
The Don CeSar
Best for travelers who want direct Gulf beachfront access, pool-and-beach days, and family-friendly resort programming.
Prices in other currencies are estimates. You’re charged in USD.
The Don CeSar is a 4-star, historic beachfront resort on St. Pete Beach known as the Pink Palace; read this if you want a Gulf-front, family-friendly resort with beach pools and a large seaside spa. The Vinoy Resort & Golf Club, Autograph Collection is a 4-star historic St. Petersburg landmark with on-site golf and a marina; read this if you prefer downtown waterfront access, golf, and a hotel with big meeting spaces.
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Best for travelers who want direct Gulf beachfront access, pool-and-beach days, and family-friendly resort programming.

Best for guests who want downtown St. Petersburg access, on-site golf/marina activities, and extensive meeting or event facilities.
When The Don CeSar wins: choose The Don CeSar if a Gulf-front beach stay, two heated Gulf-view pools, beach lounger service, seaside spa treatments, and a family-friendly atmosphere are your priorities.
When The Vinoy wins: pick The Vinoy Resort & Golf Club if you want a downtown St. Petersburg base with marina access, on-site golf, multiple restaurants and bars, and much larger dedicated conference and meeting space.
Bottom line: Both are historic, well-appointed 4-star properties. The Don CeSar is the Gulf-front, family-oriented Pink Palace; The Vinoy is a city-side grand hotel tailored to guests who want downtown conveniences, golf and big-event facilities.
| Category | The Don CeSar | The Vinoy Resort & Golf Club, Autograph Collection |
|---|---|---|
| Overall vibe | Beachfront 1920s-era resort with seaside leisure and family programming | Mediterranean-style landmark hotel with downtown, marina and golf focus |
| Location | St. Pete Beach — directly on the Gulf of Mexico, private beach access | Downtown St. Petersburg — waterfront with marina access and city attractions |
| Star rating & guest score | 4-star (guest rating not provided here) | |
| Size (rooms) | 277 guestrooms | 356 guestrooms |
| Pools | Two outdoor heated pools with Gulf views | |
| Restaurants & bars | Multiple venues including Maritana (AAA Four-Diamond), Society Table, The Rowe Bar, Uncle Andy's, Lobby Bar | Six restaurants and four bars/lounges on site (Paul's Landing highlighted) |
| Spa & wellness | Spa Oceana — full-service spa with 16 treatment rooms, fitness classes included via resort fee | |
| Known for | The Pink Palace, beachfront events and large seaside spa | Historic downtown icon with golf course, marina access and large meeting spaces |
| Meeting & event space | ~38,000 sq ft of event space (multiple ballrooms and terraces) | About 74,897 sq ft of meeting and conference space with 21 meeting rooms |
| Accessibility & family policy | Family-friendly; children’s club and supervised childcare available (all ages welcome) | |
The Don CeSar sits directly on St. Pete Beach with private beach access and Gulf views.
Pick The Don CeSar for a stay where beach time and Gulf sunsets are the focus.
The Vinoy is in downtown St. Petersburg on the waterfront with marina and city access.
Choose The Vinoy if you want a downtown base with bayfront access and city sightseeing on foot.
Rooms at The Don CeSar range from standard guest rooms to penthouses, many with Gulf or bayside views.
Rooms emphasize seaside sightlines and easy beach access; good for guests prioritizing views and beach proximity.
The Vinoy offers historic rooms and tower/bay-view options across a large inventory.
Rooms work well for travelers who want downtown or bay views and a classic hotel layout with tower and historic wings.
The Don CeSar’s dining leans coastal and nostalgic, anchored by the AAA Four‑Diamond Maritana.
Good pick if you want a mix of resort fine dining and casual beachfront options without leaving the property.
The Vinoy has a larger on‑site dining footprint with multiple restaurants and several bars.
Choose The Vinoy for wider on‑site dining variety and more evening bar/lounge choices in a city setting.
The Don CeSar’s signature amenity is its Gulf beach plus two heated outdoor pools overlooking the water.
Ideal if beachfront swimming, poolside service and family-friendly pool programming matter most.
The Vinoy’s on‑site assets focus on bayfront and marina access plus two outdoor pools and golf facilities.
Opt for The Vinoy if you want a mix of bay/marina activities and golf alongside pool time.
The Don CeSar combines a sizable spa and fitness program with resort social venues and event spaces.
Best if you want a strong spa program, fitness classes and seaside wedding/event options.
The Vinoy emphasizes spa services, nightlife options and very large conference facilities.
Better choice for conference organizers, business groups, or guests who want downtown nightlife plus spa services.

Direct Gulf-front beach access, beach lounger service and Gulf-view pools make The Don CeSar the clear pick.

The Vinoy puts you within easy walking distance of Vinoy Park, the St. Pete Pier and city museums.

On-site golf facilities, driving range, golf lessons and marina access give The Vinoy an edge for water- and golf-focused trips.

Children’s programs, family pool activities and easy beach access make The Don CeSar a better fit for families.
The Don CeSar — it’s directly on the Gulf with private beach access, daily lounger service, and Gulf-view pools.
The Vinoy — it’s a downtown waterfront property within walking distance of parks, museums, the St. Pete Pier and theaters.
Both offer event space, but The Vinoy has a larger total dedicated meeting footprint (~74,897 sq ft) while The Don CeSar emphasizes beachfront event venues and sizable ballrooms (~38,000 sq ft listed by the property).
No. Both properties accept families and are not listed as adults-only.
Yes — both hotels list full-service spas and two outdoor pools, though The Don CeSar’s pools are Gulf-facing and paired with direct beach access.
Explore how The Don CeSar stacks up against other hotels nearby:
vs. sites like Expedia, Hotels.com and other OTAs ·