The Don Cesar

St Pete Beach, Tampa and Clearwater/St Pete

Virgin rating

The hotel

The stomping ground of celebrities past and present (think F Scott Fitzgerald in earlier years and Justin Timberlake more recently), The Don CeSar Hotel is regarded as Florida’s legendary Pink Palace. Registered with the Historic Hotels of America, it effortlessly blends the Great Gatsby era of pampering with modern European grandeur. Picture-perfect in every way, the beach is a wonderful place to relax or indulge in a variety of exciting water sports – kite surfing anyone? There are also 2 beautifully furnished, recently renovated, beachfront swimming pools to take advantage of, so grab a good book and some sun cream and enjoy! Whilst you’re busy, chilling out or enjoying a pampering session at the spa perhaps. Dine around The Don at one of our many restaurants or lounges. Enjoy dining al fresco for Breakfast, Lunch, or Dinner at Sea Porch, experience an exquisite evening at Maritana Grille, or take in the stunning sunset views with coastal cuisine and cool cocktails at Rowe Bar.

Amenities

  • Golf
  • Sailing
  • Tennis
  • Wheelchair access
  • Families
  • Bar
  • Fitness Centre/Gym
  • Restaurant
  • Room Service
  • Spa
  • Beachfront location

Where is it

Facing the Gulf of Mexico and overlooking the white sand dunes of St Pete Beach. Distance from Tampa International Airport: 28 miles. 

Hotel information

277 fully renovated rooms and suites. All with air-conditioning, satellite TV with pay-per-view films, telephone, WiFi, mini-bar*, tea/coffee maker, hairdryer, radio alarm clock, iron and board. Luxury Rooms are 250 sq ft and have 1 king-size bed or 2 queen-size beds, sleeping maximum 4 adults or 2 adults and 2 children.

Grand Rooms are 250 sq ft and have views of the beach and Gulf of Mexico, with 1 king-size bed or 2 queen-size beds, sleeping maximum 4 adults or 2 adults and 2 children.

Deluxe Junior Suites are 400 sq ft and have city views, with spacious living area with sofa bed and 1 king-size bed, sleeping maximum 3 adults.

Luxury Junior Suites are 400 sq ft and have partial views of the Gulf of Mexico, with spacious living area with sofa bed and 1 king-size bed, sleeping maximum 3 adults.

  • Special offer - Stay between 1st May 2024 to 31st Dec 2025 and receive the 4th and 8th night free. Black out dates apply. Discount included in price displayed. Offer subject to change. 

Close by attractions include Busch Gardens®, the Dali Museum and downtown St Petersburg – just 15 minutes away. Self-parking $24 plus tax per day, and valet parking from $31 plus tax per day (payable locally, subject to change).

Maritana (fresh seafood dishes with an extensive wine list, dinner), Society Table (Florida Gulf cuisine), Beacon Pool Bar & Lookout (poolside bites), Rowe Bar, Uncle Andy's Market (ice creams, shakes, pastries and coffee), Lobby Bar.

2 recently renovated, beachfront swimming pools, whirlpool. 24-hour fitness centre. Spa Oceana* with salon and rooftop lounge. Water sports* including kayak and paddleboard rental. Beach yoga, beach track, water yoga, restorative yoga and zumba. 

Room service*. Concierge service*. Shoppes at the Don (sundries to swim-wear). Complimentary WiFi throughout. Laundry/dry-cleaning service*.

This hotel has a resort fee of $38 plus tax per room, per day (payable locally, subject to change).

Resort fee includes use of the following amenities - Premium Plus WiFi Plan - Complimentary bicycle rental - Daily rental of up to 3 beach loungers and one umbrella per day - Fitness Center access - Family and children activities. ** Subject to change, adhering to COVID safety protocols** - Yoga and aerobic classes daily - Non-motorised watersport rentals (between 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM) - Two bottled waters daily - In-room coffee - Pool & beach games - Airline boarding pass printing - please see hotel check-in for current inclusions available to you upon arrival.

Wheelchair accessible rooms available on request. Please note that these rooms are subject to availability and may be restricted to specific room categories and bedding arrangements. Rooms and facilities vary between hotels so please check at the time of booking. To discover all the special assistance services we offer please see additional information below.

*Denotes local charge

Special assistance

Rating summary

  • Location Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Sleep Quality Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Rooms Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Service Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Value Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Cleanliness Image of the Tripadvisor rating

Traveller rating

  • Excellent (4077)
  • Very good (1295)
  • Average (732)
  • Poor (432)
  • Terrible (415)
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Must visit

Mar 23, 2024 Naomiasher123

We absolutely love this place. There's nothing you could want that isn't here at the Don! The spa is incredible, the service is perfection and everyone is super nice. The pool and beach are a dream and every place there is to eat is simply spectacular
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Relaxation

Mar 22, 2024 John L

Excellent place to relax and enjoy the beautiful beach, great food, and top-notch service. We had two meals on property (casual setting “Society Table” and a bit more formal at “Mariana”). We enjoyed long walks on the beach and relaxing on the beach.
Image of the Tripadvisor rating We enjoyed our time

Mar 22, 2024 David A

my family and I had a great time. the hotel is beautiful from the outside. some updating is needed throughout the hotel. our carpet had multiple stains on it. for the most part the service was great. I did check out with an older woman who I gave my room number to check me out, in the middle of helping me, she turned around to talk with her… Read more
my family and I had a great time. the hotel is beautiful from the outside. some updating is needed throughout the hotel. our carpet had multiple stains on it. for the most part the service was great. I did check out with an older woman who I gave my room number to check me out, in the middle of helping me, she turned around to talk with her colleagues. the young blonde woman next to her made eye contact with me and told me she would further assist me. it felt rude and was awkward. that was the only service issue we had while there. service was great besides that small issue. jackie was great! Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating The Experience

Mar 22, 2024 Dave H

We have to say that the check in process was outstanding as Kim went out of her way to show us some other rooms where we decided to upgrade. Beautiful beach and great people who are always helpful. We loved the drinks that were outstanding so congratulations
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Just book the Don!

Mar 20, 2024 Melissa G Sheridan, Wyoming

The Don Cesar was an amazing experience! We checked in on a Saturday and left on Tuesday. They were not too busy. Luxury and class everywhere. Delish food. Great service. Worth the money to stay! Loved the workout classes and fitness room. They say they are cashless BUT the workers do appreciate cash tips. The "gratuity" that is… Read more
The Don Cesar was an amazing experience! We checked in on a Saturday and left on Tuesday. They were not too busy. Luxury and class everywhere. Delish food. Great service. Worth the money to stay! Loved the workout classes and fitness room. They say they are cashless BUT the workers do appreciate cash tips. The "gratuity" that is charged is spread amongst the workers and it not really a “tip”. I wish I knew to bring more cash during my stay. Water was great. Everything was clean. We will be back again. BUT I would only book when they are not slammed busy. When we showed up on Saturday, it was pretty busy. It cleared out Sunday. Read less