a large building next to a body of water
1928

The Don CeSar

St. Pete Beach, Florida
a pink building with palm trees with Don CeSar in the background
3400 Gulf Boulevard, St. Pete Beach, Florida 33706 Original Property Opened in 1928 Historic Hotels of America member since 1989
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gardens
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memorabilia
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movies
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presidential
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tours

Built in 1928 to resemble a Mediterranean-style castle, The Don CeSar Hotel was once the playground for distinguished celebrities like Clarence Darrow and F. Scott Fitzgerald. This resort near St. Petersburg, FL continues to charm guests today with service preserved from the era of The Great Gatsby. Renovated guestrooms, refreshed public spaces, sugar-sand beaches, Spa Oceana, poolside activities, and award-winning dining await visitors who return season after season. Blending European grandeur, seaside elegance, and sweet sunsets with the enchantment of yesteryear, this romantic legend exemplifies the grandness of America’s traditional beach resorts.

Discover

  • Discover Florida’s legendary “Pink Palace,” The Don CeSar, a distinguished member of Historic Hotels of America since 1928. Inspired by Mediterranean and Moorish architecture, its iconic pink façade, arched colonnades, red-clay tile roofs, and grand terraces have defined the St. Pete Beach skyline for generations.
  • Enter the historic lobby, thoughtfully designed to reflect a European courtyard where founder Thomas Rowe once met his beloved Lucinda during his studies abroad—an enduring symbol of romance at the heart of the hotel’s story.
  • Relax in timeless seaside accommodations overlooking the Gulf or Boca Ciega Bay. Once favored by notable guests such as F. Scott Fitzgerald, Franklin D. Roosevelt, and Al Capone, The Don CeSar continues to offer an authentic connection to America’s grand resort era.

Explore

  • Discover the stories that shaped the coast at the Gulf Beaches Historical Museum, located in Pass-a-Grille’s first church. The museum’s intimate collection offers a charming glimpse into the heritage of this seaside community.
  • Just moments away, stroll through Pass-a-Grille Beach, a relaxed and picturesque town filled with local boutiques, sweet treats, outdoor art, and iconic fishing piers—all set against a beautiful stretch of shoreline.
  • For a peaceful escape, wander through Sunken Gardens, St. Petersburg’s beloved living museum. Meandering paths, cascading waterfalls, and some of the region’s oldest tropical plants create a lush, tranquil setting perfect for unhurried exploration.

Experience

  • Set sail on a golden-hour cruise departing from the iconic Merry Pier, a legendary fishing and boating landmark in Pass-a-Grille. This charming waterfront destination is steeped in Old Florida character and anchored by a quaint local market—perfect for an evening that drifts effortlessly into sunset.
  • Experience the arts at the Mahaffey Theater, dramatically situated along the downtown St. Petersburg waterfront. With sweeping views of Tampa Bay as its backdrop, this celebrated venue hosts touring Broadway productions, world-class concerts, and performances by The Florida Orchestra.
  • Explore the region at any pace along the Pinellas Trail, a scenic multi-use pathway tracing a historic railroad corridor. Stretching from St. Petersburg to Tarpon Springs, the trail invites visitors to walk, run, or bike through vibrant neighborhoods, coastal landscapes, and pockets of Old Florida charm.

Taste

  • Sip a handcrafted cocktail at the Lobby Bar, the social heartbeat of The Don CeSar. With live jazz setting the tone, this glamorous gathering place transports guests straight to the elegance and intrigue of the Jazz Age.
  • Dine at Maritana Grille, the award-winning signature restaurant of The Don CeSar. Celebrated for its artful blend of French and Italian cuisine with a modern Southern influence, Maritana showcases sustainably sourced, locally inspired ingredients prepared with precision and creativity. Floor-to-ceiling saltwater aquariums create a dramatic, immersive backdrop, transforming every dinner into a truly unforgettable experience.
  • Step into Uncle Andy’s, The Don CeSar’s charming sweet shop where classic nostalgia meets modern indulgence. Enjoy handcrafted gelato in a variety of irresistible flavors, along with an assortment of candies, sweet treats, and grab-and-go snacks. Refresh with cold beverages or savor a freshly brewed coffee—perfect for an afternoon pick-me-up or an after-dinner delight. Uncle Andy’s delivers a whimsical taste of timeless resort tradition for guests of all ages.
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a pink building with palm trees with Don CeSar in the background
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FEATURED ACCOMMODATIONS

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Deluxe King Balcony Room
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Gulf View King Suite
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Deluxe King Suite
View Accommodations

Featured Offers

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Best Available Rate

Book the Best Available Rate at this property on HistoricHotels.org and receive a complimentary one-year family membership (a $30 value) to the National Trust for Historic Preservation.

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AAA Member Rate

While this hotel typically offers the AAA Member Rate, availability is dependent on your exact dates of stay. Please also plan to present member ID at check-in to prove eligibility.

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Special Occasions

Meetings & Groups

For almost a century, the Pink Palace has served as the setting for legendary gatherings, unforgettable weddings and world-class meetings, welcoming dignitaries, luminaries and famous figures with unparalleled service and attention to detail. From stylish interiors to stunning natural backdrops, the hotel offers more than 38,000 sq. ft. of event space and an experienced team of planners who can set the stage for any occasion. Guests can choose to stay at the Don CeSar, a full-service resort with all the charm and glamour of a landmark hotel or opt for the expanded living spaces at the Beach House Suites by Don CeSar, located just half a mile down the white sand beach. Both locations offer panoramic views of the St. Pete Beach and access to award-winning dining, shopping, spa and wellness services.

LEARN MORE
Special Occasions

Weddings

Whether it's an intimate gathering garbed in Renaissance gowns or 1,000 guests classically attired for a traditional ceremony, Cinderella wishes and fairy tale romances come true at more than 300 weddings per year at the Don CeSar. The Don CeSar surrounds the betrothed in a wedding-cake setting while resort specialists make bridal whims a reality with brilliant turnkey programs from obtaining marriage licenses to arranging sunset hot air balloon departures. A comprehensive program at the Don allows brides to arrange all wedding details through the resort, from videographers and bands to flowers and cakes. Brides can choose everything from black-tie historic ballroom extravaganzas to barefoot beachfront receptions. Whether the reception calls for the release of hundreds of butterflies on the courtyard steps or a floral shower from the sky, the historic resort accommodates. The Don CeSar not only offers couples picturesque weddings, but is also the ultimate honeymoon destination. A honeymoon registry allows loved ones to give the betrothed anything from a weekend getaway at the Don to a sunset dolphin cruise to seaside spa pampering services to relieve pre-wedding jitters.

LEARN MORE
Special Occasions

Meetings & Groups

For almost a century, the Pink Palace has served as the setting for legendary gatherings, unforgettable weddings and world-class meetings, welcoming dignitaries, luminaries and famous figures with unparalleled service and attention to detail. From stylish interiors to stunning natural backdrops, the hotel offers more than 38,000 sq. ft. of event space and an experienced team of planners who can set the stage for any occasion. Guests can choose to stay at the Don CeSar, a full-service resort with all the charm and glamour of a landmark hotel or opt for the expanded living spaces at the Beach House Suites by Don CeSar, located just half a mile down the white sand beach. Both locations offer panoramic views of the St. Pete Beach and access to award-winning dining, shopping, spa and wellness services.

LEARN MORE
Special Occasions

Weddings

Whether it's an intimate gathering garbed in Renaissance gowns or 1,000 guests classically attired for a traditional ceremony, Cinderella wishes and fairy tale romances come true at more than 300 weddings per year at the Don CeSar. The Don CeSar surrounds the betrothed in a wedding-cake setting while resort specialists make bridal whims a reality with brilliant turnkey programs from obtaining marriage licenses to arranging sunset hot air balloon departures. A comprehensive program at the Don allows brides to arrange all wedding details through the resort, from videographers and bands to flowers and cakes. Brides can choose everything from black-tie historic ballroom extravaganzas to barefoot beachfront receptions. Whether the reception calls for the release of hundreds of butterflies on the courtyard steps or a floral shower from the sky, the historic resort accommodates. The Don CeSar not only offers couples picturesque weddings, but is also the ultimate honeymoon destination. A honeymoon registry allows loved ones to give the betrothed anything from a weekend getaway at the Don to a sunset dolphin cruise to seaside spa pampering services to relieve pre-wedding jitters.

LEARN MORE
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a room with tables and chairs
a room with tables and chairs
a room with tables and chairs