ST. PETE BEACH, Fla.—The Don CeSar has reopened with renovated public spaces and a new event venue, the Royal Ballroom, following a multimillion-dollar renovation completed after storms in 2024.
Known as the Pink Palace® and a landmark on St. Pete Beach since opening in 1928, the historic beachfront property unveiled redesigned first-floor amenities, updated outdoor areas, and new dining concepts as it approaches its 98th anniversary. The project included refreshed pools, pool decks, landscaping, and furniture, as well as updates to the property’s façade, courtyard, health club, and Don Club. The resort also redesigned several dining outlets, including Society Table and Rowe Bar, and introduced new boutique retail experiences.
“Kicking off 2026 with the unveiling of our renovated public spaces and the new Royal Ballroom marks a defining moment for The Don CeSar,” says Barbara Readey, general manager of The Don CeSar. “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.”
The centerpiece of the renovation for meetings and events is the new Royal Ballroom, a 7,400-square-foot venue ideal for weddings, corporate gatherings, and large celebrations. The ballroom features views of the Gulf and St. Pete Beach, and connects to the Grand Ballroom Foyer and Veranda, where guests can gather before descending a pair of curved staircases into the main event space. The venue offers customizable event services, including catering, décor, entertainment support, and audiovisual capabilities.
The resort also refreshed its culinary program and several dining venues. Maritana, the property’s signature fine-dining restaurant, serves Spanish-inspired cuisine emphasizing Gulf seafood and locally sourced ingredients. Society Table offers indoor-outdoor dining with coastal comfort fare, such as grouper tacos and crab cakes, while Rowe Bar offers a sports bar-style atmosphere with casual dishes and cocktails.
Additional F&B options include the Lobby Bar, a Prohibition-era-inspired cocktail lounge with live music; Beacon Pool Bar & Lookout for poolside dining; and Uncle Andy’s Market, a grab-and-go café offering coffee, pastries, gelato, and snacks.
The culinary program is led by executive chef Alexander Reyes and executive pastry chef Amanda Santos.
The Don CeSar features 277 guest rooms, including 36 suites and two penthouses, along with six restaurants and lounges, two heated pools, an 11,000-square-foot spa, and 38,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor meeting and event space.
