The Don CeSar, a historic pink hotel on St. Pete Beach, Florida, offers a luxurious escape from the British winter, with renovated rooms, pools, and private beach access. Known affectionately as the "Pink Palace," the hotel first opened in 1928 and has hosted notable guests including Al Capone, F. Scott Fitzgerald, and Franklin D. Roosevelt.
A Historic Pink Landmark
The hotel was built by founder Thomas Rowe as a tribute to his lost love, Lucinda, inspired by the character Don Ce-Sar in the opera "Maritana." Its Mediterranean and Moorish architecture, with towers and archways, reflects the romantic vision Rowe had for the property.
After a period of decline following the war, the Don CeSar reopened in the early 1970s. Today, it has 277 guestrooms and suites, all designed for comfort and luxury. The hotel's speciality suites, including the Presidential and Royal Suites, offer spacious living areas, private balconies, and exquisite interiors.
Pools and Beach Access
The hotel features two large heated pools with poolside concierge service. The main pool is lively and family-friendly, while an adults-only pool provides a quieter setting for relaxation. A pool bar serves tropical cocktails.
The Don CeSar provides access to award-winning private beaches with white sands and warm waters, along with sun loungers, umbrellas, and beach service. Water sports such as paddleboarding, jet skiing, and parasailing are also available.
Dining and Spa
Six on-site restaurants, bars, and lounges offer a range of dining options, from fine dining to casual poolside bars. The Society Table serves Florida Gulf fare, while the Rowe Bar offers cocktails and burgers on a deck over the sand dunes.
The hotel's Spa Oceana is an 11,000-square-foot facility with 16 treatment rooms, a salon, and a rooftop terrace with views of the Gulf of Mexico. Spa guests get complimentary access to whirlpool baths, steam rooms, and the Whisper Lounge.
Location and Booking
The Don CeSar is located at 3400 Gulf Blvd, St. Pete Beach, FL 33706, in the St Pete/Clearwater region on Florida's west coast. The area offers 35 miles of white-sandy beaches and has been ranked among America's top five beaches by TripAdvisor.
Rooms start from £250 per night, and flights from London to Tampa International Airport, 30 minutes away, are available with Virgin Atlantic and British Airways.
