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Our History
Opened in the heyday of the Gatsby Era in 1928, The Don CeSar has been welcoming travelers for nearly a century. From high society’s playground to starring on the silver screen to being a Gulf Coast icon, The Don CeSar boasts a rich and glamorous history.
The Legendary Pink Palace®
With a sugar-fine sand beach, radiant sunsets, a world-class spa, and a vibrant food scene, you really can have it all. More than a landmark, The Don is epic in style. Timeless. Majestic. Cool.
The Don Through the Years
1928
Real estate scion Thomas Rowe opens The Don CeSar on St. Pete Beach. Built as tribute to his lost love, Rowe’s opulent resort soon becomes a popular destination for some of the most famous — and notorious — figures of the day.
1940
Thomas Rowe suffers a heart attack and dies suddenly in the lobby of the hotel and his estranged wife, Mary, inherits the hotel.
1942
The U.S. Army purchases the hotel to be used as a sub-base hospital, then a convalescent center for airmen returning from their World War II tour.
1945
At the end of WWII, the site is recommissioned, serving as a VA Headquarters — and gradually falling into disrepair — until it is vacated by the U.S. government in 1969.
1971
With the threat of the wrecking ball looming, a group of concerned citizens led by June Hurley-Young form the “Save The Don” Committee, vowing to help forge a path to restoration for the once-grand hotel.
1972
William Bowman becomes the new owner and began the $3.5-million restoration project.
1973
The Don CeSar reopens as a full-service resort.
1974
The Don CeSar is added to the National Register of Historic Places.
1982
Robert DeNiro, James Woods, and Tuesday Weld star in Once Upon a Time in America, featuring scenes on the beach and the majestic Pink Palace in the background.
1985
Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers rock ’n’ roll on the rooftop of the hotel when they film scenes for their MTV documentary Southern Accents.
1989
The Don CeSar joins the National Trust’s Historic Hotels of America as a founding member and is designated the only historic resort on Florida’s Gulf Coast.
1993
Hulkamania arrives at The Don when wrestling superstar Hulk Hogan checks in to film scenes for the pilot episode of the television drama Thunder in Paradise.
1999
The hotel serves as a dramatic backdrop for the steamy thriller Forever Mine starring Ray Liotta and Gretchen Mol.
2008
The Don CeSar celebrates its 80th Anniversary on January 16th. In March of that same year, Spa Oceana opens to rave reviews.
2009
More than 30,000 square feet of newly renovated function and event spaces are unveiled.
2010
An updated décor and a new menu make their debut at the award-winning Maritana Restaurant.
2011
The re-concepted Sea Porch Restaurant opens its doors, along with the revitalized lobby and art deco Lobby Bar.
2012
Guestroom renovations are completed as part of the next phase of the “new” legendary Pink Palace.
2015
The Don CeSar is awarded Best Historic Hotel by Historic Hotels of America.
2018
The Don CeSar celebrates its 90th Anniversary on January 16, 2018.
2022
The Don CeSar completes a multi-year, large-scale property renovation in March 2022.
2023
The Don CeSar celebrates its 95th Anniversary on January 16, 2023.
The Don Club
Live the Don CeSar lifestyle and become part of the legend of the Pink Palace® as a Don Club Member. Your initiation fee and monthly dues give you full access to exclusive social events, our 4,000-square-foot gym, daily instructor-led fitness classes, member happy hours, complimentary parking, and discounts on hotel stays and dining. Enjoy all these exclusive perks and much more when you become a member!