In 1928, a massive structure founded by Thomas Rowe went up near St. Petersburg, Fla., and over nine decades later, it remains a popular hotspot visited by travelers worldwide. With its bright, salmon-colored paint job, you can't miss it even from afar—driving up a hill to The Don CeSar, nicknamed "The Pink Palace," feels like something out of a movie.
Built to resemble a Mediterranean- and Moorish-style castle, it's almost as if you're stepping out of the real world and into a Barbie dreamhouse of sorts, only, presumably, a more elevated experience: elegant, classic, and brimming with history from decades past. The sprawling 80-acre resort, listed among the most Historic Hotels of America since 1989, was once visited by some of the most prestigious figures of the time.
Serving as a playground for distinguished celebrities like Clarence Darrow, Marilyn Monroe, Al Capone, Joe DiMaggio, Dirty Dancing star Jennifer Grey, and even legendary novelist F. Scott Fitzgerald years ago, the property continues to charm guests today with service preserved from the era of The Great Gatsby, the preservation organization notes. "Blending European grandeur, seaside elegance, and sweet sunsets with the enchantment of yesteryear, this romantic legend exemplifies the grandness of America’s traditional beach resorts."
Situated on the Gulf of Mexico, with a sandy beach leading out to pristine blue waters accessible to guests via a back gate behind its pools, the waterside legend offers a host of activities and amenities for all ages.
Inside, there are two restaurants, Maritana and Society Table, in addition to more laidback options like a lobby bar, poolside bar, The Rowe Bar, and Uncle Andy's Market for grab-and-go snack options or delicious gelato.
On its grounds, daily activities include kids' events like beachside games, arts and crafts, and dancing, while adults are welcome to its fitness center or a history tour exploring the property's rich past. To get up and get active, guests are welcome to rent equipment for kayaking, paddleboarding, wave running, or biking, as well as book a service at the spa and salon.
The nearby area offers an expansive beach perfect for photos at Fort DeSoto Park (just don't go as a visitor near sunset time when the gates close if you don't have access to a vehicle!), museums and shopping in the surrounding St. Petersburg, Clearwater, and Tampa.
For a fun twist, the hotel is "turning the holidays upside down" with Christmas in July programming, as well as celebrating its iconic 98-year legacy with special offers for visitors in honor of the near-century milestone.
'The Pink Palace' Remains a Highly-Rated Hotspot, Almost a Century Later
Over the years, The Don CeSar has continued to rack up accolades, being included on "best of" and Top 10 lists alike. It made the roundup of Top 25 Historic Hotels of America for a Romantic Proposal last year, as well as Top 25 Historic Hotels of America in Film and Television History.
In 2024, it was named among Top 25 Historic Hotels of America Most Literary Hotels, and also earned runner-up in the Best Historic Hotel and Best Waterfront Hotel categories on USA Today's 10 Best lists. In 2021, it received a spooky nod among the Top 25 Historic Hotels of America Most Haunted Hotels.
This year, The Don CeSar is up for USA Today's 10 Best awards in the Best Destination Resort and Best Hotel Fitness Center categories, with voting ending in August 2026.
Related: 20 Fun Things To Do in Orlando for a Truly Memorable Vacation
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