Best Downtown Hotels in St. Petersburg, Florida

St. Pete’s dazzling “Pink Lady," the Vinoy Resort & Golf Club, is celebrating her 100th birthday. A stay here is a little splurge-y and a lot fabulous: This glamorous Mediterranean Revival-style property is listed on the National Registry of Historic Places and was named Best Downtown Hotel in the 2025 “Best of St. Pete-Clearwater” awards. Fun fact: Marilyn Monroe stayed here.

Part of the Marriott Bonvoy Autograph Collection, the 354-room hotel blends history and modern luxury seamlessly: Cypress wood beams and original ceramic tiles meet custom chandeliers (there’s a Dale Chihuly in the ballroom) and oversized floral flourishes. The guest room palette reflects the hues of sun and sea, accented with punchy artwork.

Amenities include two swimming pools, a spa and the 18-hole championship Vinoy Golf Club on Snell Isle, located five minutes away via hotel shuttle. Among the seven eateries on property is the new foodie hotspot Elliott Aster, helmed by James Beard Award finalist Chef Lee Wolen. Enjoy wood-fired steaks, fresh seafood, pasta, and an impressive antipasti bar.

For a special treat, book the History Tour & High Tea with a docent-led one-hour tour bringing you back 100 years, followed by a delightful tea with scones, finger sandwiches and delicate desserts.

Brimming with vintage, "Old Florida" charm, this renovated c.1933 boutique hotel – family-owned – is known for its friendly staff and excellent value – not to mention its stellar downtown St. Pete location. Guest rooms are not expansive, but they offer practical niceties including mini-fridges, microwaves and coffee makers. Self-parking is free and pets are welcome. 

Much of the action happens outdoors, around the pool and at the HH20 Pool Bar. The buzzy Tap Room Bar & Grill, located off the lobby, draws locals as well as guests for its very popular Sunday trivia night. There’s also an on-site gym. For those last-minute vacay beauty needs, there’s an independently-owned spa located right next door. Fun, free events (Pride bash, magic show, pool parties) add to the hip hangout appeal. The on-site coffee shop and poolside cabanas win extra points from guests. Bonus: Their free shuttle (Friday and Saturday only) offers transport within 10 blocks of the hotel. 

Looking for a super-quiet, traditional hotel experience? Stop reading: This might not be lodgings love-match! You’ll instantly feel the big party energy as you walk into the lobby-lounge of the 163-room Moxy St. Pete. This Marriott brand is known for super-chic communal spaces and compact, efficient guest rooms. Expect high-thread count bedding, premium bath amenities and a pet-friendly policy (but not an in-room mini-fridge, microwave, or coffee machine, so find your caffeine jolt in the stylish lobby). Moxy St. Pete has a podcast studio because, why not?

The Central Avenue location is perfect for exploring the restaurants and bars of the EDGE District – bring your comfiest shoes, since you’re likely to do a lot of walking. That said, you don’t have to go far to meet and mingle  – the rooftop bar and Asian-inspired restaurant, Sparrow, and Bar Moxy are fun places to be. Moxy St. Pete wins raves for its great mixologists, rooftop pool and colorful style, geared toward a youngish or young-at-heart traveler who doesn’t mind falling asleep to the bass beat from the bar.

The sister property of the Hollander Hotel, located just a few steps away, the 34-room Avalon Hotel offers affordable Art-Deco style with an unbeatable location. Avalon guests have access to the amenities at the Hollander, including the pool, Tap Room Bar & Grill, and Common Grounds coffee shop, and the Avalon offers its own sweet benefit: a daily happy hour with complimentary wine and champagne. 

This, too, is a 1930s building and that brings some compromise: Guest rooms and bathrooms are typically small. That said, travelers who love the charm and history of vintage accommodations will find it well worth their while. Guests praise the value for the money (rooms are affordable and parking is free).  Note: You must be age 25 or over to book the Hollander and Avalon hotels.

Want to live la vida local? Mint House, a cross between a short-term rental and a hotel, is a downtown high-rise in a great location. Nearly 50 restaurants are located within three-tenths of a mile. There’s a Publix supermarket nearby – useful, since the rooms in this apartment hotel have full kitchens. In-room laundry facilities and work desks add to the home-away-from-home or "bleisure" experience. If it doesn’t feel like home without your favorite furry BFF, bring ‘em along; Mint House is dog-friendly.

The palette is bright and fresh: white-on-white with splashes of citrus. All rooms have private balconies or patios, plus there’s an outdoor pool, outfitted with loungers and umbrellas. Take advantage of the grilling station and fire pit. Prices are in the mid-range, but plan to pay for parking, using the Mint House valet service, or at a nearby parking lot. This is largely a self-service property, but there’s staffing 24/7 if you need to speak with someone for assistance. Housekeeping services are available for an extra charge.