The Don Cesar Hotel: Iconic Luxury Stay On St. Pete Beach
Perched on the white sands of St. Pete Beach, the Don CeSar Hotel stands as one of Florida’s most recognizable landmarks. Known as the “Pink Palace,” this Mediterranean-style resort has welcomed guests since 1928 with its distinctive architecture and Gulf-front setting. The Don CeSar offers a blend of historic charm and modern luxury that continues to attract travelers seeking both relaxation and a sense of place.
Its legacy runs deep, shaped by nearly a century of transformation from a Jazz Age retreat to a restored destination resort. Guests experience the elegance of a bygone era through refined service, updated rooms, and timeless design. Whether visiting for a weekend escape or a longer stay, the hotel’s balance of history and comfort sets it apart along Florida’s Gulf Coast.
From its storied past to its contemporary amenities, the Don CeSar invites exploration beyond its pink façade. Each space—from the ocean-view suites and spa to its acclaimed dining venues—reflects the property’s enduring commitment to quality and hospitality.
Overview of the Don CeSar Hotel
The Don CeSar Hotel in St. Pete Beach, Florida, combines early 20th-century architecture with modern luxury. Its distinctive pink exterior, beachfront setting on the Gulf of Mexico, and nearly century-long history have made it one of Florida’s most recognizable coastal landmarks.
Iconic Pink Palace and Architectural Style
Opened in 1928, the Don CeSar, often called the “Pink Palace,” was designed by developer Thomas Rowe to resemble a Mediterranean-style castle. The building’s Moorish and Spanish Revival influences appear in its arches, towers, and terracotta detailing.
The hotel’s salmon-pink façade became its signature feature, chosen to reflect the tropical setting and stand out against the white sand and blue sky. Inside, period-inspired décor blends with contemporary finishes introduced through several renovations.
Guests encounter arched windows, tiled floors, and ornate ironwork, which preserve the hotel’s 1920s charm. The design intentionally evokes the Gatsby-era elegance that attracted early visitors and continues to define its visual identity today.
Location on St. Pete Beach and Gulf of Mexico
The Don CeSar stands directly on St. Pete Beach, a barrier island along the Gulf of Mexico known for its white sand and calm waters. The location offers direct beach access, panoramic views, and proximity to Pass-a-Grille Beach and Fort De Soto Park.
Situated about 30 miles from Tampa International Airport, the hotel provides convenient access for regional and international travelers. Its coastal position allows for activities such as swimming, paddleboarding, and sunset viewing.
The property’s 277 guest rooms and two outdoor pools face the Gulf, emphasizing open-air leisure and ocean scenery. Restaurants and terraces are oriented toward the shoreline to maximize natural light and sea views throughout the day.
Historic Landmark Status
The Don CeSar holds historic landmark recognition for its cultural and architectural significance in Florida. During its long history, it has transitioned from a 1920s luxury resort to a World War II military hospital, then back to a hotel after restoration in the 1970s.
It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, reflecting its preservation of original design elements and its role in regional tourism history. The hotel’s restoration projects maintain both its historic integrity and modern functionality.
Today, the Don CeSar continues to represent St. Pete Beach’s heritage, balancing historic preservation with contemporary hospitality standards that keep it relevant to new generations of travelers.
History and Heritage
The Don CeSar’s story reflects nearly a century of change along Florida’s Gulf Coast. Its evolution from a Jazz Age resort to a preserved historic landmark shows how architecture, tourism, and community values shaped St. Pete Beach and greater St. Petersburg.
Founding and Early Years
Developer Thomas Rowe built the Don CeSar between 1926 and 1928, naming it after a character from a romantic opera he admired. The hotel opened on January 10, 1928, during a period of Florida’s rapid coastal development.
Its striking pink stucco façade and Mediterranean Revival design made it stand out immediately. The eight-story structure became known as the “Pink Palace”, attracting wealthy guests, socialites, and entertainers during the late 1920s and 1930s.
The hotel’s location on St. Pete Beach offered direct access to the Gulf of Mexico and proximity to St. Petersburg’s growing cultural scene. It quickly gained a reputation as a luxury destination, symbolizing the prosperity and optimism of the pre-Depression era.
Role During World War II
When the United States entered World War II, the Don CeSar’s role shifted dramatically. The U.S. Army purchased the property in 1942 and converted it into a hospital for recovering airmen returning from combat.
After the war, the building served as a Veterans Administration Regional Office and hospital, continuing its military function for several years. This period marked a departure from its glamorous beginnings, as the property was adapted for government use rather than tourism.
Although the hotel’s interiors were modified to accommodate medical and administrative needs, its exterior largely remained intact. This preserved much of the original architectural character that later restoration efforts would emphasize.
Restoration and Preservation
By the early 1970s, the Don CeSar had fallen into disrepair and faced possible demolition. Local preservationists and investors recognized its historic and architectural value, leading to a major restoration effort that began in the mid-1970s.
In 1975, the hotel was placed on the National Register of Historic Places, acknowledging its cultural significance. Restoration work restored original design elements while modernizing infrastructure for contemporary hospitality standards.
The Don CeSar reopened as a luxury resort and later joined the Historic Hotels of America program in 1989. Today, it continues to operate as a four-star destination, balancing heritage preservation with modern guest amenities and maintaining its status as a landmark of St. Petersburg’s coastal history.
Accommodations and Amenities
The Don CeSar Hotel provides a mix of restored historic character and modern comfort. Guests find a range of room styles, direct access to the Gulf of Mexico, and several recreational options designed for relaxation and convenience.
Room Types and Suites
The hotel features 277 rooms and suites with a coastal design that draws from the property’s 1920s Art Deco heritage. Each space includes Wi-Fi, smart TVs, and comfortable bedding in soft, beach-inspired tones.
Suites offer expanded living areas, some with private balconies facing the Gulf. Families and couples can choose from standard guest rooms, junior suites, or multi-room options at the nearby Beach House Suites, located about a mile from the main property.
Bathrooms include walk-in showers or soaking tubs, premium toiletries, and plush robes. Many rooms highlight local artwork and textures that reflect the surrounding landscape. The layout and amenities cater to both leisure travelers and business guests seeking a refined but relaxed setting.
Beachfront Location and Beach Access
Set directly on St. Pete Beach, the Don CeSar provides immediate access to the white sands and calm waters of the Gulf of Mexico. Guests can rent beach chairs, umbrellas, and cabanas for comfortable seaside lounging.
The property’s location allows for sunrise and sunset views, with dedicated attendants available for towel service and refreshments. The beach area connects easily to walking paths and nearby dining, creating a convenient blend of resort and local experiences.
A short distance away, the Beach House Suites extend the beachfront experience, offering guests full access to the Don CeSar’s amenities while providing a quieter residential setting. The maintained shoreline and clear water make this a consistent highlight for returning visitors.
Pools and Recreation
Two heated outdoor pools serve as the center of the hotel’s recreation area. One pool focuses on family-friendly activities, while the other offers a quieter environment for adults.
Poolside cabanas include Wi-Fi, lounge seating, and food and beverage service from the nearby bar. Guests can also enjoy live entertainment, board games, and fitness programs throughout the property.
Additional amenities include a full-service spa, fitness center, and rental options for water sports such as paddleboarding or kayaking. These facilities give guests flexible ways to enjoy both active and restful time during their stay.
Dining and Culinary Experiences
The Don CeSar offers a range of dining options that balance refined cuisine with relaxed coastal fare. Guests can enjoy elegant seafood dishes, modern American meals, and handcrafted cocktails in settings that highlight the hotel’s historic charm and Gulf-front location.
Maritana Grill
Maritana Grill serves as the hotel’s fine dining centerpiece. The restaurant focuses on locally sourced seafood and seasonal ingredients prepared with modern techniques. Its atmosphere combines contemporary design with subtle nods to the hotel’s 1920s heritage.
Guests often find the tasting menus and wine pairings to be a highlight. The menu features Gulf-caught fish, fresh shellfish, and produce from nearby farms. A glass-enclosed kitchen allows diners to watch chefs at work, adding a sense of transparency and craftsmanship to the experience.
Soft lighting and attentive service create a calm, polished environment suitable for special occasions or quiet evenings. Reservations are recommended, especially during peak travel seasons.
Society Table
Society Table provides a more casual yet refined setting focused on modern American cuisine. It serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, making it a versatile choice for hotel guests.
The menu includes items such as omelets, sandwiches, and coastal-inspired entrées. Seasonal ingredients and straightforward presentation define the dining style. Guests can dine indoors or on the terrace, which offers views of the landscaped grounds and partial Gulf vistas.
Families often appreciate the relaxed pace and variety, while couples may enjoy the comfortable seating and understated décor. The restaurant also connects conveniently to Uncle Andy’s Ice Cream Parlor, where guests can finish their meal with classic desserts and hand-scooped ice cream.
The Rowe Bar and Lobby Bar
The Rowe Bar sits near the beachfront and emphasizes outdoor dining with panoramic views of the Gulf of Mexico. It specializes in small plates, local seafood, and craft cocktails. The open-air setting and fire pits make it ideal for sunset gatherings.
Inside the hotel, the Lobby Bar offers a more traditional lounge experience. Its art deco design, plush seating, and polished wood accents reflect the Don CeSar’s historic character.
Guests can enjoy a selection of wines, signature cocktails, and light appetizers. Together, these bars provide both relaxed and elegant spaces for socializing, each capturing a different aspect of the hotel’s coastal atmosphere.
Wellness, Fitness, and Spa
The Don CeSar emphasizes health and relaxation through its full-service spa, modern fitness center, and beachfront wellness programs. Guests can enjoy specialized treatments, fitness classes, and recreational activities designed to support both physical and mental well-being.
Spa Oceana
Spa Oceana offers a calm, coastal environment with 16 treatment rooms, a rooftop lounge overlooking the Gulf of Mexico, and private spaces for massages, facials, and body therapies. Treatments use marine-inspired products that align with the hotel’s seaside setting.
Guests can unwind in steam rooms, whirlpools, and relaxation lounges before or after their sessions. The spa also includes a salon for hair and nail services, allowing visitors to complete their wellness experience in one location.
Healthy cuisine options and quiet lounges encourage guests to extend their stay beyond treatments. The spa’s design focuses on natural light, soft tones, and ocean views to create a peaceful atmosphere suited for rest and rejuvenation.
Fitness Center and Activities
The hotel’s fitness center features cardio and strength-training equipment, including treadmills, free weights, and resistance machines. Guests receive access to daily group classes such as Beach Yoga, Pilates, Aqua Fitness, and dance-based workouts.
Personal trainers are available for one-on-one sessions, and the fitness program includes two complimentary training sessions for hotel guests.
Outdoor options include kayaking, paddleboarding, and beach volleyball, all accessible from the resort’s private beachfront. Two beachfront pools provide space for swimming or low-impact exercise.
For those seeking a structured routine, the hotel’s wellness schedule combines indoor and outdoor fitness with access to Spa Oceana’s steam and locker rooms, promoting a balanced approach to health during their stay.
Nightly Rates
Nightly rates at The Don CeSar Hotel vary by season, room type, and booking source. Recent listings show base prices starting around $248 to $316 per night for standard rooms. Rates often rise during weekends, holidays, and peak travel months on St. Pete Beach.
Guests can expect higher prices for ocean-view rooms and suites, while midweek stays may offer lower rates. Some travel sites note that Tuesdays tend to have more affordable options compared to weekends.
| Room Type | Typical Range (USD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Room | $250 – $350 | Lowest available rates, limited view |
| Ocean View Room | $350–$650 | Premium for beach views |
| Suite | $600+ | Larger space, upgraded amenities |
Additional costs apply beyond the nightly rate. The hotel charges a daily resort fee of $40 per night, which covers Wi-Fi, pool access, and beach amenities. Valet parking is also a separate fee at $38 per night (self-parking is currently not available).
Seasonal promotions and packages occasionally reduce nightly costs or include extras such as dining credits or spa discounts.
Why Stay at the Don CeSar
The Don CeSar offers a blend of historic character and modern comfort on the shores of St. Pete Beach. Built in 1928, the hotel’s Mediterranean-style architecture and soft pink façade give it a distinctive presence along the Gulf of Mexico.
Guests can choose from 277 rooms and suites, many featuring views of the beach or bay. Each room includes updated furnishings, Wi-Fi, and access to resort amenities designed for both relaxation and convenience.
Amenities include:
- Two outdoor pools with cabanas
- A full-service spa and fitness center
- Multiple dining options, from casual beachfront meals to fine dining
- Event and meeting spaces for weddings or business gatherings
Families appreciate the kid- and teen-friendly activities, while couples often enjoy the quiet beach areas and sunset views. The property’s smoke-free policy, with limited designated areas, helps maintain a clean and comfortable environment.
Its location places guests within easy reach of Pass-a-Grille, Fort De Soto Park, and downtown St. Petersburg. For travelers seeking a balance of history, service, and beachfront access, the Don CeSar provides a practical and refined option on Florida’s Gulf Coast.
