Vintage Charm, Rooftop Views, and a Few Raised Eyebrows
Walk down Beach Drive in St. Petersburg and it’s easy to miss Grayl’s Hotel unless you’re looking straight at it — which is ironic, because the building’s been there since 1922, and its upper-level rooftop bar is anything but low-profile. Ask around and you’ll hear it called “The Birchwood,” not Grayl’s, even though both names point to the same slightly mysterious, art-deco-flavored building overlooking Tampa Bay.
A Boutique Hotel with a Split Personality
Technically, the name “Grayl’s Hotel” still clings to old online listings and Yelp reviews like forgotten paint on a hidden wall. But what’s actually operating here is The Birchwood — a small, locally known boutique hotel at 340 Beach Drive NE, phone number still (727) 896-1080. It’s one of those rebrand situations where the property got a glow-up, the rooftop bar got Instagrammed into oblivion, and yet the ghost of “Grayl’s” still floats through online directories.
Inside, the hotel is trying to do old-world charm with modern polish. Think hand-painted ceilings, marble bathrooms, and a whiff of speakeasy nostalgia. But not all the parts play nice together. Guests have raved about the location, the waterfront views, and the rooftop drinks. But dig through the reviews and you’ll also find complaints about underwhelming breakfast, inconsistent service, and sound that travels through walls with alarming clarity.
The Rooms: Quiet Elegance or Just… Loud?
Each of the 18 rooms in the hotel is individually decorated, which sounds great until you realize that consistency is not this hotel’s strong suit. Some rooms feel like stepping into a Gatsby novel. Others smell faintly of humidity and regret. Beds are firm and dressed in white, with hardwood floors and decorative throw pillows doing most of the aesthetic heavy lifting.
A few reviewers on Expedia and Hotels.com mentioned the occasional mildew smell. A couple more cited club music vibrating through the floors late into the night. If you’re staying on a weekend, ask about events on the rooftop bar. Or bring earplugs. Or both.
The Rooftop: The Canopy Is the Star
Let’s talk about The Canopy, the rooftop lounge that gets more press than the hotel itself. It’s glassy, glowy, and packed most nights with a well-dressed crowd sipping cucumber gimlets and pretending not to notice the view. The panorama of Straub Park, the waterfront, and the sailboats on the bay is enough to redeem a long check-in or a sluggish elevator. Just don’t expect it to be serene. This is the kind of rooftop where people get loud at sunset and louder after dark.
If you’re not staying at the hotel but want a drink with a view, The Canopy might be one of your better bets in St. Pete — provided you can find a seat and don’t mind the occasional bachelorette party clamor.
Location: Where St. Pete Actually Happens
Grayl’s/Birchwood sits on a prime patch of Beach Drive NE. You can walk to the Museum of Fine Arts, the Dali Museum is a 10-minute drive, and Vinoy Park is just down the block. It’s a location that forgives a lot — you can have a less-than-perfect night and still wake up to the smell of salt air and the sound of joggers along the waterfront.
Parking is valet or luck-based street parking. No pool. No gym. But you’re in a part of town where walking is a pleasure and everything smells vaguely of espresso and sunscreen.
The Verdict
Here’s the thing: The Birchwood is a photogenic hotel with undeniable charm and a killer rooftop, masquerading in some places as the long-gone Grayl’s Hotel. It delivers well if you’re here to celebrate something, drink something, or post something. But for light sleepers, service sticklers, or those hoping for flawless boutique perfection? Your mileage may vary.
It’s a beautiful place to visit, but maybe not the most consistent place to sleep.
Quick Facts
- Address: 340 Beach Dr NE, St Petersburg, FL 33701
- Phone: (727) 896-1080
- Rooms: 18, all individually styled
- Rooftop Bar: The Canopy, open to public and guests
- Check-in: 2:00 PM | Check-out: 12:00 PM
- Pets: Not allowed
- Parking: Valet or street only
More Smart Stays Around Miami
Once you’ve explored the charm of Grayl’s Hotel and the waterfront edge of St. Pete, it’s worth turning an eye south to Miami—where the city’s mix of design, business, and beach culture offers a whole other side of Florida hospitality. Whether you’re planning a weekend in Wynwood or a business trip into Brickell, here are a few hotel picks worth bookmarking.
Miami Gardens Inn & Suites – Miami Gardens
This low-frills inn is mainly a convenience stop—good for anyone needing quick access to the Hard Rock Stadium or nearby highways. Rooms are plain, service is minimal, and the setup works best for very short stays.
- Free parking, 24-hour front desk
- Close to stadium events and suburban dining
Visit Miami Gardens Inn & Suites
ICON TOWER Miami Business Apartments (Adult-Only) – Brickell
In the heart of Brickell, these adult-only condo rentals inside a high-rise offer privacy and skyline views. With full kitchens and in-unit laundry, they’re well-suited for working travelers or couples seeking more autonomy.
- Kitchenettes, washer/dryer, pool and gym access
- Near Brickell City Centre and the waterfront
Visit ICON TOWER Miami Business Apartments
Midtown Miami Residences – Midtown
Set between Wynwood and the Design District, these apartments function like long-stay suites with minimalist style and proximity to galleries and dining. Think quiet residential base, not hotel lobby bustle.
- Private units with kitchens, laundry, Wi-Fi
- Walkable to Wynwood Walls and local cafés
Visit Midtown Miami Residences
Casa Sofi – South Beach (SoFi District)
This boutique-style spot keeps it low-key in the upscale SoFi neighborhood. Expect clean lines, compact rooms, and thoughtful communal spaces that feel more villa than hotel chain.
- Rooftop terrace, outdoor courtyard
- Minutes from South Pointe Park and beach access
Kimpton Hotel Palomar South Beach – Sunset Harbour
Removed from the usual South Beach chaos, this Kimpton leans modern and relaxed. The rooftop pool and bay views make it feel indulgent, but its walkability to restaurants gives it a neighborhood feel.
- Rooftop pool, valet parking, on-site dining
- Located in Sunset Harbour, near Lincoln Road
Visit Kimpton Hotel Palomar South Beach
Hotel Indigo Miami Brickell – Brickell
This sleek, chain-backed hotel brings a touch of boutique to Brickell’s business-heavy landscape. Rooms are well-lit and modern, with quick transit access and a bar that draws in locals after work.
- Bar, rooftop pool, business services
- Easy access to Metrorail and Brickell nightlife
Visit Hotel Indigo Miami Brickell
ICON TOWER Miami 5 – Brickell
Another short-term rental within the Icon complex, this property features slightly different floor plans and interior design. Like its sister offering, it caters best to those comfortable with residential-style bookings.
- Full kitchens, living areas, optional amenities
- Located within walking distance of downtown
Mint House Downtown Miami – Downtown
This tech-forward hotel alternative combines self-check-in ease with condo-level amenities. Suited to travelers who want to skip the front desk and settle in with their own groceries and gear.
- Kitchen, laundry, keyless entry
- Near Bayfront Park, shopping, and the Metromover
Visit Mint House Downtown Miami
Fontainebleau Miami Beach – Mid-Beach
A landmark with serious name recognition, the Fontainebleau is still very much a scene. From poolside DJs to on-site nightclubs and restaurants, this is less a hotel and more a full-on Miami event.
- Beach access, multiple pools, fine dining
- Located on Collins Ave in Mid-Beach