Don Cesar

Question

Anyone stay at the Don Cesar since they reopened? Just curious if anyone can report on the property condition etc.

Does the property feel like it's under construction? How much of the hotel is "shut down" still?

Thanks

Answer

Good question. Here’s a detailed update on The Don CeSar (“the Pink Palace”) in St. Pete Beach, based on reopening news, guest reports, and ongoing work.

Reopening & Current Status

The Don CeSar reopened to guests on March 28, 2025, after being closed for about six months following damage from Hurricanes Helene and Milton. Management is doing a phased reopening. Some key amenities are already back:

Maritana Restaurant (acting as an all-day dining spot).
Lobby Bar.
Spa is open.
Beach access and pool area are available.
Fitness center (including group classes) resumed.
In-room and poolside dining are operating again.

However, not everything is back yet. Work continues on:

The ground-floor retail shops, including “Uncle Andy’s” ice cream/coffee shop.
The second pool (only one is currently open).
A revamped ballroom.
Remaining restaurants and bars are still under renovation.

The general manager has mentioned that about 34 out of the 277 rooms are still out of service due to work on things like electrical lines.

How the Property Feels Now / Guest Impressions

From recent visitor feedback, here’s what people are saying about the current condition:

Lower-level construction: Some guests report that the lower levels are “mostly walled off and under construction.”
Open amenities: The spa, fitness center, one pool, and beach are functioning.
Limited food / drink venues: Only a few dining spots are open; others are pending.
Construction noise: According to reviews, there is some active construction, but for many guests it “didn’t bother us” significantly.
Service and facilities: Some past reviews note issues like limited housekeeping, resort-fee confusion, or facility condition, though not all are recent.

Pros Right Now

You can stay in the hotel, use the beach, enjoy the spa, and dine at some signature spots.
The property has been upgraded to be more resilient — electrical and mechanical systems were raised to mitigate future storm damage.
The reopening seems well-staffed: many of the longtime employees have returned.

Things to Be Aware Of

Not all rooms are available — some remain closed for renovation.
Ground-floor retail, shops, and boutiques are not fully open yet.
Some construction is still ongoing, including work on the ballroom and common areas.
Depending on which part of the property you're in, you might hear construction or see walled-off areas.
A few operational kinks reported by guests: limited menu choices, occasional staff shortages, or limited beach/pool service.

Bottom Line

The Don CeSar is open and functioning, but it’s not yet fully “back to 100%.” If you stay now, expect a partially renovated hotel — many signature experiences are available (spa, beach, pool), but some parts (retail shops, second pool, certain restaurants) are still being worked on. Construction is visible in places, especially on lower levels, but according to several guests it hasn’t significantly disrupted their stays. If you're okay with a few trade-offs and want the iconic “Pink Palace” experience, it can still be a great choice.

Don Cesar

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