
The Don CeSar
Best for large events, multigenerational family stays, and guests who prioritize a full-service spa and multiple dining venues.
Prices in other currencies are estimates. You’re charged in USD.
The Don CeSar is a historic, full-service 4-star beachfront resort on St. Pete Beach with large event spaces, multiple restaurants, two heated Gulf-view pools and a full-service spa — a fit for families, weddings, and travelers who want traditional resort amenities. The Hiatus Clearwater Beach, Curio Collection is a newer 4-star lifestyle beach hotel on the Clearwater Beach promenade with a single outdoor pool, one restaurant, and Hilton Curio branding — aimed at travelers who want a modern, design-forward base steps from the boardwalk.
Updated

Best for large events, multigenerational family stays, and guests who prioritize a full-service spa and multiple dining venues.

Best for travelers who want a newer, design-led hotel on Clearwater Beach’s boardwalk with easy access to Pier 60 and the promenade.
When The Don CeSar wins: choose The Don CeSar if you want a landmark beachfront resort with many room types (277 rooms), multiple restaurants and bars (Maritana, Society Table, The Rowe Bar, Lobby Bar, Uncle Andy’s Market), two heated Gulf-view pools, a sizeable full-service spa (Spa Oceana) and extensive meeting/wedding venues.
When The Hiatus wins: choose The Hiatus Clearwater Beach, Curio Collection if you prefer a smaller, Hilton-affiliated lifestyle hotel steps from the Clearwater Beach boardwalk and Pier 60, modern rooms and a compact list of on-site amenities (one restaurant, three bars/lounges, one outdoor pool) with easy beach access.
Bottom line: Both are 4-star beach hotels catering to different needs — Don CeSar for a classic, full-service resort experience and events; The Hiatus for a contemporary, walkable Clearwater Beach stay under Hilton’s Curio Collection.
| Category | The Don CeSar | The Hiatus Clearwater Beach, Curio Collection |
|---|---|---|
| Overall vibe | Historic, grand resort with 1920s heritage and traditional resort services | Contemporary lifestyle beach hotel with Hilton Curio boutique positioning |
| Location | St. Pete Beach beachfront; private beach access and nearby Pass-a-Grille | On the Clearwater Beach boardwalk/promenade; steps from Pier 60 Park |
| Size (rooms) | 277 rooms | 88 rooms |
| Family vs adults | All-ages resort with kids’ and teen programs | All-ages (not adults-only); family-friendly amenities listed |
| Pools | Two outdoor heated Gulf-view pools; poolside bar and family activities | One outdoor pool; poolside bar and pool sun loungers |
| Restaurants & bars | Multiple venues: Maritana (AAA Four-Diamond), Society Table, The Rowe Bar, Lobby Bar, Uncle Andy’s Market; in-room dining available | One on-site restaurant (Ocean Seven) plus 3 bars/lounges and a poolside bar |
| Spa & wellness | Spa Oceana — large full-service spa with many treatment rooms, salon and rooftop terrace; fitness center and included fitness/yoga classes | 24-hour fitness facilities on-site; spa services Not published |
| Meetings & events | Extensive meeting and wedding spaces (multiple ballrooms and outdoor venues; tens of thousands sq ft listed) | Conference space (882 sq ft) and one meeting room |
| Known for | Pink Palace historic landmark, multivenue dining, large spa and wedding venues | Clearwater Beach promenade location and Curio Collection lifestyle design |
| Resort fee / inclusions | Mandatory resort fee (hotel states $40 + tax) — includes beach loungers, fitness class access, Premium Wi‑Fi and more | Mandatory resort fee: USD 39.55 per accommodation, per night — includes beach access, towels, fitness center access, in-room coffee and pool access |
The Don CeSar sits directly on St. Pete Beach with private beach access and short walks to Pass-a-Grille.
A beachfront, slightly more secluded St. Pete Beach location that still has access to nearby attractions by car.
The Hiatus is located on the Clearwater Beach boardwalk/promenade, within easy walking distance of Pier 60 Park.
A walkable Clearwater Beach spot for travelers who want immediate access to the boardwalk and Pier 60.
The Don CeSar offers a wide selection of rooms and suites with traditional coastal decor across 277 rooms.
More choice in room types and suite configurations, suitable for families and groups.
The Hiatus has 88 air-conditioned rooms offered in multiple accessible and ocean-view permutations, with pillowtop beds and Egyptian cotton sheets listed.
A smaller, modern room inventory with multiple accessible options and several ocean-view/balcony choices.
The Don CeSar emphasizes multiple dining venues from casual to fine dining and late-night cocktails.
A broad mix of dining options that supports families, special-occasion dinners and events.
The Hiatus lists one on-site restaurant (Ocean Seven) plus three bars/lounges and a poolside bar for simpler dining.
Fewer on-site restaurants but good access to the sizable Clearwater Beach dining scene.
The Don CeSar features two heated outdoor Gulf-view pools plus beach lounger service via the resort fee.
More pool capacity and direct private beach access for families and groups.
The Hiatus offers one outdoor pool, pool sun loungers and beach towels, with easy walkway access to the beach and promenade.
Good for guests prioritizing immediate boardwalk/beach access rather than multiple pool areas.
The Don CeSar combines a large full-service spa with on-site fitness classes and evening entertainment options.
Stronger spa and wellness program plus more on-site entertainment and events.
The Hiatus lists a 24-hour fitness facility and some F&B events (wine release events noted); spa details are not published in the supplier listing.
Solid fitness offering with some curated events; spa information is not published in the supplier record.

Extensive ballrooms and outdoor venues plus decades of wedding experience and large capacity rooms.

Steps from the boardwalk and Pier 60, suited to guests who want to be in the heart of Clearwater Beach.

Spa Oceana (16 treatment rooms, rooftop terrace, signature treatments) and included fitness/yoga classes.

Curio Collection positioning and contemporary design with accessible ocean-view room choices.
The Don CeSar — it markets children’s and teen programs, has two pools, ice-cream market and family-oriented activities. The Hiatus is all-ages but is a smaller, lifestyle property on the boardwalk.
The Hiatus is on the Clearwater Beach boardwalk and is steps from Pier 60 Park and Beach Walk; The Don CeSar is on St. Pete Beach, a different beach community.
The Hiatus listing includes a 24-hour fitness center but spa details are Not published in the supplier record; The Don CeSar’s Spa Oceana is a substantial, published full-service spa.
Yes — both properties accept guests of all ages. The Don CeSar highlights kids’ activities; The Hiatus is not adults-only.
Explore how The Don CeSar stacks up against other hotels nearby:
vs. sites like Expedia, Hotels.com and other OTAs ·