There are vacations you take just to get away… and then there are places that leave a mark on your heart. For me, The Don CeSar in St. Pete Beach, Florida is one of those places. I’ve stayed there, walked its breezy terraces, watched the sun melt into the Gulf from its sugary-sand beach, and wandered its historic hallways that practically hum with stories.

Whether you know it as The Pink Palace, the “Gatsby of the Gulf,” or simply that grand pink castle perched along the shoreline, The Don CeSar is so much more than a hotel—it’s a feeling. It’s an era. It’s a Florida legend that continues to draw travelers back decade after decade.

Let me take you along on my experience and the rich history behind this unforgettable place.

The Don CeSar opened in 1928, the dream of businessman Thomas Rowe, who poured his heart into building this hotel as a tribute to the love of his life, a Spanish opera singer named Lucinda. Their love story reads like a novel—beautiful but tragic. Separated by her family, Rowe never saw her again. He built this magnificent pink palace in her honor, a symbol of the beauty and elegance she represented in his life.

Designed in a mix of Mediterranean and Moorish Revival architecture, the hotel quickly became the pinnacle of luxury on Florida’s West Coast. When you see those turrets, archways, and grand windows rising above the water, you feel that romantic influence instantly.

From the moment it opened, the Don CeSar became a magnet for the glamorous crowd. Wealthy socialites arrived in chauffeured cars. Hollywood stars mingled in the lobby. Writers, musicians, and politicians sipped cocktails beneath the chandeliers.

Some famous guests included:

• F. Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald

• Al Capone

• Lou Gehrig

• Clarence Darrow

The Fitzgeralds reportedly adored the hotel, and honestly, it’s easy to see why. The Don CeSar has that old-school luxury feel that whispers of jazz music, swishing dresses, and silver drink trays.

Like many grand hotels, life changed dramatically during WWII. The Don CeSar was taken over by the U.S. Army, converted first into a military hospital and later into a VA center. When the war ended and the VA moved out, the Pink Palace was left empty—quiet, aging, and nearly demolished.

It breaks my heart to even imagine it.
This incredible building—once the gem of the Gulf—was almost lost.

But locals fought hard. Preservationists rallied. The community truly saved her. After major renovations, the Don CeSar reopened in the 1970s, restored to her original glory and more beloved than ever.

In 1975, the hotel was added to the National Register of Historic Places, cementing its place as one of Florida’s most iconic landmarks.

One of the things I absolutely love about the Don CeSar is how it doesn’t just feel like a movie set — it actually has been one. Hollywood has used this rosy beauty as a backdrop for years, drawn in by its dramatic architecture, glamorous history, and postcard-perfect beachfront setting.

The Don CeSar has appeared in several films, TV shows, and photo shoots, most notably:

• “Once Upon a Time in America” (1984) – This iconic crime drama starring Robert De Niro used the Don CeSar for key scenes because of its vintage style and timeless elegance.

“Forever Mine” (1999) – A romantic thriller filmed throughout the hotel’s interior and beach areas, showcasing its moody, atmospheric beauty.

• Numerous commercials, fashion editorials, and travel features have been shot here over the decades, making the Pink Palace one of Florida’s most photogenic landmarks.

Even if you’ve never seen the movies, walking through those grand hallways genuinely feels like stepping onto a set. The sweeping staircases, the chandeliers, the historic nooks and corners — it’s a hotel that begs to be filmed and photographed.

The room I stayed in faced the Gulf, and waking up there was pure magic. The light comes in gently, like the hotel is whispering good morning. The beds are plush, the décor has that coastal-elegant vibe, and the windows frame the ocean like a living painting.

I still remember driving up that grand causeway, where the hotel slowly reveals itself like a giant pink mirage. There’s this moment where you think: Am I about to stay in a castle?

The palm trees sway, the air smells like the ocean, and the sun reflects off those rosy walls in the prettiest way possible. When you step through the doors, everything feels timeless—gleaming floors, archways lit with golden light, ornate details that make you want to stop and soak it all in.

It’s luxury, but with a softness. A warmth.
The entire atmosphere sets the tone for a wonderful stay.

The room I stayed in faced the Gulf, and waking up there was pure magic. The light comes in gently, like the hotel is whispering good morning. The beds are plush, the décor has that coastal-elegant vibe, and the windows frame the ocean like a living painting.

Listen closely, and you can hear the steady rhythm of the waves. That alone feels like a gift.

The hotel offers a mix of:

• Beachfront rooms

• Gulf-view suites

• Poolside rooms

• Luxury penthouse options

Everything is beautifully maintained, blending modern comforts with historic charm.

You don’t have to go far for an amazing meal here. And as someone who loves trying new flavors when I travel, the Don CeSar did not disappoint.

Maritana

This award-winning fine dining restaurant feels like stepping into an underwater daydream, thanks to its soft lighting and elevated seafood menu.

Society Table

Bright, coastal, relaxed—this is where breakfast tastes better simply because the ambiance is so cheerful.

The Rowe Bar

With fire pits, cozy seating, and a view that stretches across the entire shoreline, this spot is perfect for cocktails at sunset.

Beacon Pool Bar & Lookout

For those days you just want a drink and a bite without leaving your beach chair.

Uncle Andy’s Ice Cream Parlor

Yes, you absolutely should get dessert here. It’s whimsical, retro, and full of nostalgia.

If you’re thinking about experiencing this legendary hotel for yourself, I don’t blame you — this is one place every traveler should enjoy at least once.

BOOK YOUR RESERVATION HERE

Whether you’re staying for a romantic weekend, a girls’ getaway, or just a quiet coastal escape, this is one of those rare hotels that delivers history, charm, and beachside luxury all at once.

I’ve stayed in many hotels during my travels, but The Don CeSar is in a category all its own. There’s something enchanting about this place—the history, the architecture, the ocean views, the food, the way everything glows pink at sunset.

It’s elegant without being stuffy. Historic without feeling outdated. Romantic, relaxing, and truly unforgettable.

If you’re planning a Florida getaway, treat yourself. Spend a night or a weekend at the Pink Palace. Sit out on the beach, sip a sunset cocktail, walk those hallways filled with stories, and let yourself feel the magic that has made this hotel legendary for nearly a century.

I promise—once you’ve stayed at The Don CeSar, you’ll never forget it.