The Don CeSar

a magnificent property right on the gulf fully renovated after the hurricanes weddings r booked thro june 2027 and with good reason

The Don CeSar Beach Resort and Spa, the Pink Palace or Pink Lady, the most luxurious accommodation on Florida's West Coast, was severely damaged by back-to-back hurricanes (Helene and Milton) in 2024 and closed for business for several months. After extensive renovation, repairs and remodeling, it reopened in 2025 and -- take it from someone who has visited the property on several occasions, it is better than ever. Located at 3400 Gulf Boulevard on St. Petersburg Beach, the Don opened in 1928 and quickly gained a reputation as the Gulf playground for America's pampered rich at the height of the Jazz Age. It entertained such notables as Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig, J. Scott Fitzgerald, Robert DeNiro and even Al Capone. Today, the 40,000-square-foot property contains 277 guest rooms and 40 suites, three restaurants, three bars, two swimming pools, an ice cream parlor and a beautiful, sandy beach. I booked the same space I enjoyed on two previous occasions, on the third floor, a junior suite with a balcony with a panoramic Gulf view, a king-size bed, separate living room, two 50-inch flat screen TVs, minibar, separate bathroom with two vanities and walk-in shower, work desk, chair, sofa, refrigerator, coffee-tea maker and separate entryway. The hotel also features concierge Heidi Swanson, who arranged for a ticket to a Tampa Bay Rays/Seattle Mariners baseball game at Tropicana Field, retail shops, a spa, huge lobby bar, valet parking, health club, sauna, exercise gym, jacuzzi, coffee shop, laundry/valet service, 24-hour fitness center, whirlpool, massage service, beauty shop/salon, dry cleaning, business center, room service and bike rentals. Three days at the Don is worth every dollar. It was named to the National Register of Historic Places in 1975 and was a founding member of the National Trust Historic Hotels of America in 1989.

We had such a memorable and amazing stay at The Don Cesar. This was our fourth visit, and somehow, each stay continues to get better. There is something truly special and magical about driving up to the hotel and walking through those doors. From the moment we arrived, we felt welcomed and cared for. Andrew greeted us with a glass of the hotel’s signature champagne, setting the tone for another wonderful stay. He was incredibly professional, attentive, and welcoming. One of the things that impressed me most about this visit was how many of the staff members remembered us from previous stays. Not only did we recognize so many familiar faces, but they remembered us as well and went out of their way to make us feel extra special and cared for. That personal connection is what makes The Don such a special place. A very special shout-out to Jeckson, Rodney, Jackie, Alec, Drew, and Dustin, Emily and Ana. We have developed a genuine connection with Jeckson at Uncle Andy’s. He is such a wonderful asset to The Don. You can truly sense how much he values and takes pride in his profession, as well as how much he genuinely cares about the guests. Rodney at the pool is absolutely top-notch. He truly has a giving heart and can’t do enough for his guests. Every morning, he had our pool chairs set up and seemed to anticipate our every need before we even had to ask. He is a true giver and an incredible example of hospitality. Jackie at poolside dining is always in the best mood. She is consistently pleasant, upbeat, and such a joy to talk with. Her positive energy makes every interaction special. This was our first year meeting Alec at the lobby bar, and we were so happy to have the opportunity to get to know him. He was incredibly knowledgeable about so many things, and we thoroughly enjoyed his conversation and kind disposition. We hope to see him again on our next visit. Drew at the fitness center is awesome. He is always willing to go above and beyond to make guests feel welcome. Drew, thank you for making the Pure Beauty flavored water at the fitness center extra special for me. You rock! Dustin at Uncle Andy’s was also exceptional. He paid close attention to every detail and consistently made us feel well taken care of. He also took cleanliness and sanitation very seriously. I could go on and on about these wonderful staff members. It’s employees like these who are truly the cherry on top of an already incredible experience. The genuine hospitality they provide never goes unnoticed, and it is a huge part of what keeps bringing us back. We also enjoyed participating in the pool games with Emily. She does a fantastic job getting guests involved and creating a fun, welcoming atmosphere. After five wonderful nights, it was sadly time to depart. Ana at the front desk gave us a very nice send off at our check out. It felt wonderful knowing that she remembered us from previous visits and her personal touch showed that guests are truly valued and feel like family. As we were leaving, a few raindrops began to fall from the sky. I’d like to believe that was The Don’s way of saying it would miss us as much as we would miss it. Until next time, The Don. We’ll be back!

Beautiful and well maintained, poolside service was exceptional, All the food choices we had at Society Table and pool was excellent. Poolside service was great and attentive! Would like to see better service at Society, examples include, dont reach iver my dinner plate to refill my water, anticipate diner needi g a steak knife based on order, do t carry dirty dishes to a new table seating to tell us you will be right with us. The food at society table was amazing, chefs kiss for sure! Libby bar also very nice! One final thought, room needs a luggage rack! Placing luggage on the floor is lame!

We really enjoyed our beach, pool and spa time at the Don CeSar! Breakfast Table is fantastic. The Sunset Salutation is a must do. And while you are in St, Pete, be sure to visit the Dali Museum for an outing!