The Don CeSar

Not sure where to begin. Drinks are very overpriced. Rooms are small - Bathroom is like a closet. Outlets did not work, AC was NOT cold, elevators are annoying. The food was not good. Hotel is not near anything walkable. Then to top it off I had charges on my credit card that should NOT have been there.

I would award the hotel a 4.5 star if I could. The beach staff was amazing including Jeremiah who was very friendly and helpful to my younger kids. The live music at the pool was a wonderful addition and the staff that did the daily activities was friendly and fun. The front desk staff and house keeping were the reason for not awarding a five star. It appeared that all guests checking in received a complimentary class of champagne. We had four adults, three at which checked in at different times and no one was offered a glass. ( I realize this is a very small issue but I obviously noticed the discrepancy). In addition, we only had our room survived one day out of the four days we stayed because my younger two kids would return to the room in mid afternoon to rest and daily service had not yet come. We left the room daily at 9and returned mid afternoon. Lastly, our room overlooked the recycling bins and my sister’s room was affected by the construction noise. The hotel was only at 40% to 50% occupancy. With all that said, 99% of the staff is amazing and helpful. The hotel is beautiful, the rooms are nice, the sand is soft and the pool and ocean water are refreshing but not chilling.

We got paddle boards on the beach with Jeremiah and bouchée brothers. They were great to work with and really helped my son get going on the board.

I've stayed in St Pete Beach a number of times, and this is one of the best hotels in the area. It's convenient that it's the first hotel when arriving over the bridge. The flipside is you need a ride to get to where more of the action is in town. With that said, there's plenty to enjoy onsite. The best beach in USA with people there to wait on you. Nice pools... not too overcrowded. Food quality is good. Service is very good.

We have stayed at the Don many times! Unfortunately quality and service is not the same since reopen... if you call it that. Here is the cherry on top. After being forced to Valet. They damaged my truck and after a month still no resolution or even basic communication! This is not a scratch. $6500 in damage on a new truck.