Beachfront to Boutique: St. Petersburg's Most Instagram-Worthy Hotels

My love affair with St. Pete Beach began during an unexpected layover in 2003, and I've returned countless times since. The Don CeSar—lovingly dubbed the 'Pink Palace'—stands as the undisputed queen of beachfront glamour. This cotton-candy colored Art Deco masterpiece has graced the shoreline since 1928, hosting everyone from F. Scott Fitzgerald to Franklin D. Roosevelt. The sunrise yoga sessions on their private beach deck remain my favorite way to start the day—the morning light creates a magical pink glow against the historic façade that no filter can replicate.

For something more contemporary, The Bellwether Beach Resort offers mid-century modern vibes with a rotating rooftop restaurant. The panoramic Gulf views from their sea-facing balconies have single-handedly filled my Instagram grid during many weekend escapes. Their recently renovated pool area features private cabanas where attentive staff deliver craft cocktails right to your lounger—perfect for couples seeking both relaxation and that enviable vacation content.

Packing tip: Don't forget a quality waterproof phone case for those beachfront selfies. I've learned the hard way that sand and smartphones don't mix!

St. Petersburg's downtown renaissance has birthed a collection of boutique hotels that marry historic charm with contemporary luxury. The Vinoy Renaissance stands as the grand dame—her salmon-pink Mediterranean Revival architecture has welcomed guests since 1925. The meticulously restored lobby with its original cypress beams and marble floors makes for a stunning backdrop. During my last stay, I spent an entire afternoon photographing the intricate ceiling details while sipping tea in their veranda café.

For something more intimate, the Cordova Inn (formerly The Pier Hotel) offers 32 rooms in a 1921 Spanish Mission-style building. What it lacks in square footage, it makes up for in character—think brass fixtures, claw-foot tubs, and handcrafted furniture that tells a story. Their complimentary breakfast picnic baskets are perfect for a romantic morning in nearby Vinoy Park.

The newest addition to downtown's hotel portfolio is The Trop, which ingeniously transformed the former offices of the Tampa Bay Times into industrial-chic accommodations. The rooftop infinity pool appears to spill directly into Tampa Bay, creating an optical illusion that's guaranteed social media gold, especially at sunset.

The Central Arts District has emerged as St. Petersburg's creative heart, with boutique accommodations to match. The Avalon Hotel occupies a converted 1930s apartment building, where each of the 34 rooms features work by local artists. The rooftop garden, strung with fairy lights and dotted with subtropical plants, hosts intimate jazz performances reminiscent of the evenings my father would play in small venues during our family travels.

Nearby, The Hollander Hotel blends historic architecture with bohemian flair. Their courtyard pool—surrounded by lush foliage and colorful murals—has become a gathering spot for creative types. I've spent many afternoons here with my watercolor travel set, attempting to capture the vibrant scene while chatting with fellow travelers.

For the ultimate in artistic immersion, book the Salvador Dalí Suite at the Hotel Zamora. Inspired by the nearby Dalí Museum, the room features surrealist-inspired décor and custom furnishings that make for truly unique photographs. The Spanish-influenced rooftop bar offers craft sangrias and tapas with views of the intercoastal waterway—perfect for golden hour portraits.

After decades of traveling professionally, I've developed a knack for finding those special places that haven't yet been discovered by the masses. Mansion House Bed & Breakfast sits quietly in the Historic Old Northeast neighborhood, housed in a 1906 Colonial Revival mansion. With just six rooms—each named after a famous author—it offers the kind of personalized experience that large hotels simply can't match. The garden courtyard, with its century-old oak trees draped in Spanish moss, creates a naturally filtered light that photographers dream about.

For couples seeking true seclusion, the Dickens House Bed & Breakfast offers just five rooms in a restored 1912 Craftsman-style home. The wraparound porch, complete with rocking chairs and bluetooth speakers, becomes your private retreat. Their legendary three-course breakfasts are served on vintage china—I still dream about their lavender scones and Meyer lemon curd.

Perhaps the best-kept secret is The Inn on Third—a collection of historic buildings transformed into eclectic accommodations. Their 'Secret Garden' suite features a private outdoor claw-foot tub surrounded by tropical foliage, creating a bathing experience that rivals any luxury spa. I recommend bringing a bath pillow to elevate the experience even further.

After years of documenting my travels, I've learned that capturing the essence of these Instagram-worthy hotels requires more than just pointing and shooting. Morning light (6-8 AM) and golden hour (about an hour before sunset) offer the most flattering illumination for St. Petersburg's historic architecture. The Don CeSar and Vinoy Renaissance both glow magnificently during these times, their pink façades warmed by the gentle Florida sun.

For interior shots, I always pack my mini tripod to capture steady low-light images without flash—preserving the ambiance of spaces like The Avalon's art-filled corridors or The Hollander's vintage lobby. Most hotels are happy to let you photograph public spaces, but always ask permission before setting up equipment.

For couples seeking those perfect together shots, I recommend investing in a remote camera shutter. This small device has revolutionized my self-photography game, allowing my wife and me to capture natural moments without awkwardly setting timers or asking strangers.

Remember that the most compelling hotel photography tells a story—capture details that evoke feeling: morning coffee on a private balcony, the play of light through historic stained glass, or the texture of hand-laid tile in a boutique bathroom. These intimate moments often become the most treasured images from your stay.