
The Don CeSar
Best for history, on‑site dining variety, spa treatments, and a full resort program.
Prices in other currencies are estimates. You’re charged in USD.
The Don CeSar is a historic 4-star beachfront resort on St. Pete Beach with upscale dining, a full-service spa, and multiple pools—good for travelers who want a resort-within-itself and a more distinctive, higher‑service stay. Hampton Inn & Suites Clearwater Beach is a mainstream branded 3.5-star beachfront hotel with straightforward amenities and strong value—best for travelers who want trusted brand consistency and a simple beach-first stay.
Updated · about 15 km (≈9 mi) apart

Best for history, on‑site dining variety, spa treatments, and a full resort program.

Best for straightforward beachfront access, predictable Hampton amenities, and budget-conscious travelers who value complimentary breakfast.
When The Don CeSar wins: choose The Don CeSar if you want a multi-venue resort experience—fine dining (Maritana), a dedicated full-service spa (Spa Oceana), guided fitness/yoga included with the resort fee, and a property with historic character and larger event facilities.
When Hampton Inn & Suites Clearwater Beach wins: pick Hampton Inn & Suites Clearwater Beach if you want an economical beachfront stay with reliable branded service, a single outdoor pool, private beach access, and daily complimentary buffet breakfast.
Bottom line: both properties put you on Gulf sand, but The Don CeSar is a destination resort with upscale extras and event capacity; Hampton Inn & Suites Clearwater Beach is a mainstream beachfront option that covers the essentials well.
| Category | The Don CeSar | Hampton Inn & Suites Clearwater Beach |
|---|---|---|
| Overall vibe | Upscale, historic resort with resort programming and multiple dining venues. | Mainstream branded beachfront hotel focused on practical amenities and value. |
| Location (beach) | St. Pete Beach — private beach and dune access, nearby Pass‑a‑Grille. | Clearwater Beach — on the beach, steps to the sand and local attractions. |
| Size (rooms) | 277 guest rooms and suites. | 91 guestrooms. |
| Pools | Two outdoor heated Gulf‑view pools plus poolside bar/service. | One outdoor pool and one hot tub. |
| Restaurants & bars | Multiple venues: Maritana (AAA Four‑Diamond fine dining), Society Table, Rowe Bar, Lobby Bar, Uncle Andy’s Market, pool/Beacon outlets. | One on‑site restaurant and one bar/lounge; complimentary buffet breakfast daily. |
| Spa & wellness | Spa Oceana: full-service spa with 16 treatment rooms, salon, rooftop terrace, and classes. | Not published |
| Event space | Extensive meeting & wedding venues (multiple ballrooms and outdoor terraces; tens of thousands sq ft of flexible space). | About 1,200 sq ft of conference/meeting space and meeting rooms. |
| Family friendliness | Family-friendly resort with kids’ programs and supervised childcare options (surcharge). | All-ages property; complimentary breakfast and pool attract families. |
| Parking & fees | Self-parking and valet available for a nightly fee; mandatory resort fee applies (covers classes, beach equipment, etc.). | Self parking (surcharge) — listed covered parking fee; optional fees for pets and parking. |
| Accessibility | Accessible features across meeting spaces and public areas; wheelchair‑accessible fitness center. | |
The Don CeSar sits on St. Pete Beach with private beach access and easy walkability to Pass‑a‑Grille.
Choose The Don CeSar for a classic Gulf‑front resort location and proximity to St. Pete Beach attractions.
Hampton Inn & Suites Clearwater Beach sits directly on Clearwater Beach, steps from local beachfront attractions and short walks to Pier 60.
Choose the Hampton if you want to be on Clearwater Beach with immediate access to Pier 60 area activities.
The Don CeSar offers a wide range of rooms and suites across several categories for different budgets and needs.
The Don CeSar suits guests who want more room-type choices and resort inclusions at a higher tier.
Hampton Inn & Suites Clearwater Beach has 91 guestrooms with in‑room fridges and LED TVs and standard Hampton amenities.
Hampton delivers consistent, practical rooms with the perks business and family travelers expect (fridge + free breakfast).
The Don CeSar provides multiple on‑site outlets from fine dining to casual beachside bars.
If varied, distinctive dining options and an upscale restaurant matter, The Don CeSar offers significantly more choices.
Hampton Inn & Suites Clearwater Beach provides one on‑site restaurant plus a bar and complimentary breakfast.
Hampton focuses on reliable, no‑frills dining with free breakfast and easy access to local Clearwater Beach eateries.
The Don CeSar has two heated outdoor Gulf‑view pools plus managed poolside service and beach lounger service included via the resort fee.
Expect more pool options and organized pool/beach services at The Don CeSar.
Hampton Inn & Suites Clearwater Beach lists one outdoor pool and one hot tub, plus direct beach access.
Hampton gives easy beach access and a single pool—adequate for a shorter or budget beach stay.
The Don CeSar includes a full-service spa and an active schedule of fitness/yoga classes plus evening bar music options.
The Don CeSar is the stronger choice for spa treatments, fitness programming, and on‑site evening entertainment.
Hampton Inn & Suites Clearwater Beach lists a wheelchair‑accessible fitness center and basic nighttime bar/lounge service.
Hampton covers basic fitness needs and relies on local Clearwater Beach nightlife for evening options.

The Don CeSar — Spa Oceana with 16 treatment rooms, rooftop terrace, and a wide menu of treatments.

Hampton Inn & Suites Clearwater Beach — branded consistency, complimentary buffet breakfast, and direct Clearwater Beach access.

The Don CeSar — multiple restaurants and bars including AAA Four‑Diamond Maritana and all‑day Society Table.

Hampton Inn & Suites Clearwater Beach — meeting rooms and about 1,200 sq ft of conference space suited to small events.
The Don CeSar — it has Spa Oceana, with many treatment rooms and a broad menu of services; Hampton’s supplier listing does not publish a full spa.
Hampton Inn & Suites Clearwater Beach includes a complimentary buffet breakfast; The Don CeSar offers breakfast for a fee.
No — both properties welcome guests of all ages (neither is adults‑only).
The Don CeSar — it has extensive event and ballroom space, multiple outdoor terraces, and experience hosting large weddings and conferences.
Explore how The Don CeSar stacks up against other hotels nearby:
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