Pros

  • Historic property with lots of charm
  • Located directly on a white-sand beach in St. Pete
  • On-site shopping and dining, including a charming '50s-style ice cream shop
  • Multiple pools surrounded by lush landscaping and lounge chairs
  • On-site luxury spa and fitness center with a rooftop deck
  • Rooms are elegantly decorated and some have amazing ocean views
  • Pet-friendly for a fee, includes welcome amenity
  • Kids' program offers fun activities for children
  • Free Wi-Fi
See More Pros

Cons

  • Resort fee automatically included on all reservations
  • Extra fee for beach chairs and umbrellas
  • Fees for both self-parking and valet
See More Cons

Bottom Line

The 277-room Don CeSar hotel is a luxury property located on a white-sand beach on the Gulf of Mexico in St. Pete Beach. Its combination of family-friendly amenities (with activity options for kids and teens), opulent Gatsby-era vibe, lushly landscaped grounds, and excellent service set it apart from the majority of hotels in the area. Rooms are modern and bright, with elegant beach-style decor, and there are various suite options -- some with pool and beach views. Room rates are expectedly higher at this property than other nearby resorts.

See More Bottom Line

Oyster Hotel Review

The Don CeSar

Scene

Historic beachfront hotel, with elegant decor and lush grounds

Known as Florida’s legendary “Pink Palace” for its pastel exterior, the Don CeSar looks like a grand birthday cake on the sand. Built in 1928 to resemble a Mediterranean-style castle, it's listed in Historic Hotels of America and has drawn notable personalities for decades. On entrance, there are two lavishly decorated lounges, including an elegant lobby with a bar and plush living room-style seating areas. The property is full of areas to sit and relax, from public balconies with white rocking chairs to cozy nooks with love-seats. Outdoors, guests unwind in aqua-colored sectional sofas and hammocks between palm trees. The grounds have tropical-style landscaping, fountains, and lounge chairs beside two beachfront pools. The hotel caters to all kinds of travelers, including families and couples, as well as groups and weddings (with 38,000 square-feet of event space).

See More Scene

Location

On a seven-mile stretch of white-sand beach in St. Pete Beach

Set on a wide expanse of white-sand beaches stretching for seven miles, the Don CeSar is the epitome of an upscale beach hotel -- so much so that many guests choose not to leave the property. Travelers wanting to explore have access to a handful of beachfront bars and restaurants within walking distance. About two miles down the beach, there are a notable restaurants with rooftop bars, sunset views, and brunch. The city of St. Petersburg, home to the Dali Museum and loads of art galleries and restaurants, is 10 miles from the resort.

See More Location

Rooms

Sophisticated rooms with beach-chic decor

The best rooms and suites at the hotel have private terraces and panoramic views of the Gulf of Mexico. Rooms are elegantly decorated in tropical-tinged decor, with details like plantation-style shutters, crown molding, custom wrought-iron beds with triple sheeting, sky-blue ceilings, and bathrooms with granite vanities. All rooms include free Wi-Fi access and flat-screen TVs.

See More Rooms

Features

Variety of amenities make leaving the grounds unnecessary

The Don CeSar features a luxury spa, fitness center, two beachfront swimming pools, and beach volleyball. Yoga on the beach with personal trainers, and cabana rentals are available for a fee. Spa Oceana features 16 full-service treatment rooms, salon, and rooftop lounge overlooking the Gulf of Mexico. Maritana Grille, the resort’s fine-dining option, serves delicious seafood dishes. The fresh-feeling Sea Porch restaurant serves Floribbean cuisine. Uncle Andy’s Ice Cream Parlor scoops up homemade ice cream. On-site boutiques offer everything from sundries to designer swim wear. For families, the hotel offers a library of games, kids' menus, and even camp for children, while teens have access to music download cards. "Dive-In" movies at the pool are another family-friendly option.

See More Features

Things You Should Know About The Don CeSar

Also Known As

  • Loews Don CeSar Hotel

Address

3400 Gulf Boulevard, St. Pete Beach, Florida 33706-4015, United States

Phone

727-360-1881

Website

Oyster Hotel Review

The Don CeSar

Scene

Historic beachfront hotel, with elegant decor and lush grounds

Known as Florida’s legendary “Pink Palace” for its pastel exterior, the Don CeSar looks like a grand birthday cake on the sand. Built in 1928 to resemble a Mediterranean-style castle, it's listed in Historic Hotels of America and has drawn notable personalities for decades. On entrance, there are two lavishly decorated lounges, including an elegant lobby with a bar and plush living room-style seating areas. The property is full of areas to sit and relax, from public balconies with white rocking chairs to cozy nooks with love-seats. Outdoors, guests unwind in aqua-colored sectional sofas and hammocks between palm trees. The grounds have tropical-style landscaping, fountains, and lounge chairs beside two beachfront pools. The hotel caters to all kinds of travelers, including families and couples, as well as groups and weddings (with 38,000 square-feet of event space).

See More Scene

Location

On a seven-mile stretch of white-sand beach in St. Pete Beach

Set on a wide expanse of white-sand beaches stretching for seven miles, the Don CeSar is the epitome of an upscale beach hotel -- so much so that many guests choose not to leave the property. Travelers wanting to explore have access to a handful of beachfront bars and restaurants within walking distance. About two miles down the beach, there are a notable restaurants with rooftop bars, sunset views, and brunch. The city of St. Petersburg, home to the Dali Museum and loads of art galleries and restaurants, is 10 miles from the resort.

See More Location

Rooms

Sophisticated rooms with beach-chic decor

The best rooms and suites at the hotel have private terraces and panoramic views of the Gulf of Mexico. Rooms are elegantly decorated in tropical-tinged decor, with details like plantation-style shutters, crown molding, custom wrought-iron beds with triple sheeting, sky-blue ceilings, and bathrooms with granite vanities. All rooms include free Wi-Fi access and flat-screen TVs.

See More Rooms

Features

Variety of amenities make leaving the grounds unnecessary

The Don CeSar features a luxury spa, fitness center, two beachfront swimming pools, and beach volleyball. Yoga on the beach with personal trainers, and cabana rentals are available for a fee. Spa Oceana features 16 full-service treatment rooms, salon, and rooftop lounge overlooking the Gulf of Mexico. Maritana Grille, the resort’s fine-dining option, serves delicious seafood dishes. The fresh-feeling Sea Porch restaurant serves Floribbean cuisine. Uncle Andy’s Ice Cream Parlor scoops up homemade ice cream. On-site boutiques offer everything from sundries to designer swim wear. For families, the hotel offers a library of games, kids' menus, and even camp for children, while teens have access to music download cards. "Dive-In" movies at the pool are another family-friendly option.

See More Features

Best Rates

Amenities

  • Air Conditioner

  • Airport Transportation

  • Babysitting Services

  • Beach

  • Beauty / Hair Salon

  • Business Center

  • Cable

  • Concierge

  • Cribs

  • Dry Cleaning

  • Fitness Center

  • Internet

  • Jacuzzi

  • Kids Allowed

  • Laundry

  • Meeting / Conference Rooms

  • Mini Bar (with liquor)

  • Pets Allowed

  • Pool

  • Poolside Drink Service

  • Room Service

  • Separate Bedroom / Living Room Space

  • Spa

  • Supervised Kids Activities

  • Tennis Court

Disclaimer: This content was accurate at the time the hotel was reviewed. Please check our partner sites when booking to verify that details are still correct.