The Don CeSar on St. Pete Beach (Photo by Gerry Barker)
New Ballroom Among 'Pink Palace' Renovations
Photo: Gerry Barker
By GERRY BARKER
North Palm Beach Life
Published Feb. 22, 2026
ST. PETE BEACH_The Don CeSar -- the famed "Pink Palace" on the sugar-white sands of St. Pete Beach -- has never looked more pink or more splendid after its recent multi-million dollar renovation that included the unveiling of the new Royal Ballroom.
Hotel management, area dignitaries and media were on hand to watch as Barbara Readey, General Manager of The Don CeSar, snipped a pink ribbon to officially open the new, 7,400-square-foot ballroom, and at the same time, opening the window shades to unveil a stunning view of the sunset on St. Pete Beach and the Gulf of Mexico.
North Palm Beach Life
Published Feb. 22, 2026
ST. PETE BEACH_The Don CeSar -- the famed "Pink Palace" on the sugar-white sands of St. Pete Beach -- has never looked more pink or more splendid after its recent multi-million dollar renovation that included the unveiling of the new Royal Ballroom.
Hotel management, area dignitaries and media were on hand to watch as Barbara Readey, General Manager of The Don CeSar, snipped a pink ribbon to officially open the new, 7,400-square-foot ballroom, and at the same time, opening the window shades to unveil a stunning view of the sunset on St. Pete Beach and the Gulf of Mexico.
Royal Ballroom window viewPhoto: Gerry Barker
"The spectacular views makes this space one of a kind," said Ms. Readey, "and the best backdrop you could have for any event." A longtime favorite location for weddings, the new ballroom features customized menus, entertainment services, AV capabilities and full-service event support.
“Kicking off 2026 with the unveiling of our renovated public spaces and the new Royal Ballroom marks a defining moment for The Don CeSar,” said Ms. Readey in a press release. “As a symbol of St. Pete Beach for nearly a century, welcoming guests back in this new era is deeply meaningful for our team. We’re honored to share the next chapter of the Pink Palace with travelers and the community alike.”
Apart from the ballroom, the renovation also extended to a refresh of dining and shopping boutiques, including Maritana, Society Table and the Rowe Bar, as well as updates to the pools and outdoor areas, landscaping, the Health Club and the Don Club.
“Kicking off 2026 with the unveiling of our renovated public spaces and the new Royal Ballroom marks a defining moment for The Don CeSar,” said Ms. Readey in a press release. “As a symbol of St. Pete Beach for nearly a century, welcoming guests back in this new era is deeply meaningful for our team. We’re honored to share the next chapter of the Pink Palace with travelers and the community alike.”
Apart from the ballroom, the renovation also extended to a refresh of dining and shopping boutiques, including Maritana, Society Table and the Rowe Bar, as well as updates to the pools and outdoor areas, landscaping, the Health Club and the Don Club.
The entrance to Maritana (Photo: Gerry Barker)
At Maritana, the hotel's fine dining restaurant -- "where culinary artistry meets theatrical elegance" -- we sampled Spanish-inspired dishes from Chef Alexander Reyes. The name is derived from William Wallace's opera, "Maritana" (the hotel itself takes its name from the opera's hero, Don César de Bazan). The Blue Crab is a delicate combination of roasted lemon puree, fresh pasta and crab froth, while the Composed Oysters brings together caviar, champagne gel and roasted lemon puree, beautifully presented. The menu, which continues the theatrical theme with Acts I, II and III, includes a selection of seafood and Wagyu steak. And try the milk bread -- it's delicious.
The vibe is relaxed elegance at Society Table, open for breakfast, lunch and dinner and offering both indoor and outdoor seating. On a perfect Florida morning, we chose to have breakfast al fresco at a table near one of the hotel's pools. A saying on a wall nearby perfectly captures the feeling: "I love this moment." On the menu you'll find selections for a wide range of tastes, including Thai Spiced Chicken Flatbread, Fish Tacos, Ponzu Pork Belly Tostadas, Peruvian Chicken Skewers and a Whiskey Barbeque Burger.
The vibe is relaxed elegance at Society Table, open for breakfast, lunch and dinner and offering both indoor and outdoor seating. On a perfect Florida morning, we chose to have breakfast al fresco at a table near one of the hotel's pools. A saying on a wall nearby perfectly captures the feeling: "I love this moment." On the menu you'll find selections for a wide range of tastes, including Thai Spiced Chicken Flatbread, Fish Tacos, Ponzu Pork Belly Tostadas, Peruvian Chicken Skewers and a Whiskey Barbeque Burger.
The Lobby Bar (Photo: Gerry Barker)
The hotel's Lobby Bar promises "the tropics of the 1920s," and while that may be so, it was vibrating with music from more modern times when we dropped by. There was a lively crowd around the bar while guests danced to the music of Michael Jackson and The Temptations in the adjoining lounge. It's definitely the place to unwind and party. There's also the Rowe Bar (named for the hotel's developer, Thomas Rowe), a sports bar where you watch your team while enjoying some wings or burger and your favorite drink. Coming soon is the Rowe Pavilion, with outdoor seating, where you can enjoy a water view beside a fire pit.
Guests looking for wellness or renewal can book a treatment at the 11,000-suare-foot Spa Oceana, which features 16 private treatment rooms, a rooftop terrace, The Whisper Lounge for quiet meditation and His and Her whirlpools and steam rooms. Of course, you can also chill at one of the two, heated pools or grab a lounger under a pink and white umbrella on their private, sugar sand beach. And trust me, the sand there is sugary white.
Guests looking for wellness or renewal can book a treatment at the 11,000-suare-foot Spa Oceana, which features 16 private treatment rooms, a rooftop terrace, The Whisper Lounge for quiet meditation and His and Her whirlpools and steam rooms. Of course, you can also chill at one of the two, heated pools or grab a lounger under a pink and white umbrella on their private, sugar sand beach. And trust me, the sand there is sugary white.
Our stylish-appointed guest room (Photo: Gerry Barker)
There are a total of 277 guestrooms, including 36 suites and two penthouses. Our room was stylishly decorated in "tropical contemporary," characterizing the resort's overall look and feel. Make note that the Don CeSar is a cashless hotel and only accepts credit card payments. Also, don't freak out when you see the elevators have no floor buttons to push. You make your selection on a digital panel outside the elevator and it will instruct you what car to take.
Asked about how the landmark hotel has endured for so long, Connie Marlow, the hotel's Area Director of Marketing, said , "For nearly a century, The Don CeSar has been the backdrop for weddings, family vacations, and milestone celebrations, creating an emotional connection that spans generations. Our ability to preserve the elegance and spirit of the Pink Palace while continually reinvesting in thoughtful updates has kept guests coming back year after year."
To honor that legacy, The Don CeSar is offering a special 98th Anniversary Package for guests staying two nights or more. Rates start at $429 per night and include up to 15 percent off the best available rate, a one-time $98 resort credit, and a 10 percent discount at Spa Oceana and retail shops. Promo code: Anniversary. For more information or to book a stay, visit www.doncesar.com.
While you'll no doubt have dozens of photos to commemorate your visit, all you need to know is a few simple words from a room door-hanger:
"I'm in Paradise. Please do not disturb."
When it comes to the Don CeSar, that says it all.
Asked about how the landmark hotel has endured for so long, Connie Marlow, the hotel's Area Director of Marketing, said , "For nearly a century, The Don CeSar has been the backdrop for weddings, family vacations, and milestone celebrations, creating an emotional connection that spans generations. Our ability to preserve the elegance and spirit of the Pink Palace while continually reinvesting in thoughtful updates has kept guests coming back year after year."
To honor that legacy, The Don CeSar is offering a special 98th Anniversary Package for guests staying two nights or more. Rates start at $429 per night and include up to 15 percent off the best available rate, a one-time $98 resort credit, and a 10 percent discount at Spa Oceana and retail shops. Promo code: Anniversary. For more information or to book a stay, visit www.doncesar.com.
While you'll no doubt have dozens of photos to commemorate your visit, all you need to know is a few simple words from a room door-hanger:
"I'm in Paradise. Please do not disturb."
When it comes to the Don CeSar, that says it all.
A Tour of the Don CeSar
Photos by Gerry Barker
Photos by Gerry Barker
Visit the Don CeSar's Live Webcam
