Famed hotel unveils next redevelopment phase

ST. PETERSBURG — The owner of the Vinoy Renaissance St. Petersburg Resort & Golf Club unveiled plans for new amenities at the historic lodging property, including a new restaurant, fitness center, spa and tennis courts.

Renovation work on the latest in a two-year upgrade will begin in January, when construction of the resort's new Marina and Pool casual dining restaurant begins. When completed, the restaurant will offer both indoor and outdoor seating.

Owner FelCor Lodging Trust also plans to develop a new two-story parking garage beginning early next year at the resort, featuring rooftop tennis courts and a 16,500-square-foot fitness center — three times the size of the current center. The fitness facility is slated to open in early 2018.

Later that same year, the Vinoy will debut a new 9,000-square-foot spa with enhanced features, the real estate investment trust says.

“It is our goal to provide our guests and club members with the highest quality amenities, and we're excited for what this stage in the redevelopment will bring,” says Troy Pentecost, FelCor's president and COO, in a statement.

The Vinoy, a AAA four-diamond facility, originally opened in 1925. In addition to its 361 guest rooms, the resort today contains a private 72-slip marina, an 18-hole golf course, a 12-court tennis complex and a 5,000-square-foot fitness center.