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Renaissance Vinoy Resort & Golf Club Review

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Renaissance Vinoy Resort & Golf Club

Member Rating: ** 1.6 | Rate It

Fodor's Review:

Built in 1925, making it the same vintage as the Don CeSar, the Vinoy is a luxury resort in a quiet, quaint neighborhood not far from downtown St. Petersburg's attractions. The resort's $93 million renovation in the early 1990s allowed it to keep its yesteryear glamour and place on the National Register of Historic Places. Some of the units are cramped by today's standard, so ask for one of the spacious rooms for more comfort; all have cheery, modern decorations. The resort overlooks Tampa Bay, and a tiny bayside beach several blocks away is good for strolling (though unswimmable). Transportation is provided to Gulf beaches 30 minutes away. Other offerings include access to a Ron Garl-designed golf course with a stunning clubhouse, a big marina, and pool attendants who deliver drinks. The hotel is convenient to downtown museums, the Pier, or BayWalk and service tends to be a bit friendlier than at the Don. Pros: Charm, history, proximity to downtown museums. Cons: Pricey, not beachfront.

  • Hotel Details: 345 rooms, 15 suites
  • In-room: Internet.
  • In-hotel: 5 restaurants, golf course, room service, tennis courts, bars, pools, gym, laundry facilities, spa, laundry service, no-smoking rooms.
  • Credit Cards: AE, D, DC, MC, V
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Member Reviews & Ratings:

This is one to avoid: From check in to check out, The Renaissance Vinoy Resort in Saint Petersburg, Florida is awful.

Posted by mark46 from Orlando, Florida on 4/26/07
April 26, 2007 Looking for a wedding place? This is one to avoid: From check in to check out, The Renaissance Vinoy Resort in Saint Petersburg, Florida is awful. This resort exemplifies the term, beauty is only skin deep. We had my daughters wedding there this April. The cocktail hour, the seafood buffet, and the passed hors doeuvres were non-existent (not enough groceries). The seafood buffet was supposed to be for a party of 100, but all we got to see was melting ice. The passed hors doeuvres were far and few between. The sit down dinner resembled bad airline food, the Filet Mignon and piece of Grouper were the size of a spoon. The premium brand liquor that we paid for was not premium, the only recognizable brand was Smirnoff, which hasnt been premium in 100 years. The scotches, and gins were names never heard of. The next morning we held a continental breakfast at a cost of $25 per head. The continental breakfast was less than what you would expect to get free at any self-respecting Hampton Inn. Looking for a place to hold a wedding? This is not the place! You do not want the Vinoy, who are supposed to be wedding professionals, to handle such a special and memorable occasion. My wife and I were totally embarrassed by the food quality and quantity, lack of liquor selection, and service. The Renaissance Vinoy Resort touts itself as The Legendary Renaissance Vinoy, but when it comes down to it, its just another Marriott.

Room: 2.0 Atmosphere: 2.0 Service: 1.0 Value: 1.0 RATING: 1.6

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