The Pink Beach Palace - Don Cesar Hotel

In 1928, real estate scion Thomas Rowe opened the Don CeSar on St Pete Beach in the heyday of the Gatsby Era. In 1940, Rowe suffers a heart attack in the lobby of the hotel, and died. His estranged wife, Mary, inherited the hotel and in 1942, the U.S. Army purchased the hotel to be used as a hospital and then a convalescent center for airmen returning from their tours during World War II. At the end of World War II, it served as a VA Headquarters, but gradually fell into disrepair and was finally vacated by the U.S. government in 1969. Faced with demolition in the early 1970’s, a group of preservation-minded investors purchased the hotel, restored it and re-opened it in 1973.
Here is what caught my eye; I hope you enjoy!

The Don CeSar was the playground for America’s elite during the Golden Age of Jazz.

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Distinguished celebrities such as Clarence Darrow and F. Scott Fitzgerald have stayed at the Pink Palace on St. Pete Beach.

Looking out onto the pool and beach

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Rowe's opulent resort soon became a popular destination for some of the most famous - and notorious - figures of the day.

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I was a little disappointed with the interior of the hotel. It did not really impress me the way the exterior did.

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Hotel history displayed in the hotel

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The Pink Castle as seen from the beach

What you should know:

• You can walk the property without being a guests.

• Restrooms are available.

• On the street parking near the property is scarce, but the hotel has paid parking. There is also nearby pay public parking lot.

• You can purchase a day pass and enjoy the resort without booking a room.

Location: 3400 Gulf Boulevard, St. Pete Beach, Florida 33706

For more information: Don Cesar