PRICE:
Frommer's Exceptional

For the swankiest digs in the area, the Renaissance Vinoy is it. Built in 1925, this elegant Spanish-style establishment has hosted everyone from Jimmy Stewart to Bill Clinton, and is on the National Register of Historic Places after a total and meticulous $93-million restoration that made it once again the city's finest hotel. Dominating the northern part of downtown, it overlooks Tampa Bay and is within walking distance of the Pier, Central Avenue, and other attractions. All guest rooms, many with views of the bay, offer the utmost in comfort and include three phones, an additional TV in the bathroom, and bath scales. Some rooms in the original building have standing-room-only balconies; if you need enough room to sit outside, request a balconied unit in the new Tower Wing. Overlooking the bay, Marchand's Grill is the city's most elegant chophouse. The Vinoy also has 12 tennis courts and an 18-hole golf course. The hotel is nonsmoking. Facilities: 4 restaurants; 2 bars; 2 heated outdoor pools (connected by a waterfall); golf course; 12 tennis courts; health club; spa; Jacuzzi; concierge; activities desk; car-rental desk; business center; salon; 24-hr. room service; massage; laundry service; coin-op washers and dryers; concierge-level rooms.

Copyright: Excerpted from Frommer's Florida 2009, (c) 2008, Wiley Publishing, Inc.

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