
The Don CeSar
Best for travelers who want a large, full-service resort with multiple restaurants, a sizable spa, and lots of on-site activities.
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The Don CeSar is a historic, full-service 4-star beachfront resort on St. Pete Beach; read this if you want a large resort with on-site dining, a spa, and extensive event space. Anna Maria Beach Resort is a smaller, 3.5-star beachfront property on Holmes Beach, Anna Maria Island; read this if you prefer a relaxed, island-style stay close to Anna Maria Island beaches.
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Best for travelers who want a large, full-service resort with multiple restaurants, a sizable spa, and lots of on-site activities.

Best for travelers seeking a smaller, casual beachfront property on Anna Maria Island with direct beach access and simple resort amenities.
When The Don CeSar wins: choose The Don CeSar if you want a landmark property with numerous on-site restaurants and bars, a large spa (Spa Oceana), multiple heated pools, organized activities, and extensive event/wedding spaces.
When Anna Maria Beach Resort wins: choose Anna Maria Beach Resort if you prefer a low-key, island-style beachfront hotel with fewer rooms, a single outdoor pool and hot tub, and easy access to Anna Maria Island’s quieter beach towns.
Bottom line: both are Gulf-front options for beach-focused travelers. Pick The Don CeSar for full-service resort amenities, dining variety, and a historic, larger-scale experience; pick Anna Maria Beach Resort for a smaller, more relaxed island stay close to Anna Maria Island attractions.
| Category | The Don CeSar | Anna Maria Beach Resort |
|---|---|---|
| Overall vibe | Historic, large full-service resort with resort programming | Relaxed, island-style, smaller beachfront property |
| Location | St. Pete Beach (Pass-a-Grille area), beachfront | Holmes Beach, Anna Maria Island, beachfront |
| Size (rooms) | 277 rooms and suites | 31 rooms |
| Audience / ages | All ages — family-friendly with kids' programming | All ages — not adults-only |
| Pools & water access | Two outdoor heated Gulf-view pools plus beach loungers and private beach access | One outdoor pool and one hot tub, private beach access and beach cabanas (surcharge) |
| Restaurants & bars | Multiple venues (Maritana, Society Table, The Rowe Bar, Lobby Bar, Uncle Andy’s Market, pool bar) | Not published |
| Spa & wellness | Spa Oceana — full-service spa with multiple treatment rooms and scheduled classes | Not published |
| Known for | Pink Palace landmark history, weddings and large events, full-service resort amenities | Beachfront island lodging and proximity to Bradenton/Anna Maria Island beaches |
| Parking & arrival | Paid self-parking and valet (no complimentary parking) | Free self parking (limited spaces) |
| Wi‑Fi | Premium Wi‑Fi included via resort fee (property notes resort fee applies) | Free WiFi included on site |
The Don CeSar sits on St. Pete Beach with direct Gulf views and a short walk to Pass-a-Grille.
A good pick if you want classic St. Pete Beach access plus easy drives to St. Petersburg attractions.
Anna Maria Beach Resort is a beachfront resort-style property on Anna Maria Island in Holmes Beach.
Choose this if you want to stay on Anna Maria Island close to island beaches and local shops.
The Don CeSar offers a broad selection of rooms and suites across a large property.
Better for travelers who want more room-type options and larger suites.
Anna Maria Beach Resort keeps things compact with 31 air-conditioned rooms and several oceanfront suites.
A straightforward set of room choices focused on oceanfront and one‑bedroom suites for couples or small families.
The Don CeSar features several distinct dining and bar venues on property.
Choose Don CeSar for a variety of on-site dining experiences and formal options like Maritana.
Anna Maria Beach Resort provides basic on-site amenities but does not list multiple signature restaurants.
Good for guests who plan to eat locally off-property or prefer simple in-room options.
The Don CeSar operates two outdoor heated Gulf-view pools plus poolside food and bar service.
Offers more pool space and organized poolside programming for families and groups.
Anna Maria Beach Resort has one outdoor pool, one hot tub, and direct access to a private beach.
A quieter pool scene and direct beach access suit guests looking for low-key beach time.
The Don CeSar provides a full-service spa, fitness center, and evening bars with live music.
Better choice if you want on‑site spa treatments, fitness programming, and evening bar scenes.
Anna Maria Beach Resort lists more limited wellness/nightlife facilities.
Pick this property if you plan to use local island vendors for spa or nightlife rather than in-house options.

Multiple on-site restaurants and bars including AAA Four-Diamond Maritana and Society Table.

Smaller property on Anna Maria Island that fits a relaxed island-style visit.

Spa Oceana with many treatment rooms and a broad menu of spa services.

31-room property with oceanfront suites and straightforward beach access.
The Don CeSar is more family-focused with kids' programs, two pools, and family-friendly dining; Anna Maria Beach Resort is family-appropriate but smaller with simpler on-site programming.
Not published — the Anna Maria Beach Resort listing does not show an on-site full-service spa; The Don CeSar lists Spa Oceana.
Yes. Both The Don CeSar and Anna Maria Beach Resort are beachfront properties with direct Gulf access.
The Don CeSar has a much larger selection (277 rooms with multiple suite and penthouse types) compared with Anna Maria Beach Resort’s 31 rooms and several 1-bedroom suite options.
Explore how The Don CeSar stacks up against other hotels nearby:
vs. sites like Expedia, Hotels.com and other OTAs ·