
The Don CeSar
Best for families and classic Gulf-front resort amenities — two heated Gulf-view pools, multiple restaurants, and a full-service spa.
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The Don CeSar is a historic, 4-star beachfront resort on St. Pete Beach with broad Gulf views, multiple dining venues, two heated pools, and a full-service spa — ideal for families and travelers who want a classic resort experience. Waterline Villas & Marina, Autograph Collection is an upscale Anna Maria Island marina resort offering residential-style 2-bedroom villas and on-site marina access — a good pick for travelers seeking a quieter, villa-style stay near Bradenton/Anna Maria Island.
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Best for families and classic Gulf-front resort amenities — two heated Gulf-view pools, multiple restaurants, and a full-service spa.

Best for travelers who want residential-style two-bedroom villas, a dock/marina experience, and a quieter Anna Maria Island setting.
When The Don CeSar wins: Choose The Don CeSar if you want direct Gulf beachfront access, a wide range of on-site dining and bars (from casual to AAA Four-Diamond fine dining), multiple pools, a large full-service spa (Spa Oceana), and resort-style programming for families.
When Waterline Villas & Marina wins: Choose Waterline if you prefer a villa layout with full kitchens and living space, on-site marina and watercraft access, a quieter Anna Maria Island location, and fewer on-site guests (smaller property scale).
Bottom line: Both are upscale Gulf Coast options but serve different needs — Don CeSar is a full-service, historic beachfront resort with extensive amenities and event space; Waterline Villas & Marina is an Autograph Collection waterfront property focused on residential-style villas and marina living.
| Category | The Don CeSar | Waterline Villas & Marina, Autograph Collection |
|---|---|---|
| Overall vibe | Historic, resort-scale beachfront property with broad guest programming | Upscale, residential-style marina resort with villa accommodations |
| Location | St. Pete Beach — directly on the Gulf of Mexico with private beach access | Holmes Beach, Anna Maria Island — on the waterfront with a marina and walkways to water |
| Size | 277 guest rooms and suites (resort-scale) | 37 individually furnished guestrooms (villas) |
| Ages / audience | All ages — family friendly with kids/teens programming | All ages — not adults-only; villa format suits families and groups |
| Pools | Two outdoor heated Gulf-view pools; poolside bar/service | One outdoor pool; marina/dock access and water activities |
| Restaurants & bars | Several venues (Maritana AAA Four-Diamond fine dining, Society Table, Rowe Bar, Lobby Bar, Uncle Andy’s Market) | One on-site restaurant (The Chateau Anna Maria) and limited room service hours |
| Spa & fitness | Spa Oceana — full-service spa with 16 treatment rooms; fitness center and classes included via resort fee | Fitness facilities on site; health/beauty spa listed as nearby rather than full-service on property |
| Known for | Historic pink façade ('Pink Palace'), beachfront events and weddings, extensive on-site dining | Residential two-bedroom villas with kitchens, marina and dock access |
| Meeting & event space | Extensive event space (multiple ballrooms and terraces, thousands of sq ft) | Two meeting rooms available for events (smaller-scale meetings) |
| On-site watersports | Access to non-motorized rentals and nearby water excursions via concierge; arranged boat tours nearby | Personal motorized watercraft on site, kayaking and docking — marina access |
The Don CeSar sits directly on St. Pete Beach with private beach access and Gulf views.
Choose The Don CeSar for immediate Gulf-front beach time and easy access to St. Petersburg attractions.
Waterline Villas & Marina is located in Holmes Beach on Anna Maria Island, on the waterfront with a marina and walkways to the water.
Choose Waterline for a quieter Anna Maria Island experience and direct marina access.
The Don CeSar offers a wide range of room types and suite configurations across 277 guestrooms.
Choose The Don CeSar for variety in room types, suites, and classic resort rooms with beachfront views.
Waterline provides individually furnished villa-style guestrooms focused on 2-bedroom layouts.
Choose Waterline for residential-style villas with kitchens and more space for families/groups.
The Don CeSar has multiple on-site dining venues ranging from fine dining to casual market fare.
Choose The Don CeSar if on-site dining variety and evening bar options matter.
Waterline has a single on-site restaurant and limited room service hours, fitting a smaller-property model.
Choose Waterline if you’re comfortable dining in local island restaurants and want villa-style self-catering options.
The Don CeSar operates two outdoor heated Gulf-view pools and provides beach loungers and umbrellas through the resort fee.
Choose The Don CeSar for a classic beach-and-pool resort experience with active poolside service.
Waterline offers one outdoor pool plus direct marina/dock access and on-site watercraft opportunities.
Choose Waterline if you want marina/dock access and watercraft options rather than multiple resort pools.
The Don CeSar has Spa Oceana, fitness facilities, and organized fitness/yoga classes included via the resort fee.
Choose The Don CeSar for on-site spa services and scheduled fitness programming.
Waterline lists fitness facilities on site and notes a health/beauty spa nearby rather than a full-service spa on property.
Choose Waterline if you prefer limited on-site wellness with options nearby and a quieter evening scene.

The Don CeSar — extensive kids/teens activities, two heated pools, beach services, and family-friendly dining.

Waterline Villas & Marina — two-bedroom villas with full kitchens and larger living areas suited to families or groups.

The Don CeSar — multiple restaurants and bars including AAA Four-Diamond Maritana and the Lobby Bar with live music.

Waterline Villas & Marina — on-site marina, dock, and personal motorized watercraft options for water-based guests.
The Don CeSar — it is family-friendly with kids/teens programming, two heated pools, beach loungers, and multiple family-oriented dining options.
Waterline Villas & Marina — smaller property scale, residential-style two-bedroom villas, and a quieter Anna Maria Island setting make it a calmer option.
Yes — Waterline's villas include kitchens with full-sized refrigerators/freezers and ovens as listed in the property details.
Yes — The Don CeSar has Spa Oceana, a full-service spa with treatment rooms and a rooftop terrace.
Explore how The Don CeSar stacks up against other hotels nearby:
vs. sites like Expedia, Hotels.com and other OTAs ·