The Pink Palace of the Gulf Coast, the Don CeSar is one of Florida's most beloved and recognizable landmarks. The coral-pink Mediterranean Revival resort has welcomed guests since 1928, including F. Scott Fitzgerald and Franklin D. Roosevelt. A recent major renovation has restored it to peak elegance while retaining its old Florida glamour.
The Don CeSar Hotel stands on Gulf Boulevard at St. Pete Beach, Florida, at 3400 Gulf Blvd, St. Pete Beach, FL 33706, as one of the most recognized and beloved historic hotels in the United States. The coral-pink Mediterranean Revival structure was completed in 1928 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, having weathered decades of shifting fortunes — including a period as a military hospital during World War II — before restoration as a grand Gulf Coast resort.
The hotel's distinctive pink towers are visible for miles along the Gulf Coast, and the property has accumulated a remarkable collection of famous guests over nearly a century: F. Scott Fitzgerald and his wife Zelda, Franklin D. Roosevelt, Lou Gehrig, and Clarence Darrow among them. This heritage is honored through the hotel's programming and décor, with photographs, memorabilia, and public spaces that evoke the grand hotel tradition of early twentieth-century Florida.
Guest rooms and suites are distributed across the main building and an adjacent beach house structure, offering options from Gulf-view rooms with balconies to spacious suites with separate living areas. Recent major renovation work has modernized the rooms and restored the building's exterior to its original elegance while preserving the architectural character that makes the Don CeSar unique among Florida hotels.
The hotel occupies 1,200 feet of private Gulf beachfront, with beach service, lounge chairs, and umbrellas provided for guests. Two pools — one adult-focused and one for families — are positioned between the hotel and the beach. The Maritana Grille serves as the hotel's signature dining room, emphasizing fresh Gulf Coast seafood. The King Charles Ballroom and various event spaces make the Don CeSar a popular venue for weddings and special occasions. The Spa Oceana provides a full-service treatment menu, and the hotel's evening entertainment — including live music in the lobby bar — maintains the property's reputation as a social gathering place for guests and the wider Tampa Bay community.
Amenities
- Gulf Beach Access
- Two Pools
- Full Spa
- Multiple Restaurants
- Ballroom
- Historic Architecture
Location
3400 Gulf Blvd, St. Pete Beach, FL 33706
27.7142, -82.7374 View on map
Highlights
- Iconic Pink Palace on St. Pete Beach's Gulf frontage, listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1975
- 1,200 feet of private Gulf beachfront with full beach service and two distinct pool areas
- Maritana Grille signature Gulf Coast seafood restaurant in the historic main dining room
- Nearly a century of famous guests including F. Scott Fitzgerald and Franklin D. Roosevelt
- Spa Oceana, the King Charles Ballroom, and regular live music in the lobby bar
Tips for visiting
- Gulf-view balcony rooms in the main Pink Palace building capture the historic architecture inside and out — worth the premium
- The lobby bar hosts live music several evenings per week — check the entertainment schedule when making dining reservations
- Evening beach walks at sunset are a St. Pete Beach tradition and best enjoyed from the hotel's private Gulf frontage
- The Don CeSar is a popular wedding venue — inquire about event conflicts on specific dates before booking
- Visit in shoulder season (May or October) for lower rates and fewer crowds while retaining warm Gulf water temperatures
Accessibility
The Don CeSar Hotel provides ADA-accessible guest rooms with roll-in showers and accessible bathrooms on multiple floors. Elevator access serves all guest floors of the main tower. Beach access involves sandy terrain, which may present challenges for wheelchair users; the hotel's staff can provide assistance and adaptive beach equipment on request.
Visit, book or contact
Frequently asked questions
What is the Don CeSar's history?
Built and opened in 1928 by Thomas Rowe, the Don CeSar was named for an opera character and became a celebrated winter resort. After wartime use as a military hospital during World War II, it was restored and reopened as a hotel in 1973. A major recent renovation has returned it to its historic grandeur.
Does the hotel have Gulf beach access?
Yes. The Don CeSar has 1,200 feet of private Gulf of Mexico beachfront with staffed beach service, lounge chairs, and umbrellas available for hotel guests throughout the day.
How far is the hotel from downtown St. Petersburg?
Downtown St. Petersburg is approximately 12 miles north of St. Pete Beach, about 20 to 25 minutes by car. The Salvador Dali Museum and other St. Petersburg attractions are accessible as day excursions.
Is the hotel suitable for weddings and events?
Yes. The Don CeSar's King Charles Ballroom and Gulf beachfront setting make it one of the most popular wedding venues in the Tampa Bay area. The events team manages large celebrations and can accommodate significant guest counts.