Florida’s Don CeSar Roars Back with New Dining, Retail and Lifestyle Spaces

You could say it is “The Don” of a new era as the revival of Florida’s iconic Pink Palace progresses in its 92nd year with new spaces and experiences. The Don CeSar is completing Phase II of a three-phased, full-property renovation ahead of  the property’s 277-room redesign that begins in July 2020.

Refreshed and Ready to Roar

The renovation preserves the integrity of the hotel’s colorful past while propelling the interior design and overall guest experience into the future. In fall 2019, the National Historic Landmark partnered with Boston-based Parker-Torres Design to further demonstrate its commitment to excellence with the redesign of the Don Lobby Bar, Uncle Andy’s, Maritana and The Don Boutiques retail experience. Stately colorways taken from the hotel’s history, such as bold emerald green hues in the lobby bar and black and white tile patterns, convey the mood of each space. The lobby is energetic and vibrant, with playful touches such as a palm leaf print wallcovering and a quintessential, custom-designed glass bar cart that serves period-inspired drinks. The bar was repositioned to the back of the lobby in order to open the space, and features tilework that draws in the focus.

Upgrades to the 70-room, all-suite Beach House Suites by The Don CeSar, located half a mile down the beach from the main resort complex, bring a redesign of Sand Dollar Pool Bar, and new outdoor gathering spaces.

It is said the hotel was visited by the author of The Great Gatsby, F. Scott Fitzgerald, and as an ode to his iconic presence, designers have infused the modernized interiors with details that defined the roaring 20s. The Don CeSar opened at the height of the Great Gatsby era in 1928. Known as the Pink Palace, The Don CeSar is reminiscent of a Mediterranean-style castle with its majestic pink exterior, historic grandeur and striking architectural design elements set upon the white sand beaches of the Gulf of Mexico in St. Pete Beach