Welcome to the Don CeSar, the Pink Palace of St. Pete Beach

ST. PETE BEACH, FL – October 28, 2021 – Where does one get away when they already live in a vacation spot? It may seem a little odd to go on an in-state getaway less than an hour from where you live, but when you stay at a historic beachfront hotel, you’ll immediately be in vacation mode. 

InFlorida ventured to the iconic Don CeSar hotel in St. Pete Beach for an in-state getaway that did not disappoint!

Driving over the Pinellas Bayway Bridge into St. Pete Beach is an experience in and of itself. Emerging from the palms as you cross the arch is a breathtaking pink palace against a royal blue sky. You can see the Don CeSar for miles, nestled on the beach in all of its glory.

Upon arrival, we were greeted at the front desk with smiles from ear to ear. We had a bottle of Don CeSar’s own Rose, chocolate covered strawberries and a handwritten note welcoming us to the Pink Palace waiting for us in our room. Our room was elegantly decorated and our beachfront view was stunning. We stood and took in all of the amazing sites until our eyes fixated on the pool, off we went.

A stroll through the courtyard was the necessary route on the way to the pool. Two rows of palm trees resembled a runway of sorts, and the tropical plants that surrounded the property put us right in our vacation feels. We arrived at the pool, picked a pair of lounge chairs to set up camp and made our way over to the Beacon Pool Bar to cool off with some poolside cocktails. Every guest gets a complimentary umbrella and two beach loungers, so we hopped out of the pool and put our toes in the sand.

There’s a reason St. Pete Beach is one of the top rated beaches in the country, it is absolutely beautiful. The Gulf of Mexico was waveless and tranquil and we floated on our backs as the sun slowly set.

Maritana by William Wallace, in the heart of the Don CeSar, was on the itinerary for a glamorous dining experience. The staff was very hospitable and their attention to detail was spot on. Our glasses never emptied and all of the cuisine was carefully interpreted. Jeff B., our server for the evening, presented us with our bread service that included three different spreads; seasonal jam, herb oil, & compound butter. I was in the mood for the Filet Mignon; gruyere, russet potato, leek, okra & bearnaise.

The Filet was cooked exquisitely and I can officially call myself an okra fan. My guest, a fish lover, ordered the Cobia; gnocchi, bok choy, sea beans & kaffir lime. He said it was the best fish he’s ever had. Both paired beautifully with a glass of Sauvignon Blanc & Craft Beer. Chef Emily approached our table to ensure her dishes met our expectations, and it’s safe to say, our entire experience exceeded them.

With bellies full, it was time for a night cap. The Lobby Bar dazzled us with its emerald green fixtures and palm leaf prints. The atmosphere was energetic as other guests convened around us, talking, laughing and enjoying their getaways. My poison these days is Sauvignon Blanc and our bartender offered me a special glass from Australia, it was divine. My guest ordered a Rum & Cola. The music was jazzy and we felt like we were sent back in time. I couldn’t think of a better way to end our evening.

Society Table came highly recommended for breakfast. We were seated outside, it was cool and breezy. A pot of coffee was placed on our table as well as cream and sugar. I ordered Eggs Benedict; poached eggs, mustard cream & hash browns, with a side of crispy bacon. The mustard cream was the selling point for me and it was as delicious as it sounds. My guest ordered Chocolate Chip Pancakes with a side of smoked gouda grits and bacon. We sat, relaxed and enjoyed the sea breeze as long as we could before our departure. Although we only stayed for one night, it felt like we had been there for a whole weekend.

As always, our departures are melancholy. We wish we could stay on our getaways forever. The Don CeSar holds a special place in our hearts now and we will absolutely return. They took amazing care of us during our stay as they do for all of their guests. If you are ever in St. Pete Beach, stop in and experience the allure of the Don CeSar hotel, you will not regret it.