What service can you provide to groups that they normally might not receive?
We offer a new program called Vacation Like a Local. This is a resource of places to go, see and do in St. Pete recommended by the locals themselves. In addition to this program, we have an extensive list of running routes for any skill level to allow guests to explore the city while staying healthy. For anyone who has every snagged a hem on a dress or torn a sleeve on a shirt right before a meeting, we offer access to emergency tailoring.
What are your bar or nightclub recommendations?
For lounges, I would recommend Push Ultra Lounge and Vintage Ultra Lounge.
For bars, Ruby’s Elixir opened earlier this year and is a speakeasy style bar. Mandarin Hide is great for classic cocktails like Sazeracs, French 75s, Sidecars and Bellinis.
Can you recommend a good place to take a stroll?
Walking along Beach Drive to check out all the shops and restaurants or strolling through the Dali Museum for a surreal experience. For baseball fans, there is a baseball trivia walk from the Al Lang Field all the way to Tropicana Field. Every few blocks you will see a plinth in the shape of home plate with baseball highlights.
Are there any quirky places we should check out?
Across from City Hall is the “Face the Jury” art piece. You can sit in the witness chair and face the twelve distinctive, oversized juror chairs. When walking through our Tea Garden, guests should also be sure to look for the last known remaining solarium. Used for private sun bathing, the solariums were originally situated around the pool of the Vinoy Park Hotel.
What is an unusual request from a group you’ve had?
We recently had a group request helicopter rides.
A party of 12 wants to have dinner right away. What restaurant can accommodate last-minute requests of this size?
Our own Marchand’s Bar & Grill can accommodate last-minute requests for groups of this size.
What’s a unique event that has taken place at your property?
Originally opened in 1925, the Renaissance Vinoy is a historic hotel which has hosted many celebrities, politicians and athletes over the years. Former President Calvin Coolidge was a frequent guest of the Vinoy in the 1930s. During his visits, he chose to eat the plain fare in the employee dining room rather than the rich food in the guest dining room. In 2005, we hosted a Roaring 20s costume party to celebrate the resort’s 80th anniversary. Last year, we commemorated the 85th anniversary with an edible replica of made out of modeling chocolate, royal icing, pastillage and fondant.
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