This Pink Palace by the Sea Is an Icon of the Florida Gulf Coast
The most legendary hotel on the Florida Gulf Coast, the Don CeSar has been dazzling visitors with its palatial features, pink hue and oceanfront location since the property first opened in 1928.
Since then, the Don has only gotten better with age. It began as a southern epicenter of Roaring ‘20s culture -- a favorite of Clarence Darrow and F. Scott Fitzgerald -- and now, after a full renovation, the Don is as suited for the 21st century as it was for the Gatsby Era.
The Don CeSar is located in St. Pete Beach and overlooks one of the most beautiful stretches of white sand in the country.
Not that guests have to walk down to the ocean to cool off from Florida’s humidity -- the Don has two pools.
Of course, its beachfront location also means guests are treated to endless views from the moment they arrive in the lobby.
The property’s iconic beach-chic style and legendary panoramic vistas continue throughout the 277 rooms and suites.
USA Today listed the hotel’s restaurant, Maritana Grille, among the best foodie spots in St. Petersburg. If you book the private chef's table, your party will be treated to a specially crafted menu by the Executive Chef.
But the upscale seafood restaurant certainly isn’t without competition. Most recently, the Don opened the Rowe Bar, a beachfront restaurant and bar with an expansive outdoor deck.
And when guests need more pampering, they can head to the on-site Spa Oceana, an 11,000-square-foot space including whirlpools, steam rooms and the seaside Whisper Lounge. Either purchase a treatment or opt for a $30 day pass to use the facilities.
At the end of your spa visit, curl up in a plush robe next to the fire pit on the spa’s rooftop terrace.
