Don Cesar Hotel Provides Enjoyable Gulf Coast Vacation Venue

Throughout the United States, there are many historic world-class hotels that are renowned for their location, amenities and services. Traditional properties face a unique challenge in seeking to preserve their legacies and cope with the changing tastes of vacationers or economic misfortune.   Restoration projects are needed from time to time for heritage hotels to retain the special flavor of the resort while upgrading rooms and services to modern standards. 

One exceptional place with an interesting history that is worth booking or just visiting for a special lunch or dinner experience is the Don Cesar Hotel on St. Petersburg Beach in Florida. The service and facilities are excellent and welcoming for a varied clientele. Ever since its construction in 1928, the Don Cesar has graced the sparkling white sands of St Petersburg Beach on Florida's Gulf Coast and attracted many notable guests. The pink stucco exterior of the 7-story building has a Moroccan and Mediterranean flair to it which makes the Pink Palace immediately recognizable. Vacationers from around the country as well as Floridians have visited the hotel with their families for generations.

Amenities

Unlike some newer resorts, the Don Cesar does not boast a championship golf course or a dance club. But it does have an impressive European style layout of several hundred beach chairs and umbrellas on one of America's top-rated beaches, complemented by two well-designed swimming pools and all the services needed to enjoy the sunshine and the ocean. There are several comfortable and relaxing restaurants located on property including an ample breakfast buffet and a four-star fine dining establishment known as the Mariana Grille.  Luxury spa facilities, a recessed ballroom for special events and an ice cream parlor round out the activities on site. Recent upgrades of the hotel's public areas include a chique lobby bar with a 1920s theme. Although the hotel rooms are slightly small, they feature bright colors, modern bathrooms and ample electrical and AC.

History

The history of the Don Cesar is depicted on several displays throughout the hotel.  While the original design and the hotel's reputation survived the depression, World War II saw the transformation of the property into a convalescent facility for veterans rehabilitating with physical and psychological injuries from the war. Then from 1945 to 1967, the hotel served as the office headquarters for the federal veterans’ administration. Facing possible demolition in the early 70s, a committee of local citizens launched a determined effort to save the Don Cesar. With the help of hotel developer William Bowman Jr., the property reopened in 1973 and was completely renovated in 1975. The business was purchased by the Loews Hotel Group in 2006 and it remains one of its premier properties.

Area Activities

There are lots of ways to enjoy a week's vacation in St Pete Beach using the Don Cesar as your home base. In addition to swimming or floating in the calm, warm waters of the Gulf or watching the radiant sunsets, a short drive along the coastline brings you to other interesting waterfront locations such as the beaches of Clearwater and Sarasota, the touristy Treasure Island or numerous fishing venues. If you proceed inland to Tampa, you can take in sporting events, quality shopping or entertainment attractions such as Busch Gardens.

Location

The Don Cesar is conveniently located on the main thoroughfare of St. Pete Beach known as Gulf Boulevard. It is only a half hour drive from Tampa International Airport along Interstate 275 and Route 682. 

Traditional properties like the Don Cesar require a high standard of service and attention to detail to remain on top.  This hotel appears positioned to make it to a second century as a leading beachfront hotel and resort that can provide a quality vacation for families and discerning guests.