The Don Cesar

St Pete Beach, Tampa and Clearwater/St Pete

Star rating

Aerial view of the pool and beach
Hotel exterior
Luxury Room
Luxury Room
Bathroom
Maritana
Beach
Maritana
Uncle Andy's Market
Lobby
Pool
Hotel grounds
Pool
Sea Porch Restaurant
Rowe Bar
Rowe Bar
Rowe Bar
Society Table
Rooftop Spa Terrace
Lobby Terrace
Rowe Bar
Lobby Bar
Room deail
Fitness centre
Spa
Aerial view of the pool and beach
Hotel exterior
Luxury Room
Luxury Room
Bathroom
Maritana
Beach
Maritana
Uncle Andy's Market
Lobby
Pool
Hotel grounds
Pool
Sea Porch Restaurant
Rowe Bar
Rowe Bar
Rowe Bar
Society Table
Rooftop Spa Terrace
Lobby Terrace
Rowe Bar
Lobby Bar
Room deail
Fitness centre
Spa

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 before 31 Dec '25 and receive the 4th 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 (4189)
  • Very good (1304)
  • Average (750)
  • Poor (444)
  • Terrible (431)
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Justin is the best!

Aug 9, 2025 Margaret R

5 Stars for Justin – From the Rodriguez Family We had a rough start to our family getaway. After a very long day and complications with our reservation at the Don CeSar, we were met with long wait times for check-in. To ease the stress, we headed to the beach to relax—but unfortunately, the Cabana staff we encountered were anything but friendly or… Read more
5 Stars for Justin – From the Rodriguez Family We had a rough start to our family getaway. After a very long day and complications with our reservation at the Don CeSar, we were met with long wait times for check-in. To ease the stress, we headed to the beach to relax—but unfortunately, the Cabana staff we encountered were anything but friendly or compassionate. Then came Justin—and everything changed. Justin went above and beyond to take care of us. His kindness, professionalism, and genuine care completely turned our experience around. He was a bright light during a tough beginning, and when he wasn’t around, his absence was truly felt. We ended up checking out early, simply because the rest of the team didn’t match the warmth and service Justin provided. Had Justin been working all week, we would’ve gladly stayed the entire time. Justin, never lose that beautiful smile, your kind heart, and your deep compassion. You are truly an asset to wherever you are, and a blessing to everyone lucky enough to meet you. Thank you, Justin. – The Rodriguez Family Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Pool concierge

Aug 4, 2025 Nomad53080850460

Rodney, Dana & Alex go above and beyond and are amazing at their concierge poolside, so friendly and kind! Rodney especially goes way above making sure our whole family are all looked after and goes out of his way to make sure everyone has everything they need and is comfortable he’s so friendly and honestly goes above and beyond! Amazing member… Read more
Rodney, Dana & Alex go above and beyond and are amazing at their concierge poolside, so friendly and kind! Rodney especially goes way above making sure our whole family are all looked after and goes out of his way to make sure everyone has everything they need and is comfortable he’s so friendly and honestly goes above and beyond! Amazing member of staff and really makes the whole pool experience second to none! Thank you Rodney and your team Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating The Don is done!

Aug 3, 2025 Vacation17273211216 Breckenridge, Colorado

No maid service until after 5 pm! And only after calling twice. Pool understaffed and overwhelmed! Poor all around! Nothing about this present version is 5 star! Nothing! From the food to the service for the price? Look elsewhere!!!
Image of the Tripadvisor rating 34th anniversary stay

Jul 27, 2025 db4nascar

There is still some work going on as they try to rebuild from the hurricane last summer. But overall, this stay was very good. I want to give a shout out to Julian Vasquez the lead concierge. He went out of his way to make sure that my wife and I were able to get the restaurant we wanted to celebrate our anniversary. He also had a surprise for us… Read more
There is still some work going on as they try to rebuild from the hurricane last summer. But overall, this stay was very good. I want to give a shout out to Julian Vasquez the lead concierge. He went out of his way to make sure that my wife and I were able to get the restaurant we wanted to celebrate our anniversary. He also had a surprise for us when we returned to our room with a box of chocolate and rose petals spread on the bed with a nice card. He made our stay a special time for us. Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating A Girl’s DREAM spot!

Jul 24, 2025 abcmommyof5 Kingfisher, Oklahoma

Don’t walk… Book this IMMEDIATELY. There are so many good things to say about The Don, I’m not sure where to begin! They’ll greet you with a glass of Rosé and send you off with chocolates. Come in with an expectation of nostalgia and drink it up! You can FEEL the timeless charm, while enjoying just the right upgrades. The rooms are cozy and… Read more
Don’t walk… Book this IMMEDIATELY. There are so many good things to say about The Don, I’m not sure where to begin! They’ll greet you with a glass of Rosé and send you off with chocolates. Come in with an expectation of nostalgia and drink it up! You can FEEL the timeless charm, while enjoying just the right upgrades. The rooms are cozy and the bathrooms are tiny, but it’s not a problem. We shared a double queen between 3 girls and had enough room for all of our things and to stand together and get ready at the vanity. The tilework in the shower is such a vibe and the optional showerhead was an added bonus! Our room was freshly cleaned and stocked each afternoon we were there. It was perfect! Fresh towels and made beds to return to after a day in the sun, salt and water. The pools… FANTASTIC. If I may make a suggestion though, having one designated for families and one for adults would be a huge upgrade. Either way, we enjoyed the pool so much. We got a great spot all 4 days! Jackie and Katie are just PHENOMENAL. They both bust their tails in that heat and remember your face the next day. They were both so friendly and so fast. 10/10 recommend those superstars! Order a frozen espresso martini the very minute you get out there, trust me! Another stand-out bonus at the pool is Colt, playing live music. THIS MAN IS EXCELLENT. It was an honor to tip him! Such a controlled and soothing vocal, all while playing beautifully in that heat. I could never! He was SUPERB! He played the hits, took requests, and set an ambiance you could even enjoy on the beach. The beach… The pink loungers, beach chairs, umbrellas, towels, just the cherry on top! You can book daybeds that are dressed to the nines, OR enjoy a lounger and umbrella for free. We did both and had zero complaints. The staff dressing the beds and serving food/drinks were so great. It is so hot and they work so hard with smiles on their faces. The white sand was POWDER. 10/10! The water was a GORGEOUS emerald and so warm! There was a sand bar to stroll the entire beach out in the ocean. Tons of shells, sand dollars, and treasures to find. VERY LITTLE to no seaweed or grass while we were there. It was just perfect! And the beach at sunset is WILDLY beautiful! We enjoyed the food at Society Table, as well as at the pool/beach. There’s a great variety of shopping for souvenirs, swim items and snacks… and about the snacks… THE GELATO!!! 11/10 recommend! THE ENTIRE PLACE is photogenic. Professional or for the Gram, in the pool, at the lounge, on the stairs, beach or swing… there are so many great spots! It’s a marketing DREAM. We have already planned our next trip Read less