Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
an impressive collection of paintings with titles such as The Ghost of Vermeer of
Delft Which Can Be Used as a Table.
Sleeping
Dickens House
B&B$$$
( 727-822-8622;
www.dickenshouse.com
;
335 8th Ave NE; r $119-245; )
Five lushly
designed rooms await in this passionately restored arts-and-crafts-movement home. The
gregarious, gay-friendly owner whips up a gourmet breakfast.
Ponce de Leon
BOUTIQUE HOTEL$$$
( 727-550-9300;
www.poncedeleonhotel.com
;
95 Central Ave; r $99-119, ste $169; )
A boutique hotel with Spanish flair in the heart of downtown. Splashy murals, designer-
cool decor, and the hot restaurant and bar are highlights; off-site parking is not.
Renaissance Vinoy Resort
LUXURY HOTEL$$$
$$$
(
727-894-1000;
www.vinoyrenaissanceresort.com
; 501 5th Ave NE; r $169-359;
)
St Pete's coral pink grande dame, the newly renovated 1925 Vinoy is a sumptuous con-
coction with standout off-season and online deals. It's worth it just for the gorgeous pool.
Eating & Drinking
At night, focus on Central Ave between 2nd and 3rd Sts, and along the harborfront.
Many restaurants have lively, late bar scenes.
AnnaStella Cajun Bistro
CAJUN$
( 727-498-8978;
www.annastellacajunbistro.com
; 300 Beach Dr N; dishes $6-16; 8am-10pm
Sun-Thu, to 11pm Fri & Sat; )
Enjoy a Cajun-spiced breakfast or lunch and harbor views;
great gumbo and fresh beignets (French-style doughnuts).
Ceviche
TAPAS$$$
( 727-209-2299;
www.ceviche.com
; 10 Beach Dr; tapas $5-13, mains $15-23; 11am-10pm)
Panache counts and Ceviche has it in spades, with an upbeat Spanish atmosphere and fla-
vorful, creative, generously portioned tapas. End the evening in the sexy, cavernlike Fla-
menco Room below, with live flamenco Thursday and Saturday nights.
