SPL SPOTLIGHT
With an extensive renovation now complete, the grand Don Cesar brings a whole new attitude – and a few surprises – to the guest experience. BY MARCIA BIGGS
While Paris has the Eiffel Tower and London has Big Ben, the Gulf Coast of Florida has its own iconic landmark – The Pink Palace® also known as The Don CeSar. Most locals can recount a visit of some kind – or possibly many visits. Over the decades, “The Don” as we like to call it, has been the scene of countless weddings, engagements, graduations, anniversary and birthday soirees, girlfriend getaways, romantic liaisons, and just about any special occasion one could muster up. Marking its 93rd anniversary, The Don CeSar officially unveiled its highly anticipated, multi-million-dollar renovation in late January. Three years in the making, the makeover has touched nearly every aspect of the resort from the historic Lobby Bar to the guest rooms, restaurants, shops, and everywhere in between. The concept has resulted in a remarkably tasteful mix of coastal and modern, while maintaining elements of classic 1920s design in keeping with the hotel’s history and status on the National Register of Historic Places.
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StPeteLifeMag.com
March/April 2021
The transformative redesign of the Pink Palace® began in 2018, when Florida-based design studio, Edge of Architecture, brought a fresh look to meeting spaces, guest corridors and The Don’s palatial exteriors, including a complete restoration of the iconic, palm tree lined front drive. In 2019, The Don partnered with Boston-based Parker-Torres Design to transform the retail shops, The Lobby Bar and fine dining restaurant Maritana. More recently, the final phase showcases the clean, fresh redesign of the 277 rooms and suites. The newly appointed guestrooms incorporate a beach-inspired aesthetic using elements such as wicker, whitewashed headboards and airy, blush tones reflective of the hotel facade’s signature pink. One of the biggest surprises, though, has to be the former Sea Oats casual poolside/beachfront restaurant which has had a complete makeover into Social Table. This light, airy dining room has gone chic, with the addition of several private dining rooms including a
PHOTOS/DON CESAR
The Don of a New Era
