Haven't been this disappointed in a long time. We made our reservations months in advance to meet with friends in this grand old hotel. Both reservations were completely wrong, but no one at the Vinoy cared. One of the rooms was also not available until after the 4pm check in time. Dined at Marchand's award winning restaurant, and was disappointed there as well. Service was slow; we had to ask for water, drinks, and bread. Food was average. What a shame, as it is a fabulous location. We will definitely be back to visit the area, but we definitely will NOT stay at the Vinoy.

We have stayed at this hotel 5 times in recent years, so have seen the renovations and the improvements these have made. It is a beautiful, quant hotel which opened in Dec 1925. The hotel is well apointed, terrific setting overlooking the bay and marina. The foyer, reception and terrace are now finished and look excellent, we had room overlooking the bay and it was lovely to wake up to this view everymorning.

However this time we were very let down by the standard of the room iteslef, the room was a good size and well appointed, however the bathroom was very poor, the shower was over the bath which I do not personally like, but this is a beautiful old building so changing this could be an issue, however the black mildew under the soap dish is not pleasant I refused to use the bath or shower at all the 4 nights we stayed here, prefering to use the showers in the ladies locker rooms at the golf club.

Breakfast on our first day, was mediocre and spoilt by the fact I had to send my cereal back twice as the bowl was dirty, an apology would have been nice from the waitress,rather that just an 'oh'! I felt as though I was troubling her for asking for a clean one.

Also - come on Rennaisance time to join the 21st Century - internet is almost as a basic a requirement today as electricity, why can you not hide it in the bill. This hotel is part of the Marriott group and it never fails to frustrate me, how internet and valet parking is charged - some hotels and resorts it is free (although nothing in life is free we know it is built into the nightly rate it is better than it being added seperately) $14.95 per night plus tax for a poor wifi connection is not ideal.

My husband rarely says anything, however this time he noted it was sometimes difficult to tell if the room had been serviced as it was done to such a poor standard, dirty cups left out and toothbrush glass not replaced if dirty.

This is coming across very negative, however I strongly feel this hotel is letting itself down, a beautiful building, great atmosphere, very poor bathrooms, paper cups for coffee (yuck) and plastic cups for drinks (double yuck).

I have to add a post note here regarding the golf course, it is a beautiful little course the staff up there can not do enough to help and the lounge/club house area for lunch, snacks or dinner cannot be faulted, the main hotel could learn a lot from the staff there, very friendly, and nothing was too much trouble.

My final word has to be the reception staff who on arrival and during my stay on the whole were friendly and helpful however it has to be said the I managed to meet the most misserable member of hotel staff I have ever come across, when I checked out I had been overcharged for my internet, I spoke to a guy at reception and really wish I had taken his name - someone needs to remind him a smile if free as is a thank you.

I doubt we will return.

St. Peterburg's grand old hotel, the Renaissance Vinoy has much to offer: a terrific setting on the water, opposite the marina (but not on the beach); a location close to downtown and all its shopping and restaurants; proximity to a slew of great museums and cultural attractions; a lovely pool, fine restaurants, a terrific veranda and outdoor patio for drinks and socializing, a nice cafe with Illy coffee and healthy snacks. Add in a golf course, tennis courts, and a spa, and you've got the whole enchilada.

Staff is helpful and warm. The rooms are spacious, and the ones overlooking the bay are especially nice.

Unfortunately, the grande dame has been the victim of a misguided re-do, epitomized by the unfortunate marketing tag, "hip octogenarian." That's never a good thing. Reminds me of what they once called Goldie Hawn, when she appeared on Letterman in some inappropriately tweeny outfit: "Mutton dressed as lamb." A bad face-lift, a la Joan Rivers. You get my drift.

The place has great bones: Mediterranean Revival architecture, a warm pink exterior, a ballroom and lobby with dramatic vaulted ceilings and quarry glazed tile floor. The ballroom even has a dramatic 1250 pound Dale Chihuly chandelier. (If you're really into Chihuly, the Morean Arts Center, three blocks away, has a whole collection of his work.)

All the elements were there to do a really classy make-over riffing on the original design. Instead, decorators seemed to want to channel South Beach hipsters and do some vaguely mid-century modern thing with starburst lighting fixtures that fight with the original Murano glass chandeliers, cheesy library shelves filled with knicknacks and that old, '80s cliche -- books all covered in the same color covers (a sure sign that content is secondary to decorating). The garish abstract art on the walls looks like it came from a street fair spin-art display. Worst of all is the carpet -- a blobby thing in turquoise, green and brown. So sad.

Functionally, the place works. The lobby's a nice place for checking your email for free, esp. since doing so in your room will cost you $15. And the little nook areas are great for small groups.

So, bottom line: I would stay there again. Much more to recommend it than to diss it. And, admittedly, others have found the remodeling charming. It just hurt me to see a really fabulous building opt for the easy, hipster fix instead of being true to its beautiful soul.

This hotel is beautiful! It is a sprawling old florida resort that has recently gone through an absolutely beautiful renovation. We stayed in an upgraded tower room with a balcony overlooking the bay and I think it was well worth the extra cost. I loved it because it had french doors that open onto a large balcony, it was perfect for hanging out and having pre dinner drinks. This property is located with in walking distance of everything and there is so much to do on the property itself, the only thing you cant get to easily is the beach. This was not a problem for me because there is a beautiful pool overlooking the bay. I can't wait to go back. The staff was wonderful!!