The Don CeSar’s history and the 'Pink Palace' story
The Don CeSar opened in 1928 and is commonly known as 'The Pink Palace' for its distinctive pink façade; the nickname and historic status stem from its original 1920s construction and long role as a St. Pete Beach landmark. Today it operates as a four-star beachfront resort with restaurants, Spa Oceana, two heated Gulf-view pools, and meeting and wedding venues.
In this guide
A quick history: opening and early years
The Don CeSar opened in 1928. Its pink stucco exterior and Mediterranean-Revival details led visitors and locals to call it 'The Pink Palace.'
From the start the property was built as a grand beachfront resort catering to the leisure travelers of the late 1920s; that early reputation is the basis for its long-standing landmark status.
- Opened: 1928
- Nickname: 'The Pink Palace' for its pink façade
- Historic recognition: long-acknowledged local landmark (listed in public records and travel guides)
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Opening year | 1928 |
| Common nickname | 'The Pink Palace' |
| Original style | Mediterranean-Revival / 1920s resort design |
Architecture and the hotel's look
The Don CeSar's exterior color and period architectural elements define the 'Pink Palace' image. Its public spaces continue to reference that 1920s-era glamour in finishes and public-room layouts.
Public areas such as the lobby and promenades emphasize columned spaces, grand circulation routes, and decorative details that reflect the hotel's historic roots.
- Exterior: pink stucco façade
- Public interiors: columned lobby spaces and promenades
- Rooftop and terraces: Gulf-facing vantage points added over time
| Area | Characteristic |
|---|---|
| Lobby | Glamourous, 1920s-inspired finishes and lounge seating |
| Rooftop terrace | Gulf views and seating areas |
| Pool area | Two heated outdoor pools with Gulf views |
How the Don CeSar changed through the decades
Across the 20th century the property shifted hands, underwent restorations, and adapted its use to changing travel patterns, while its pink exterior remained the visual constant that earned the 'Pink Palace' name.
Renovations and modern enlargements added contemporary amenities—spa, larger meeting rooms, and updated guest rooms—while preserving historic character in public spaces.
- Historic core preserved alongside modern upgrades
- Added facilities over time: Spa Oceana, expanded meeting/event space, rooftop amenities
- Maintains its original beachfront orientation and public promenade
| Era | Noted changes |
|---|---|
| 1920s–1940s | Original resort use and early popularity |
| Mid–late 20th century | Ownership changes and periodic renovations |
| Recent decades | Restoration, addition of Spa Oceana, expanded meeting spaces |
What the 'Pink Palace' experience is like today
Today The Don CeSar operates as a four-star beachfront resort offering restaurants, Spa Oceana, two heated Gulf-view pools, fitness and yoga classes, and event spaces. Guests pay a mandatory daily resort fee that covers a list of amenities.
Rooms range from standard guest rooms to multi-level penthouse suites; room types include Luxury Room, Junior Suite (Luxury), Grand Room, Suite, 1 Bedroom, Balcony (Gulf View), Suite, 1 Bedroom (Bayside), Penthouse (Gulf View Suite), and others listed by the hotel.
- On-site dining: Maritana (fine dining), Society Table (all-day), Uncle Andy's Market (ice cream/market), The Rowe Bar (beachfront), Lobby Bar (cocktails)
- Spa: Spa Oceana with treatment rooms and rooftop terrace
- Pools: two outdoor heated pools with Gulf views
- Room examples: Luxury Room; Junior Suite (Luxury); Grand Room; Suite, 1 Bedroom, Balcony (Gulf View); Penthouse (Gulf View Suite)
| Amenity | Notes |
|---|---|
| Resort fee | Covers fitness classes, Premium Wi‑Fi, bicycle rentals, beach loungers/umbrella, bottled water, and other inclusions per hotel |
| In-room dining | Available daily from 7:00 AM to 11:00 PM |
| Spa | Spa Oceana open daily with treatment rooms and salon services |
Weddings, meetings, and event spaces
The Don CeSar provides a broad range of event venues that reference the property's Gulf views and historic architecture, from outdoor beachfront locations to large ballrooms on upper floors.
Capacities vary by space; the Grand Ballroom and Royal Ballroom are two of the largest indoor venues, while The Courtyard and Beach Venue host outdoor Gulf-front ceremonies.
- Grand Ballroom: listed 5,671 sq ft (reception capacities vary by source)
- Royal Ballroom: 7,400 sq ft (new venue listing, debuting 2026)
- The Courtyard and Beach Venue: outdoor Gulf-view event sites used for ceremonies and receptions
| Venue | Typical listed capacity |
|---|---|
| The Courtyard Venue | Up to 250 guests (outdoor ceremonies) |
| Beach Venue | Up to 250 guests (beach ceremonies) |
| King Charles Ballroom | Around 150 guests |
Practical visitor tips and getting there
The Don CeSar's address is 3400 Gulf Boulevard, St. Pete Beach, Florida, 33706. Check-in begins at 4:00 PM and check-out is at 11:00 AM; the primary guest checking in must be at least 21 years old.
Nearby airports: St. Petersburg–Clearwater International Airport (PIE) is geographically closer but Tampa International Airport (TPA) often provides more flight options; driving times vary depending on traffic. Local transit includes the SunRunner BRT and Suncoast Beach Trolley, though neither reaches the hotel door directly.
- Address: 3400 Gulf Boulevard, St. Pete Beach, FL 33706
- Check-in: 4:00 PM; Check-out: 11:00 AM
- Primary guest minimum age to check in: 21
- Nearby airports: PIE (closer), TPA (more flight options)
- Local transport: SunRunner and Suncoast Beach Trolley connect the area but may require a short walk or rideshare to reach the hotel
| Service | Quick fact |
|---|---|
| Resort fee | Mandatory daily fee (hotel lists amount on its FAQ) |
| Parking | Self-parking and valet available for a nightly fee; free parking not offered |
| Pets | Dogs and cats allowed (up to two per room, weight limit applies); pets assigned to ground-floor rooms |
