The Don CeSar (3400 Gulf Blvd.) recently completed its multi-year revitalization project. In 2019, the iconic Pink Palace partnered with Parker-Torres Designs, a Boston-based international design firm. While the aesthetic is decidedly modern, Parker-Torres combined that modernity with the glamour and drama of the hotel’s nearly century-long history.
Since the Don CeSar opened in 1928, the hotel has hosted movie stars, presidents, dignitaries, and famous authors. “The hotel was visited by the author of The Great Gatsby himself, F. Scott Fitzgerald,” says Miriam Torres, Co-Founder of Parker-Torres Design. “As an ode to his iconic presence, we infused the modernized interiors with details that encapsulate the best of the Roaring Twenties.”
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It’s also a favorite escape for bestselling author Nicholas Sparks.
Entering the Don CeSar evokes what it must have been like for the fictional character Nick Carraway to first behold the colossal castle of Jay Gatsby in The Great Gatsby. Gorgeous black-and-white tiles, latticed with wood-like patterns, sprawl across the lobby floor, while palm leaf prints fan the walls. Bold hues of emerald and Art Deco revival adorn the lobby bar, where guests are served Roaring Twenties-inspired cocktails and gourmet small plates, all while live jazz is performed—making this our favorite new spot for a staycation.
The Don doubles down on grandeur
Renovated guest rooms distill beachy textures into a grand, dreamy, and tropical design, featuring wicker furnishings, whimsical flamingos, and whitewashed headboards. The soft blue walls of the guest rooms perfectly complement the signature light pink exterior of The Don. Even the bedside sconce lighting has been thoughtfully selected to match the 1920s, beachy aesthetic.
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In addition to the interior renovations, The Don has also enhanced its functional amenities. The redesigned guest rooms can now accommodate two queen-size beds, replacing the traditional double beds previously used.
Parker-Torres also helmed the renovations for 70-room Beach House Suites by The Don CeSar, located a half mile down the beach from the primary location. The renovations and redesigns encapsulate the Sand Dollar Pool Bar, main pavilion, and lounge. 
Decadent land and sea fare
Returning guests will notice major upgrades to the Sea Porch and The Beachcomber Bar and Grill, the Don CeSar’s renowned food and drink hubs. The Sea Porch offers all-day Florida Gulf fare, including handheld bites, seafood fillets, and decadent meat chops.
For an elevated dining experience, the Don CeSar features a AAA Four Diamond restaurant, Maritana, located off the main lobby. Maritana’s Head Chef, Jason Kohl, masterfully crafts coastal cuisine using sustainably sourced products from regional farms and fishermen.
The Don CeSar has 6 bars/restaurants to choose from (all of which have been renovated). Each boasts a unique dining experience. Check out the complete list of dining experiences here.
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