005. The Historical Perspective TOP: The signature veranda and outdoor bar. LEFT: 1,250 pound Chihuly "Isla de la Luna" chandelier made of 750 individually hand-blown glass pieces that was added as part of a renovation in 2009. BOTTOm: Guest room interior.

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