The Don Cesar

St Pete Beach, Tampa and Clearwater/St Pete

Star 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, beachfront swimming pools to take advantage of, so grab a good book and some sun cream and enjoy, or book in for a pampering session at the spa perhaps. Dine around The Don at one of the many restaurants or lounges, from al fresco breakfast at Sea Porch to an exquisite evening at Maritana Grille - or take in the stunning sunset views with coastal cuisine and cool cocktails at Rowe Bar.

Amenities

  • Bicycle Rental
  • Kayaking
  • Yoga
  • Babysitting service
  • Wheelchair access
  • Families
  • Bar
  • Evening Entertainment
  • Fitness Centre/Gym
  • Internet Access
  • Laundry Service
  • No Smoking

Where is it

Facing the Gulf of Mexico and overlooking the white sand dunes of St Pete Beach. Close by attractions include Busch Gardens®, the Dali Museum and downtown St Petersburg – just 15 minutes away. Distance from Tampa International Airport: 28 miles. 

Hotel information

277 airy rooms and suites that pay homage to the seaside Art Deco era. 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 located on floors 1-7, with either 1 king-size bed or 2 queen-size beds, sleeping maximum 4 people.

  • 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. 

Self-parking $28 plus tax per day, and valet parking from $38 plus tax per day (payable locally, subject to change).

Maritana (award-winning restaurant offering sophisticated fare). Society Table (casual restaruant open for all-day dining). Beacon Pool Bar & Lookout (poolside bar and grill), Rowe Bar (beachfront bar serving drinks and light bites). Uncle Andy's Market (ice creams, shakes, pastries and coffee). Lobby Bar (offering drinks, small plates, and nightly live music). Room service*.

2 beachfront swimming pools and a whirlpool. 24-hour fitness centre. Spa Oceana* with treatment rooms, whirlpools, steam rooms, salon and rooftop terrace. Water sports* including kayak and paddleboard rental. Group fitness classes including yoga, pilates, zumba and aqua aerobics. Bicycle rental.

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

This hotel has a resort fee of $40 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 - 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 

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 (4169)
  • Very good (1303)
  • Average (749)
  • Poor (444)
  • Terrible (424)
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Needs some updates and cleaing

مايو 18, 2025 SteveG120 Richmond, Virginia

Have been to the Don many times, but this was probably my last. The place is a bit tired and dirty. My room had carpet that was in need of an update and there were scuff marks on the walls. I ordered room service for breakfast. It was 20 minutes late and delivered with a filthy mug. The next day I decided to make coffee in the room, but… Read more
Have been to the Don many times, but this was probably my last. The place is a bit tired and dirty. My room had carpet that was in need of an update and there were scuff marks on the walls. I ordered room service for breakfast. It was 20 minutes late and delivered with a filthy mug. The next day I decided to make coffee in the room, but discovered what looks like mold in the coffee maker. The bright spot was the service. Other than breakfast being late, everyone one was polite and helpful. Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Great beach service

مايو 16, 2025 hermoninny

We got great service on the beach from Van who set up our chairs and towels and took care of things for us as we were getting started with the day. Beautiful hotel and beaches with great service all around. We’ve been coming here for over 10 years and it’s great every time!
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Getaway

مايو 14, 2025 OnAir508501

This hotel was elegant clean and employees were friendly and helpful. Rooms were decorated beautifully a bit on the smaller side but had everything you need. Penny at the lobby bar was so friendly and made amazing drinks esp chocotini ! It is still getting renovated from hurricane but one pool was open and they had a little shop set up in a room.… قراءة المزيد
This hotel was elegant clean and employees were friendly and helpful. Rooms were decorated beautifully a bit on the smaller side but had everything you need. Penny at the lobby bar was so friendly and made amazing drinks esp chocotini ! It is still getting renovated from hurricane but one pool was open and they had a little shop set up in a room. Gym was nice ! Breakfast was expensive in restaurant but very attentive service and fancy decor. I would love to go back when it is in full swing ! Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating The Pink Lady did not disappoint

مايو 14, 2025 RealtorTraveler Tampa, Florida

Finally got a chance to stay at this iconic Florida landmark. Booked a weekend stay to celebrate an anniversary & end of a busy work season. Easy & friendly check in process & although our room wasn’t ready we had full access to the resort amenities. We set up on the beach loungers (umbrella included) while we waited for our room. We were… Read more
Finally got a chance to stay at this iconic Florida landmark. Booked a weekend stay to celebrate an anniversary & end of a busy work season. Easy & friendly check in process & although our room wasn’t ready we had full access to the resort amenities. We set up on the beach loungers (umbrella included) while we waited for our room. We were provided with attentive service on the white sand beach - water was clear - just the perfect location on the Gulf coast. The Don had only reopened (since the 2024 Hurricanes) a couple of weeks before our visit so there were still a few areas of construction happening but it didn’t bother us. The food & drinks were delicious. The service was excellent. Our balcony room was perfectly located on the southeast corner giving the best views of the intercostal, city, skyway & peek of the gulf. Took in an afternoon facial at Spa Ocena which was relaxing (I even fell asleep). The stay was expensive but it was worth the experience. I would like to come back with my daughters for a girls weekend. The pink lady did not disappoint🩷 Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Relaxing

مايو 12, 2025 Bren S Fort Worth, Texas

The Don is a must visit for my wife and I at least once a year. We just returned home yesterday from a 5 day stay and as always, the experience was wonderful. Even though the Don is still trying to complete the rebuild since the hurricane the stay was top shelf. We look forward to coming back soon when everything is back to normal.