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.

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 (4035)
  • Very good (1285)
  • Average (723)
  • Poor (428)
  • Terrible (409)
Image of the Tripadvisor rating WOW!!!!!!

Dec 5, 2023 brandonwelever Sylvania, Ohio

Can't say enough about how great this place was! Friendliness of the staff, cleanliness of the resort, all the amenities available on-site. The staff and accommodations get A++!! Can't wait to go back!!
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Pretty to look at…Beautiful Beach

Dec 3, 2023 Lisa A

Very quiet and Safe. The views of the sunset and sunrise do not disappoint. The rooms are a nice size but my bathroom was a little snug and I am not a large lady. The beds were amazing! Overall I give this place a 3, it would have been higher but I feel the food wasn’t great and I was not made aware of all that was available to hotel guests. I had… Read more
Very quiet and Safe. The views of the sunset and sunrise do not disappoint. The rooms are a nice size but my bathroom was a little snug and I am not a large lady. The beds were amazing! Overall I give this place a 3, it would have been higher but I feel the food wasn’t great and I was not made aware of all that was available to hotel guests. I had continuously ask questions. Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Great stay, just a few niggles

Dec 3, 2023 daveyates2

This is a lovely historic hotel. We had a great time and the staff are friendly. However, just a few things let it down. No consistency in room cleaning or top up of coffee/milk & water, vacuuming. The chairs cushions/ beach area did not seem to be tidied up at any stage. Some of seat cushions looked dirty. Most hotels start the day or even at… Read more
This is a lovely historic hotel. We had a great time and the staff are friendly. However, just a few things let it down. No consistency in room cleaning or top up of coffee/milk & water, vacuuming. The chairs cushions/ beach area did not seem to be tidied up at any stage. Some of seat cushions looked dirty. Most hotels start the day or even at end of day making it look tidy and ready for guests. Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Was expecting a little more...

Dec 2, 2023 Adventure03923518762 Fairmont, Minnesota

Although the hotel itself is very unique and the staff was absolutely wonderful, we ran into a few snags (no water one day) and some other small stuff. So overall, that made our stay pretty average. I will say that it is a beautiful venue for and outdoor wedding!
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Noisy, excessive tip shaming

Dec 1, 2023 srahavy Astoria, New York

Loud neighbors engaged in domestic violence, tip shaming everywhere even for self service, hidden gratuities, poor service at the outdoor pool, as in nobody showed up ever to the chairs and I always had to walk up to the bar