Peninsula Bed & Cocktails — Hotel in Saint Petersburg

The cocktail themed rooms and renovation gave this old historical hotel an extra charming aesthetic. Our room, the Margarita room, was incredibly clean with 4 windows facing the main strip of downtown allowing for a lot of natural light. It sits nicely in downtown Gulfport who is still lively as ever despite ongoing clean up and renovations from hurricane damage. However, although advertised as a hotel/bed and breakfast the hospitality ends at charming allure, chintzy breakfast, and a complimentary cocktail. This is more of an Airbnb/VRBO experience rather than an above and beyond boutique hotel.

While I enjoyed a contactless check in and check out, I never once saw a manager on site and the staff member I did find (someone working breakfast) had a strong language barrier so I was unable to communicate with her. It was unclear which number was to be texted for non emergency questions, the information sheet listed a number to be texted for emergencies and the number I was texting never replied. The sheet also stated they would stock the room with drinks and snacks if you sent them a text, but we didn’t know what number to text and it would be helpful to have a small menu stating what options were available and at what price. Our room was never cleaned over the three nights we stayed despite not hanging our sign. The thermostat can not be set below 72 and the room was consistently stuffy and could benefit from a small fan. The breakfast was so basic despite having what seemed like a full commercial kitchen that we often left hungry and went out for breakfast anyways. If they insist on only allowing toast, bagels, and assorted pastries as the options for breakfast it would be nice to see them add something a bit higher in quality and perhaps even partner with a local business to provide handmade, artisan breakfast goodies. My final suggestions (as I’m sure this hotel is undergoing continuing improvements and renovations), is adding more days to the cocktail bar and adding one or two mocktails to the menu for those who like to share a cute beverage but don’t feel like...

Advertised continental breakfast with the rooms. First morning, when asked where they set up for it, they looked around as if they didn't know what I was talking about. Woman at desk offered to dig up a granola bar, if I wanted. 2nd morning, again asked where continental breakfast was, he said he didn't think they did that anymore, but would go see what he could find. Came back with a little plastic tub, w/package of instant oatmeal, instant coffee, tiny cinibun in plastic, chocolate pudding cup (the kind that didn't need refrigeration), applesauce cup(same). Not sure where they expected me to make the "instant" food, if I would have eaten it, which I wouldn't have. He then asked me if I had a spoon, then he disappeared again with plasticware. 3rd morning the plastic tubs were lined on front desk with same things in them with an extra package of instant cocoa. (hotter than heck outside for hot chocolate). No fresh fruit, there was coffee, nothing. VERY disappointed. The two that were managing the place seemed to spend a LOT of time on the porch in their smoking spot. The Princess room was decent, bed and sheets were comfy, headboard had a hole in the middle. Eventhough I had a do not disturb sign on the door, they came inside while I was gone to clean and refresh the room. The bartender/mayor was very nice. Oh, they did offer me a free glass of wine instead of the continental breakfast, but I don't drink. Or 10% off dinner, but we were not planning to eat there. Worried that if they couldn't come up with something as simple as continental breakfast, we were not about to eat dinner there. The people managing it, I feel did the best they knew how, they were nice people, but it was apparent they were way over their head. If I were to ever return or recommend the place to anyone, I would have to be reimbursed for my stay there. I'm sure they know who we are, as I was the one giving them a bad time every morning about where the continental breakfast was. I guess I don't understand why they didn't run to Publix, at least, and get something out there...

Hours before we arrived we were notified that the elevator wasn't working and happily agreed to our room on the 3rd floor as we were more then excited to stay here again. | However, once we arrived and went up 3 flights of stairs to our room, the AC wasn't working in our room. Even in the hallways - we noticed it was a little hot - but thought it was because we walked up 3 flights of stairs with our luggage. I went back downstairs and alerted the young lady working the bar (with no customers - actually now that I think about it - we didn't see one other person) and was quickly told that she doesn't deal with the issues but would text the off site manager. We also texted the number given but with no response. We waited atleast 10 more minutes in a room of 76 degrees and climbing 78 (of which we have pictures of) before packing up our things and walked back down 3 flights of stairs. Once in our car we received a call from McKayla (?) and was offered a different room on a different floor and we declined. We were given a lecture on the historic nature of the building, elevators are not guaranteed, rooms do not go below 72 degrees and we should have given her more time. When I asked to speak with the owner she said she is acting owner and it was her 100% her decision to charge us for the night. When I asked her if she had inspected the room before we arrived she quickly told me that they do not and customers will contact them if any issues. Where's my discount for Acting Qaulity Control Manager???? I hope the owner reads this and contacts me, I would love to speak with them...