The Don CeSar

3400 Gulf Blvd, St Pete Beach, FL 33706, St Pete Beach, United States

Guest rating: 4.4 / 5

Overview

The Don CeSar is an iconic 1920s beachfront hotel set directly on the white sands of St. Pete Beach at 3400 Gulf Blvd, St Pete Beach, FL 33706. It’s widely known as a historic Gulf-front landmark, and it holds a strong public rating of 4.4/5 from 5,179 reviews. Guest feedback commonly highlights the property’s beach setting, history, and attentive service.

Rooms & Suites

Rooms are contemporary in style with ocean-inspired colors and include flat-screen TVs, iPod docks, desks, and Keurig coffeemakers. Upgraded rooms add balconies, while suites provide separate living areas with pull-out sofas and include kitchenettes. 24/7 room service is available.

Dining & Drinks

On-site options include four restaurants, including an upscale seafood venue, plus a sports bar and a lobby lounge serving light bites. Reviews frequently mention enjoying the food and drinks, and also call out standout experiences at the higher-end restaurant. This mix supports both casual beach days and special-occasion dining without leaving the property.

Amenities & Recreation

A daily resort fee includes Wi‑Fi, a local area shuttle, access to two heated outdoor pools, fitness classes, and a 24-hour gym. The hotel also has a wellness spa for relaxation-focused stays. While a full amenity list isn’t otherwise documented, guest feedback often points to strong service and a high-quality overall resort experience.

Location & Nearby Highlights

The property is about 1.7 miles from Merry Pier and places you within day-trip reach of many St. Petersburg attractions. Nearby points of interest include Shell Key Preserve (5.6 km), Upham Beach Park (3.3 km), Fort De Soto Park (8.6 km) and North Beach at Fort DeSoto Park (8.0 km), plus cultural stops such as The Dalí Museum (12.2 km), Museum of Fine Arts (12.6 km), and the St. Pete Pier (13.4 km). John’s Pass Village & Boardwalk is also nearby (9.5 km), offering an easy off-property outing option.

Best for

This hotel suits travelers who want a classic, iconic beachfront resort experience with full-service conveniences, including multiple restaurants, two heated outdoor pools, a spa, and 24/7 room service. It’s also a strong pick for guests who value attentive staff and a memorable setting, which are recurring themes in reviews. Couples and celebratory trips can benefit from the on-site upscale seafood dining and the Gulf-front location.

Travel tips

Plan for the daily resort fee, which bundles Wi‑Fi and a local area shuttle along with pool and fitness access. For off-property exploring, build in time for short drives to area highlights like Shell Key Preserve (5.6 km) or Fort De Soto Park (8.6 km), and longer trips to downtown museums such as The Dalí (12.2 km). If you’re targeting popular dates, note that guests describe the property as in-demand for events, so booking well ahead may be wise.

What guests say

Reviews consistently emphasize the Gulf-front location, uncrowded-feeling beach experience, and the hotel’s historic, iconic character. Many guests praise the staff for being attentive and elevating the overall stay, with strong mentions of service quality across departments. On-site dining and drinks are a frequent positive, with the higher-end restaurant noted as a standout. The main recurring drawback is value perception: some guests describe rooms as small and the overall stay as expensive, even while still appreciating the property.

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