St. Pete Beach Celebrates The 'Don' Of A New Era With Renovations

ST. PETE BEACH, FL — Florida’s iconic Pink Palace, The Don CeSar, has officially unveiled its highly anticipated, multi-million-dollar renovation dramatically enhancing and expanding the historic, award-winning resort.

Managed by Davidson Resorts, The Don CeSar’s top-to-bottom renovation embraces its 93-year history as a Gulf Coast icon while addding modern amenities, a sleek design and world-class experiences to set the tone for generations of visitors to come.

“We’re excited to usher in The Don of a new era while maintaining our resilient legacy as a global hospitality leader,” said Thomas Fraher, The Don CeSar’s general manager. “Through the decades, The Don has been a luxurious respite from life’s many challenges. We’re thrilled to revive and honor this prestigious landmark, and also offer a stunning gathering place for visitors to reconnect at a time when rejuvenation is most important.”

In October, the Don Cesar was chosen as the No. 6 Florida Hotel during Condé Nast Traveler's Readers' Choice Awards.

And in July, the Pink Palace received The Florida Foundation for Architecture's 2020 People's Choice Award.

The People’s Choice contest is hosted by the Florida Association of the American Institute of Architects and the Florida Foundation for Architecture to spotlight great design and architecture in Florida. A panel of Florida architects identified significant designs and historical features in The Don Cesar including its Spanish and British colonial influences, its extravagance in the Roaring ’20s, and its development as a world-renowned tourist destination.

The transformative redesign of the Pink Palace began in 2018 when Florida-based design studio, Edge of Architecture, brought a fresh look to meeting spaces, guest corridors, The Don’s palatial exteriors, and the 71-room, all-suite Beach House Suites by The Don CeSar.

In 2019, The Don partnered with Boston-based Parker-Torres Design to transform The Don Boutiques retail experience, The Lobby Bar, Uncle Andy’s Market and Maritana, the property’s fine dining restaurant led by Executive Chef Emily Ferrari.

The final phase, unveiled this month, showcases the redesign of the beachfront resort’s 277 rooms and suites and introduces a new pool bar with a rooftop deck, new full-service restaurant and a complete restoration of the iconic, palm tree-lined front drive.

The newly appointed guestrooms incorporate a beach-inspired aesthetic using elements such as wicker, whitewashed headboards and airy, blush tones reflective of the hotel facade’s signature pink.

Inspired by The Don CeSar’s legendary status as a nautical marker, the new Beacon Pool Bar & Lookout offers poolside bites like the Grilled Mahi Sandwich and Pulled Chicken Tostada, an extensive selection of beach-inspired cocktails and a rooftop lounge boasting views of the Gulf of Mexico.

Society Table serves all-day Florida Gulf fare in a sophisticated setting, offering savory handhelds, fresh coastal filets and inland ranch chops. Within Society Table, The Demonstration Room will host regular chef-led activities and complimentary tastings for guests, such as “How to make your own at home truffles” or “The secret to making the perfect frosting.”

Opened at the height of the Great Gatsby era in 1928, the renowned Jazz Age hotel frequented by guests such as author F. Scott Fitzgerald, was designed by architect Henry H. Dupont.

The Don CeSar is reminiscent of a Mediterranean-style castle boasting 277 guest rooms, including 36 luxurious suites.

Set upon the white sand beaches of the Gulf of Mexico, the National Historic Landmark offers six restaurants and lounges: the award-winning Maritana, Society Table, Uncle Andy’s Market, The Rowe Bar, Beacon Pool Bar & Lookout and the Lobby Bar at the hotel’s epicenter.

Additional hotel amenities include two deluxe heated pools, 22,000 square feet of indoor function space, more than 16,000 square feet of creative outdoor space, the 11,000-square-foot full-service Spa Oceana, fitness center, The Don Boutiques retail experience and access to beach rentals and water sports on the hotel’s private stretch of beach.

Located half a mile from the resort is Beach House Suites by The Don CeSar featuring 71 one-bedroom suites with private balconies to take in picturesque views of Florida's Gulf Coast and Boca Ciega Bay.

To mark the completion of the renovation, the Don CeSar is offering the Dream. Eat. Beach. package, with starting rates from $299, inclusive of overnight accommodations, breakfast for two and a waived resort fee. To book, call 844-338-1501 or visit the website.