
The Don CeSar
Best for travelers who want a full-service, historic resort with multiple restaurants, two heated pools, a large spa, and event spaces.
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The Don CeSar is a landmark 4-star Gulf-front resort on St. Pete Beach that suits families and groups who want resort-scale amenities and dining. Cedar Cove Resort and Cottages is a small, beachfront cottage-style property on Holmes Beach — read this if you prefer intimate, individually decorated cottages on Anna Maria Island.
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Best for travelers who want a full-service, historic resort with multiple restaurants, two heated pools, a large spa, and event spaces.

Best for couples or small groups who prefer a low-key, cottage-style beachfront stay on Holmes Beach with individually decorated rooms and simple on-site conveniences.
When The Don CeSar wins: choose The Don CeSar if you want resort-scale dining options, two heated Gulf-view pools, a full-service spa (Spa Oceana), organized activities, and event/wedding facilities — it’s the pick for larger groups and families who want a range of on-site services.
When Cedar Cove Resort and Cottages wins: pick Cedar Cove for a quieter, cottage-style beach stay on Anna Maria Island where rooms feel individual and beachfront access is immediate — it’s better for travelers who want simple, intimate accommodations rather than resort infrastructure.
Bottom line: both are Gulf-front choices, but The Don CeSar is a grand, amenity-rich resort aimed at guests seeking a full-service stay; Cedar Cove is a smaller, cottage-focused alternative for travelers prioritizing a more intimate beachside experience.
| Category | The Don CeSar | Cedar Cove Resort and Cottages |
|---|---|---|
| Overall vibe | Historic, resort-scale with formal public spaces and multiple venues | Small, cottage-style, informal beachfront property |
| Location | St. Pete Beach — beachfront with easy walk access to Pass-a-Grille and local attractions | Holmes Beach on Anna Maria Island — directly on the Gulf at 2710 Gulf Drive N |
| Size (guest rooms) | 277 guest rooms and suites | 19 individually decorated guestrooms |
| Who it’s for / ages | All ages — family-friendly amenities and kids’ programs; primary guest must be 21 to check in | |
| Pools | Two outdoor heated Gulf-view pools | Not published |
| Restaurants & bars | Multiple on-site venues (Maritana fine dining, Society Table all-day, Rowe Bar, Lobby Bar, Uncle Andy’s Market) | Not listed as having signature restaurants or bars in the supplier listing |
| Spa & wellness | Spa Oceana — full-service spa with treatment rooms, salon, rooftop terrace | Not published |
| Known for | Historic 'Pink Palace' landmark, full-service resort amenities and event spaces | Beachfront cottage-style stays on Anna Maria Island with individually decorated rooms |
| Parking & transport | On-site paid self-parking and valet; resort fee applies | Free self parking on site (per supplier listing) |
| Free Wi‑Fi | Premium Wi‑Fi is included with the resort fee (some third-party sites list a Wi‑Fi surcharge) | Free WiFi listed in supplier amenities |
The Don CeSar sits directly on St. Pete Beach with short walks to Pass‑a‑Grille and easy access to downtown St. Petersburg.
Choose The Don CeSar for classic St. Pete Beach access and proximity to a wider set of Gulf Coast attractions.
Cedar Cove Resort and Cottages is on Holmes Beach, Anna Maria Island, with immediate Gulf frontage at 2710 Gulf Drive N.
Cedar Cove is better if you want to stay on Anna Maria Island with quick access to local beaches and island amenities.
The Don CeSar offers a broad range of 277 rooms and suites from Luxury Rooms to Gulf-view penthouses.
The Don CeSar has a wider selection of room types and larger capacity for groups and families.
Cedar Cove provides 19 individually decorated guestrooms and a long list of named cottage and suite types.
Cedar Cove suits travelers who want unique cottage-style rooms and in-room kitchens in a small property.
The Don CeSar runs several on-site dining venues covering casual to fine dining.
Expect more variety and formal dining options at The Don CeSar.
Cedar Cove’s supplier listing does not highlight signature restaurants or bars on site.
Cedar Cove is a better fit if you plan to cook in your cottage or explore island restaurants nearby.
The Don CeSar has two outdoor heated Gulf-view pools plus beach lounger and umbrella service included via the resort fee.
Pick The Don CeSar for formal pool areas alongside beach access and on-site pool service.
Cedar Cove is a beachfront cottage property with immediate sand access; pool details are not published in the supplier listing.
Cedar Cove is centered on a simple, walk-out-to-the-beach experience rather than resort pool programming.
The Don CeSar includes Spa Oceana, a fitness center, and daily fitness/yoga classes.
The Don CeSar is the choice for on-site spa treatments, classes, and nightly bar scenes.
Cedar Cove focuses on the beachfront cottage stay; spa or nightlife amenities are not published in the supplier listing.
Cedar Cove is more about island calm and nearby outdoor activities than on-site spa or nightlife.

The Don CeSar — large room inventory, kids’ programs, multiple pools, extensive event and wedding spaces.

Cedar Cove Resort and Cottages — 19 individually decorated guestrooms and a true cottage feel on Anna Maria Island.

The Don CeSar — fine dining at Maritana plus several casual and beachfront venues.

Cedar Cove — many rooms include kitchens or full-sized refrigerators and ovens.
Both can work: pick Cedar Cove for a quieter, small-scale beachfront cottage experience; choose The Don CeSar if you want spa treatments, multiple bars, and a livelier resort atmosphere.
The Don CeSar — it explicitly offers kids’ and teens’ programs, two pools with family activities, and broader on-site dining and services.
Yes — the supplier listing states many rooms feature kitchens with full-sized refrigerators/freezers and ovens.
Yes — The Don CeSar is on St. Pete Beach and Cedar Cove is a beachfront property on Holmes Beach (Anna Maria Island).
Explore how The Don CeSar stacks up against other hotels nearby:
vs. sites like Expedia, Hotels.com and other OTAs ·