Located on the Gulf Coast of Florida just west of Tampa Bay, St. Petersburg is the perfect place to escape from old man winter. Not only does this Florida hotspot feature a bevy of cultural attractions connected by the nicely accessible Looper Trolley, but it also boasts an average 361 days of sunshine per year. That’s pretty hard to beat, especially when the folks up in the Northeast are busy shoveling snow and enduring subzero temperatures.
Accessible Lodging Options Abundant
But despite its popularity with the snowbird set (or perhaps because of it) St. Petersburg still manages to offer a wide variety of accessible lodging options. From historic to contemporary, there are plenty of accessible places to rest your head in the Sunshine City. Here are a few of my favorites.
The Don
Known simply as “the Don” to locals, the Don CeSar Beach Resort graces a beautiful stretch of St. Pete Beach. Although it was originally known as the playground of the rich and famous, sadly it was also a casualty of the Great Depression. In 1942 it was converted to a World War II convalescent center, but after 30 years that, too, was abandoned.
Then in 1973 a local preservation group rescued the ailing Pink Lady and restored her to her former grandeur. Today the property is known as one of the premiere resorts on the Gulf Coast. Although the historic nature of the Don CeSar Beach Resort has been preserved, modern access features have also been added. In short, it’s the best of both worlds.
Access features at the Don include plenty of accessible parking, a ramped front entry and level access to the front lobby. The hotel has six wheelchair-accessible guest rooms, four of which have roll-in showers. The accessible guest rooms feature wide doorways and good pathway access, plus plenty of room to roll around.
The bathrooms are equipped with grab bars in the tub/shower and around the toilet, a hand-held showerhead and a roll-under sink. A portable shower chair is available upon request, and the staff is happy to move or remove any furniture that’s in the way.
Additionally, there is level access to most of the public areas, including the restaurants and shops. Don’t forget to stop in at Uncle Andy’s Ice Cream; it’s a real treat on a hot day.
The Vinoy
Another historic property, the Renaissance Vinoy Resort & Golf Club also offers good access in a decidedly Mediterranean atmosphere. Located near the St. Petersburg pier, this property was also constructed in the 1920s and today it’s still considered the showplace of the waterfront. A private marina graces the entrance and the property also boasts an 18-hole golf course and a 12-court tennis complex. It’s first-class all the way at the Vinoy.
The property was renovated in 1989, at which time access upgrades were added. There is ramped access to the front entry and elevator access to all floors. The resort has six accessible guest rooms, all of which have roll-in showers. The accessible guest rooms include wide doorways, lowered environmental controls and lever door knobs.
Access features in the bathroom include grab bars in the shower and around the toilet, a hand-held showerhead, a fold-down shower seat and a roll-under sink. There is level access to the balcony through wide double-doors and plenty of room to comfortably maneuver a wheelchair in the room. It’s very nicely done.
There is good pathway access to all of the public areas, including the first-floor balcony, which offers a great night view of the pier and pool area. If you don’t stay at the Vinoy, then at least stop by for dinner. Marchandۥs Bar and Grill has an excellent seafood selection with a definite Mediterranean flair. Carnivores will love Fred’s, which serves up prime beef cuts in a very refined atmosphere.
Inn at the Bay
Finally, if you’d prefer a more intimate and casual property, then check out Dennis and Jewly Youschak’s Inn at the Bay, located just a few blocks from the Vinoy. Constructed in 1910, the property wasn’t always as charming as it is today. In fact, when the Youschaks first saw it, it was a residential hotel.
“Some of the residents weren't exactly pillars of the community,” as Jewly so delicately puts it.
But the Youschaks like a challenge, so they snapped it up and enthusiastically began renovations. Seven years later, they welcomed their first guests.
Today this 12-room inn is decorated in Florida themes. The first-floor Manatee Room features a roll-in shower and a separate whirlpool tub in the spacious bathroom. The double whirlpool tub is not wheelchair-accessible, but itۥs a good option for an able-bodied companion. Other access features in the bathroom include grab bars in the shower and around the toilet, a hand-held showerhead and a roll-under sink. A portable shower chair is available upon request.
There is barrier-free access to all of the first-floor public areas, including the dining room, lobby area, and living room. There is also a ramped entrance next to the accessible parking area in the back of the building. The Inn at the Bay makes an ideal base for exploring St. Petersburg, and Jewly is never at a loss for sightseeing suggestions. And you just can’t beat her homemade apricot scones.
In the end, the hardest part about planning a St. Petersburg visit is making a lodging choice. So if the winter weather is getting you down, make like a snowbird and skedaddle down to St. Petersburg. You’ll be glad you did.
Candy Harrington is the editor of Emerging Horizons and the author of Barrier-Free Travel: A Nuts and Bolts Guide for Wheelers and Slow Walkers.
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There are many questions people have while traveling with a disability. For more information on common travel questions, see Resources for Traveling with Disabilities.
Be sure your trip is accessible in every aspect, including an accessible hotel room. See Block That Room: Getting the Accessible Room You Reserved for more information.
