In Search of Sunshine Day 16 - St. Petersburg

Awoke to the sounds of a loud American walking along the corridor, clapping and singing "Good Morning". A hard punch in the face would have soon sorted him out. Idiot. The rude awakening was followed by the room charges bill (pushed under door) that stated we had been charged $60 for one day's internet in the room. Yes, you did read that correctly. It seems that the rate of $10 applies to each device used in that room. We have 7 devices. Yes, you read that correctly too. (Gadgets Galore in this family). Not at all amused, hubby went and got it 'sorted' by way of one of those 'good will gestures'. That often apply in these cases to get them out of a 'ripping off their customers' situation.

We bid farewell to Universal Studio's, International Drive and Orlando in general and headed West towards The Gulf Coast for our last leg of the holiday. Stopping en route at a fast food place called 'Five Guys Burgers and Fries' . Gets fantastic reviews and scores way above the usual burger chains. We were impressed, not just with the 'hand pressed patties' but the list of free additional toppings you could add as you wanted, the home style fries and choice of drinks. The place was run by an uber efficient woman who barked out orders, built each burger with care, wrapped neatly in foil and stuck a number sticker on top to seal it. Each burger ordered was numbered on the reciept so you knew which burger belonged to which person. The staff were really helpful and cheery - Gordon Ramsey would be so proud!

Five Guys, Burger and Fries

Back on the road, we drove across one of the many bridges over there that cross the inlets betwen teen the mainland and keys. It was a bit grey today, but when sunny the sea is a beautiful shade of blue. As we approached St. Petersburg, the place reminded me of St. Augustine with its built up areas with small Floridian house, painted pretty colours in-between. The city consists of the typical 'block' road systems so it was fairly easy to find the hotel - and it is rather conspicuous as it is a very old grand building painted pink!

We checked in and were given our room in The Vinoy Renaisance Hotel A very splendid, and historic hotel that was closed for 18 months and renovated, and is now one of the top hotels in Tampa Bay. We were originally booked into another hotel further up the coast in Treasure Island, but hubby got a bargain when he saw an offer for this place for the same rate! Certainly nothing like the rate quoted on the website.

We were surprised to see this room though. Luckily ours is across the coridoor!

This place is haunted too!

 

Of course Alexander always wants to be first in to explore and see what there is. However, I insist on all bags being left by the door until I have taken photos of the room in pristine condition. I cannot comprehend why people take photos of hotel rooms and post on various websites with clothes and personal belongings draped everywhere. I have enough problem keeping my OCD in check in my own room, it just makes me squirm seeing how untidy some people are in their rooms.

So here are the initial room pics.

Beds and Polo Lamp

Technical Area

Big Telly and Expensive Bar

Hidden Coffee Tray

Dressing Area and Bathroom

Harry Potter Been Here?

Double sinks Theirs and MINE

Aveda Freebies

Not a hope in hell of these staying out - off into the suitcase within seconds! Got a soap from the last hotel out to wash hands with. Hope we get them replaced daily.

Shower (obviously)

Bathroom

Shower (obviously)

 

Inside the wardrobe

Balcony and View of Tampa Bay

View of Tennis Courts

At this point in the afternoon the sun was shining and although there was a few clouds, it wasn't too bad. Hubby and the boys left me to unpack, knowing how I hate them interfering. I looked out when I had finished to see them playing tennis on one of the courts, however, the sky was getting black and it had started to rain. Within minutes the rain became torrential. They managed to get 10 minutes played. This is a video of the storm as it came in. Taken from our balcony.

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y0tGxsqY8QE&w=500&h=305]

They all came back in, got out of wet clothes and did the necessary to get hooked onto the wifi in the room. Hubby and I decided to go and have a walk around the hotel. The place is fabulous! I did take one photo, before noticing a sign that said "For the privacy of our guests please refrain from taking photographs or asking for autographs". Hubby said he didnt care what they said he would happily sign his autograph for anyone who asked. (Funny Guy). Of course I will take photos, but discreetly, and not if anyone else is in the picture, but the decor and features are too beautiful to ignore.

One of the lobby lounge areas

 

Outdoor Terrace - Wet

The storm didn't seem to be going anywhere, and Jordan wasn't hungry so we took Alexander out to one of the Malls for a wander around out of the rain. When we got there, about 9 miles away, the ground was dry, but as we parked the tell tale wind started and the rain came down there too. We had a quick meal in the food court and bought Alexander some new clothes, despite his lack of enthusiasm. A quick stop off at Walmart for water and other snacks for the room and then back to the hotel.

I have been blogging now for over an hour, with one eye on the Olympic coverage. We are going to Busch Gardens tomorrow, fingers crossed the weather is mostly dry. I also want to go to Egmont Key (Island off Fort Desota) but needs to be a good day or the boats wont go. We only have 3 days to do these two things, and also want to see more of St.Petes. We are now wishing we had had less time in Miami and More here.

Better make sure we take the Poncho's with us tomorrow!

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