Our Hotel Planner Expert Reviews of The Don Cesar
Our expert planners periodically visit and review the hotels we represent in person.
"The Don Cesar has been a traditional luxury resort for decades – the legendary Pink Palace."
Overall Score4.0/ 5
The Don Cesar has been a traditional luxury resort for decades – the legendary Pink Palace – directly on St. Petersburg beach. Upon entering the newly renovated elegant lobby with large seating area and bar – you cannot ignore the elegance and tradition the hotel is famous for. The lobby leads to the nice pool area overlooking the ocean. There are plans to expand the pool bar The Beachcomber Bar On St. Pete Beach (only available to hotel guests) into a two story building to offer drinks while gazing at stunning sunsets. On the other side of the lobby you enter the Grand Ballroom and conference area with stylish interior and natural light. The hotel offers more than 38,000 square feet of wedding and event spaces making it one of the premier spots for you special day. Guests can choose to stay at the Don Cesar, a full service resort or opt for the expanded living spaces at the Beach House Suites by Don Cesar, located just half a mile down the white sandy beach. Both locations offer panoramic views of the St. Pete Beach and access to award winning dining, shopping, spa and wellness services. Rooms are spacious and elegant spaces with own kitchenette, complete with mini fridge, Keurig coffee maker, microwave, dishwasher and induction stove top. Relax with TV A washer, dryer, iron, ironing board, iHome radio, hair dryer and voicemail ensure you feel right at home. Pet friendly 1st floor rooms mean everyone is welcome. Cribs and rollaways available upon request. The hotel is currently undergoing a renovation that includes restaurants and all rooms that will be done in November 2020 The Award Winning Maritana is also currently under renovation and will emerge again as one of the best places to eat on St. Pete Beach featuring a refreshed dining experience including a new menu. Enjoy fresh Gulf catch and local comfort food infused with coastal flavors at a seaside dining spot called Sea Porch Cafe. With indoor and outdoor seating, the restaurant is the perfect place to gather for a relaxed breakfast, lunch or dinner. Well renown Spa Oceana, the Don Cesar's award winning spa features 16 treatment rooms, a full service salon and a stunning rooftop terrace overlooking the Gulf of Mexico. Other hotel amenities include a well appointed fitness center and group fitness classes, elegant shops and boutiques and an old fashioned ice cream shoppe and coffee parlor.
Britta R from
11-Sep-2020 Verified Review
Verified Reviews of The Don Cesar
Below are the verified reviews from guests that we have booked recently:
"Excellent Staffing"
Overall Score4.0/ 5
excellent staff food ONLY average in both pool/restaurant.
Nancy R. (Group coordinator, booked 2 rooms), from
04-Oct-2024 Verified Review, stayed from Mon Aug 12 to Tue Aug 13 2024 at a $372.79 average nightly rate.
"We had a very enjoyable four days."
Overall Score4.0/ 5
We celebrated a 40th birthday. We had a very nice stay. The only complaint was one woman at the front desk who "assumed" we were not guests at the hotel and questioned us as to whether we had a "day pass." We have stayed here in the past. I felt that was rude. The folks at the beach were extremely friendly and helpful. The bartenders at the outdoor area not too friendly. Housekeeping was on point. We love the hotel. Next time, might try to get a better rate as we had guests in pool talking about how they got a way better rate that we did. Same product.
Rosemarie R. (Individual traveler, booked 1 room), from
12-Sep-2024 Verified Review, stayed from Mon Sep 09 to Fri Sep 13 2024 at a $446.99 average nightly rate.
"Wonderful accommodations, delicious food, cold weather!"
Overall Score5.0/ 5
I will definitely come back.
Stephanie C. (Individual traveler, booked 1 room), from
18-Jan-2024 Verified Review, stayed from Mon Jan 08 to Thu Jan 18 2024 at a $784.29 average nightly rate.
Summary of Verified Reviews
Customer Reviews of The Don Cesar
Expedia Group verifies all reviews to ensure that the customer has indeed booked on our site. To encourage customers to submit their reviews, we send an email containing a link to evaluate the hotel to which we sometimes attach a reduction or Expedia Rewards voucher to use on a future trip. We post all reviews whether they are positive or negative, to the extent that they respect our
content directives. This monitoring is automated. Any rejection is manually checked and, if maintained, notified to the reviewer by email with reasons. We do not otherwise process changes, nor reviewer contact. We de-list reviews after 4 years, other than for properties having a non-significant number of reviews.
Property Description
Imagine a “Four Diamond and More” experience, and you will be thinking of the Don CeSar. Since opening its doors in 1928, the legendary "Pink Palace" has welcomed guests from around the world to enjoy the sprawling sugar-white beach, sumptuous dining, rejuvenating spa, and gracious hospitality. The celebrated architecture and romantic legend have earned the hotel its place on the National Register of Historic Places, making it a true landmark of Florida’s Gulf Coast. The Gatsby-era pampering and attentive service continue today, and from the moment they arrive, your guests will feel refreshed and invigorated as they are immersed in the carefree comfort of our seaside retreat.Located just 30 minutes from Tampa International Airport on the island of St. Pete Beach, the resort is surrounded by the shimmering blue waters of the Gulf of Mexico and Boca Ciega Bay. Accommodations at the Don CeSar include 277 guest rooms at the Main Resort with 40 spectacular suites, and 70 one-bedroom condominium-style suites at our Beach House. All guest rooms are designed to bring the outdoors in, reflecting the natural beauty of the coast with furnishings and amenities that are as inviting as the Gulf breeze. For those who crave adventure -- Take in the view from 800 feet with a liberating parasail ride…Compete for the catch of the day on a deep-sea fishing excursion…Cut through the water on a wave runner or a paddleboat…Go for the greens at the exclusive golf club less than one mile from the resort…If you prefer a more leisurely pace, stroll along seven miles of sandy white shoreline…Shop ‘til you drop in our seven retail locations throughout the resort…Restore your sense of balance with yoga on the beach…Experience true bliss with a beachfront massage…Or simply lounge in a chair by one of our pools and bask in the Florida sun…The Don CeSar Beach Resort announces the addition of Spa Oceana, now in progress. With 11,000 square feet and 16 treatment rooms, Spa Oceana will feature a rooftop garden overlooking the Gulf of Mexico and treatments infused with ingredients from the sand and sea. Throughout the development of the new spa, our current spa in the main resort remains open with a full range of treatments to refresh, revitalize, and rejuvenate.
Amenities / Features
Airport & Shuttle Information
Tampa International Airport
Local Shuttle Info: SuperShuttle
Pet Friendly?
Service animals complying with ADA Title lll regulations are allowed.
Yes! Pets are allowed.
2 pets max per guestroom. No weight limit or breed restrictions. A daily charge of $75.00 is required.