DON CESAR RESORT AND SPA

By  Mike Miller May 25, 2025

The Don CeSar Resort and Spa, known as the Pink Palace, sits on St. Pete Beach, Florida. Built in 1928, this historic hotel offers luxury with Gulf views, two pools, a spa, and dining options.

It blends old-world charm with modern comforts. Guests enjoy white-sand beaches and family-friendly activities. The resort attracts those seeking relaxation or adventure. 

Don CeSar Resort and Spa

Thomas Rowe developed the Don CeSar, opening it in 1928 as a Jazz Age retreat for the wealthy. Architect Henry H. Dupont designed its Mediterranean and Moorish style.

Named after a character in the opera Maritana, it hosted stars like F. Scott Fitzgerald and Al Capone.

The U.S. Army used it as a hospital during World War II. By 1969, it faced decline but was restored and reopened in 1973.

It joined the National Register of Historic Places in 1975 and Historic Hotels of America in 1989. 

Located at 3400 Gulf Boulevard, St. Pete Beach, FL 33706, the resort is open year-round. Check-in starts at 4 pm, with check-out by 11 am.

Guests can access two heated pools, a private beach, and Spa Oceana. Book spa treatments or water sports like jet skiing in advance.

Dining options include Maritana Grille and Rowe Bar. A shuttle connects to downtown St. Petersburg. Bring sunscreen and confirm amenity availability, as renovations may affect services. 

• The hotel’s pink façade earned it the nickname “Pink Palace.”
   
• It served as a filming location for the movie Once Upon a Time in America and Pitbull’s Sexy Beaches video.
    
• The New York Yankees used it for lodging during their spring training in 1931.
    
• Spa Oceana has 16 treatment rooms and a rooftop terrace with Gulf views.
   
• The resort’s floating concrete pad design prevents settling on sandy soil.
    
• It was a Veteran’s Administration office in the 1940s, painted “government green.”
  
  
• Guests report sightings of Thomas Rowe’s ghost, tied to his lost love story. 

DON CESAR RESORT AND SPA WEBSITE