The hype
Guests are blown away by the architecture, beach access, and friendly staff, but often sticker-shocked by the room size and add-on fees.
The Don Cesar
$350-600/ night
Book this if You want the Great Gatsby era Floridian fantasy with a side of pink-hued luxury right on the sand.
Why People Love It
- Iconic 'Pink Palace' architecture that is instantly recognizable
- Direct access to a massive stretch of white sand beach
- Two heated pools with excellent poolside service
Quick Take: It's a legendary pink castle on the beach, but the standard rooms are historically small and the resort fees add up fast.
Reviewed by @ettevi_wanderlust: I felt like royalty staying at the Pink Palace! The architecture is stunning, and waking up to the Gulf view was unforgettable. It’s not just a hotel; it’s a total vibe. Definitely grab a photo at the swing early in the morning to beat the crowd!
Guest Who Stayed Here Said
Reality check
You are paying for the 'Pink Palace' history and location, not for a spacious modern room (unless you upgrade).
- You love historic hotels with character and stories
- You want a full-service resort where you don't have to leave the property
- You are traveling with a dog (very pet-friendly)
Cleanliness & Maintenance
8.7
- Housekeeping: Daily service is reliable; rooms are generally kept tidy.
- Bathroom hygiene: Clean, but fixtures can feel dated in non-renovated rooms. Grout is usually scrubbed well.
- Maintenance: Good condition for a historic building, though you may find occasional chipped paint or worn carpet edges.
- Linens & towels: Crisp and clean, typical high-end hotel quality.
- Odors & scents: Lobby smells fresh; some hallways have a faint 'old building' mustiness but nothing overpowering.
Sleepability™
7.5SILENT
0-4LOUD
4-7.5MODERATE
7.5-10SILENT
- Hallway noise due to older door gaps
- Pool deck music/events for rooms facing the courtyard
- Wedding receptions on weekends
Before you book
Good to know
- The 'Beach House Suites' are a separate property down the road, not in the main pink building
- Resort fee is ~$40/night and includes bike rentals and beach loungers
- Uncle Andy's Market is the only place open late for snacks
What to pack
- White outfit for photos against the pink walls
- Earplugs if you are a light sleeper
- Refillable water bottle (filling stations available)
Room Genie
Best picks
- Grand Gulf View King with Balcony (worth the upgrade for the view and outdoor space)
- Bayside Suites (quieter, though view is of the bay/city)
Rooms to avoid
- Standard King/Double rooms near the elevator (noise)
- Low-floor rooms facing the pool if you are a light sleeper
Room Request Genie – copy & paste
“I am celebrating a special occasion and would love a room on a higher floor, away from the elevator. If possible, a room not directly facing the pool DJ would be appreciated for quiet.”
FAQ & Hidden tips
Everything you actually want to know before you book.
Is the pool heated?
Yes, both pools are heated year-round.
Can I walk to restaurants?
Yes, there are several casual spots within a 10-15 minute walk, but the hotel itself has solid dining.
Is it pet friendly?
Yes, very. $75/night fee, max 2 pets. They even have a pet room service menu.
Do I need a car?
Not strictly. You can Uber from the airport and walk/trolley to nearby spots, saving on the high parking fee.
Are beach chairs free?
3 beach loungers and an umbrella are included in your daily resort fee.
What is the difference between the hotel and Beach House Suites?
The Hotel is the historic pink building. The Suites are a separate, more modern building 0.5 miles away (shuttle provided).
Insider Tips
- ✨
The 'secret' entrance near Uncle Andy's Ice Cream Parlor was the original hotel entrance—check out the historic floor tiles there.
- ✨
You can use the amenities at the sister property, Beach House Suites, which is often quieter.
- ✨
Book a spa treatment to get access to the private rooftop terrace overlooking the Gulf.
5 things to know before you go
💡The bathrooms in standard rooms are shockingly small—barely room to turn around.
💡You might see a ghost—Thomas Rowe is rumored to haunt the lobby.
💡The 'resort view' often just means a view of the parking lot or other buildings.
💡Self-parking is technically listed but often 'full' or unavailable, forcing you to pay for valet.
💡The walk from the farthest rooms to the lobby can be a long trek through winding corridors.
Local Playbook
Map
See where The Don Cesar is located and what's nearby.