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.

Valet parking $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 

Please note: The minimum check-in age is 21.

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 (4257)
  • Very good (1309)
  • Average (757)
  • Poor (451)
  • Terrible (439)
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Don't Cesar

Mar 30, 2026 Brian C

Great staff beautiful hotel clean rooms very relaxing.
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Fun in the sun excursion with tweens!

Mar 28, 2026 Deb G

We went for lunch and rented a cabana to have a beach day excursion with our tween neices in town for spring break from the tundra. We didn't day pass because I live 20 minutes away and have a pool. LOL!! But would have if I didnt. The service is top-notch. Our server at lunch was super friendly! The dessert was incredible!! Then off to the… Read more
We went for lunch and rented a cabana to have a beach day excursion with our tween neices in town for spring break from the tundra. We didn't day pass because I live 20 minutes away and have a pool. LOL!! But would have if I didnt. The service is top-notch. Our server at lunch was super friendly! The dessert was incredible!! Then off to the beach. The guys who set up the cabana and beach chairs were super friendly. Our beach server was great, and there was every time our cups got empty. It was like she had a camera watching. She was that good! Highly recommended spending the $$!!! It's worth every penny! Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Spring break 2026

Mar 27, 2026 Scenic60230057291 Chicago, Illinois

We had an absolutely amazing experience staying at The Don CeSar in St. Pete Beach with our family! From the moment we arrived, everything exceeded our expectations. The drinks were fabulous, perfectly crafted and refreshing. The atmosphere was relaxing and not too “spring break”. What truly stood out was the incredible wait staff. Every team… Read more
We had an absolutely amazing experience staying at The Don CeSar in St. Pete Beach with our family! From the moment we arrived, everything exceeded our expectations. The drinks were fabulous, perfectly crafted and refreshing. The atmosphere was relaxing and not too “spring break”. What truly stood out was the incredible wait staff. Every team member we interacted with was friendly, attentive, and went above and beyond to make sure we were comfortable and having a great time. The activities for the kids were great! Our kids were constantly engaged, happy, and excited, which made the whole trip even more enjoyable for us. This was a five-star experience all around, and we can’t wait to come back. Highly recommend for families looking for a fun, relaxing, and memorable getaway! Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Five Days in Heaven on Earth

Mar 26, 2026 Teri P

I found the atmosphere lovely, the beach and pools very enjoyable, clean, the service inside and out was exemplary! Love the shops downstairs, and the food was wonderful! Highly suggest the Don Cesar🩷🩷🩷
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Our favorite St. Pete Beach spot

Mar 26, 2026 Michael L

We love this place! Have been here a few times now. It’s our favorite winter escape from New England. It’s only our second day but it feels like it just gets better every time we come here. Our room is beautiful! The staff is so friendly. The complimentary Rose upon check-in was a nice touch. Our favorite staff member Kate was quick to have… Read more
We love this place! Have been here a few times now. It’s our favorite winter escape from New England. It’s only our second day but it feels like it just gets better every time we come here. Our room is beautiful! The staff is so friendly. The complimentary Rose upon check-in was a nice touch. Our favorite staff member Kate was quick to have us set up by the pool and make the past two days so relaxing for us. The restaurant recommendation from the bartenders that sent us to Pia’s last night was so appreciated! We loved it! Just everything you could hope for when you arrive for a few days of R&R. - Mike & Jen Read less