Source: Marriott International

Renaissance Vinoy(R) Resort & Golf Club Restores Original Murals in Restaurant to Commemorate 20th Anniversary of Re-Opening

On-Property Celebrations Include Menu Additions From 1992, Pompeii-Inspired Cocktails, Facebook Photo Contest & More

ST. PETERSBURG, FL--(Marketwire - Oct 10, 2012) - Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Renaissance Vinoy® Resort & Golf Club is commemorating the resort's 20th anniversary since its grand re-opening in 1992 by restoring four original murals from the original Pompeii Room, now known as Marchand's Bar & Grill. Guests can also celebrate the landmark date with special menu additions from 1992, cocktails inspired by the Pompeii Room, a Facebook photo contest and a special Tuesday Artist Series with watercolor artist Carrie Jadus.

Mural Restoration
The 86-year-old resort in St. Petersburg has commissioned renowned Florida muralist Robert Schott along with Tom Stovall, the artist who decorated the dining room twenty years ago, to bring the murals back to their prime. Previously covered up by protective panels, the murals have been uncovered and will be fully restored. Located between the clerestory windows, the original paintings feature vertical designs of leafy vines and vases. The restoration process is expected to take a few weeks and will be complete in early November but guests are encouraged to dine at Marchand's during the restoration process to get a sneak peek.

1992 Menu Additions
From Oct. 9 - Nov. 30, Marchand's Bar & Grill will bring back favorite dishes from the resort's 1992 re-opening menu. Take a trip down memory lane with dishes such as cinnamon raisin French toast ($11), macadamia nut-crusted grouper with papaya salsa and candied ginger basmati rice ($25 lunch/$30 dinner) and white chocolate cheesecake with dark chocolate crust and raspberry sauce ($8), an all-time favorite dessert. In addition to being served by wait staff wearing 1920s-replicated vests, the 1992 menu items will be presented on vintage-style china in this downtown St. Petersburg restaurant.

Pompeii-inspired Cocktails
Continuing the revelry, diners can try the Pompeii Pomegranate Martini ($12) featuring a deep red color reminiscent of the original dining room's design made with PAMA pomegranate liquor, Stoli orange vodka, Florida orange juice topped with champagne. The Prohibition Punch ($10) transports guests to the resort's heyday featuring muddled Florida grapefruit, mint and Jack Daniels Bourbon. The specialty cocktails will be available Oct. 9 - Nov. 30.

Facebook Photo Contest
To thank guests for their loyalty over the past 20 years, the resort will be hosting a photo contest on its Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/VinoyRen. From Oct. 9 through Nov. 1, past visitors are invited to post photos to the resort's Facebook wall showcasing stays from the past two decades. The photo that receives the most likes will win a weekend getaway to the resort.

Tuesday Artist Series
On Nov. 6, guests and locals are invited to the resort's Tuesday Artist Series hosted once again by local artist Carrie Jadus. Drawing inspiration from the mural restoration, Carrie will be showcasing her talents by creating a unique work of art representing the property.

Proud of its 86-year history, guests can marvel at the carefully preserved Mediterranean Revival architecture such as the lobby's original vaulted ceiling, quarry glazed tile floor and Pecky cypress beams as well as the barrel ceiling, arched windows and detailed plaster in the Grand Ballroom.

For more information about Renaissance Vinoy Resort & Golf Club call 1-888-303-4430 or visit www.vinoyrenaissanceresort.com. To learn more about the Renaissance Vinoy's past, visit www.vinoyhistory.com.

THE RENAISSANCE VINOY® RESORT & GOLF CLUB is the only historic luxury resort on Florida's west coast that boasts a private 72-slip marina, 18-hole private St. Petersburg, FL golf course, 12-court tennis complex, 5,000 square-foot fitness center and more. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the seven-story hotel is ideally situated on the water in downtown St. Petersburg overlooking the Tampa Bay. Originally opened in 1925, the St. Petersburg hotel blends modern elegance with its Mediterranean Revival architecture as seen in the recently renovated lounge-like lobby featuring bold colors and custom-made artwork from Dale Chihuly and Renee Dinauer. All 347 guestrooms have been updated to feel like personal retreats with luxurious amenities such as pillow top mattresses, Frette linens, flat screen TVs and more. With over 61,000 square feet of indoor/outdoor event space, five restaurants, a salon and day spa and amenities that cater to leisure and business travelers, coupled with the destination selling points, the hotel is St. Petersburg's premier four-diamond resort. The Renaissance Vinoy Resort & Golf Club is a member of the Historic Hotels of America of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/tpasr-vinoy-renaissance-st-petersburg-resort-and-golf-club/

Contact Information:

Media Contact:
Allison Finazzo
Quinn & Co.
212-868-1900 ext 262