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The Don Cesar: Enjoy Family Fun On The Beach
St. Petersburg Beach, Florida
Florida's Legendary Pink Palace opened in 1928 during the
Great Gatsby era, the Don CeSar Beach Resort was the dream
of Irishman Thomas Rowe who found his fortune in Florida
real estate. The resort, built to resemble the Royal
Hawaiian in Waikiki Beach for $1.2 million, was nearly 300
percent over budget.
The resort reigned as the hot spot for high society from
F. Scott Fitzgerald, Clarence Darrow, Lou Gehrig and Al
Capone until a fatal combination occurred -- the Depression,
World War II and Rowe's death.
When Rowe died without signing the will, which left his
"pink lady" to its loyal family of employees, his estranged
wife of 30 years became the reluctant heir. In less than
three years, the Don CeSar lost much of its personality and
charm which had established its prominent standing among
resorts.
In 1942, the U.S. Army purchased the property for an
"assessed value" of only $450,000 and turned it into a
convalescent center for battle-fatigued World War II airmen.
After the war, the Veterans Administration stripped it for
use as a regional office, later moving out in 1967, unable
to afford necessary repairs.
The abandoned building became a graffiti canvas, doomed for
the wrecking ball. Fortunately, a diligent preservation
group rescued the Don CeSar by locating a buyer who shared
Rowe's vision of grandeur.
In 1973, the resort re-opened as a luxury resort with a
continued commitment to revitalization allowing the Don
CeSar to reign as the Pink Castle on Florida's Gulf Coast.
From September 1985 to January 1989, extensive renovations
transformed the ornate Spanish interiors with light woods
and fabrics creating a pastel Continental look.
In 1994, a multi-million revitalization included the
addition of a 4,000-square-foot full-service Beach Club and
Spa, prompting the change of the resort name to The Don
CeSar Beach Resort & Spa. Enhancements also included a
signature restaurant, The Maritana Grille -- recipient of
the AAA Four Diamond rating -- serving delectable New
American cuisine, a second outdoor swimming pool surrounded
by tropical gardens, an all-inclusive shopping arena and
expanded function space bringing the total to 40,000 square
feet. In late 1999, the grand entrance and staircase were
upgraded with emerald marble and other intricate details.
The Don Cesar Beach Resort, a Loews Hotel recently completed
a $20 million enhancement project that includes a
revitalized lobby with rich mahogany accents and vibrant
upholsteries, a grand makeover of guest rooms with custom
made rod iron furniture, luxurious bedding and completely
renovated bathrooms as well as a continued commitment to
enhance guest services.
The Don CeSar Beach Resort tickles guests pink with an array
of complimentary sun and surf activities along miles of
uninterrupted, crescent-shaped beach.
Surrounded by a tropical paradise of palms and oleander,
guests enjoy a plunge in one of two Gulf-front pools with
underwater sound systems or shape up with aqua aerobics
while serenaded by a steel-drum band. Complimentary beach
clinics teach surf skimming on waverunners and catamarans,
while paddle cats, kayaks and aquabikes part the waves.
For a seagull's view, try parasailing, or explore the Gulf
deep down on a scuba day trip. Others stick to the sand with
volleyball, beach hockey, shell searching and moonlit
strolling. Historical tours of the Don unveil unique
treasures. Witness sightings of the "immortal" developer
Thomas Rowe on tours led by Palace Past Gatsby-ish guides.
For vacationing families, the Loews Loves Kids children's
program entertains younger guests with hermit crab races,
kids' escapes and best of all -- Friday night pizza parties.
This program provides parents with a quiet respite. The Don
CeSar's newly renovated children's play area is a haven for
young ones participating in Loews Loves Kids. Teenagers have
their own program with the newest addition, T. Loews, which
offers 13- to 17-year-old guests an amenity kit catered just
for teens and a chance to escape the parents in their own
adjoining guest room. Last year, the Don Cesar launched a
new children’s program, "CAMP CESAR" offering the
adventures of a summer camp in the gracious setting of
Florida’s Legendary Pink Palace. Kids (ages five to 10)
spend the day exploring the beaches and garden surroundings
of the Don and delving into exciting activities from beach
crafts and seashell hunting to ice cream socials and Friday
night themed "dinner parties." Discovering St. Pete "Don
style," young guests enjoy the resort’s seven-and-a-half
miles of beaches, and two beachside pools along with coconut
painting, beach relay races and scavenger hunts. CAMP
CESAR counselors oversee the activities, allowing
parents to rejuvenate at the Pink Palace while tikes explore
their creativity and make new friends. Reminiscent of a
traditional summer camp, each week also includes educational
activities from an etiquette class or jewelry lesson to
marine life discoveries or nature expeditions. At the end of
the day, weary "campers" share their experiences with loved
ones and retire to elegantly appointed surroundings and
luxurious amenities.
As part of the corporate Loews Loves Kids program, the Don
CeSar makes traveling easy, fun and convenient for parents
and kids. Loews Loves Kids has received accolades from
Child, Nickelodeon’s Nick Jr. Family and Redbook magazines
for its innovative offerings. Amenities include special
children’s menus and contact lists for local pediatricians,
family amusements and bonded baby-sitting services, plus a
complimentary gift bag upon check-in including a Don CeSar
coloring book.
Day trips near the Don include Busch Gardens, Cypress
Gardens, Salvador Dali Museum, Sea World, Silver Springs,
Universal Studios, Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom, EPCOT
Center and Disney-MGM Studios.
The Don is easily accessible by air through Tampa
International Airport just 30 minutes away. If traveling by
car, once near Tampa, take 1-275 south to Pinellas Bayway/St.
Petersburg Beach Exit 17 and follow the Bayway to the Don
porte cochere.
Whether a romantic getaway or family vacation, the Don CeSar
Beach Resort spoils guests with the extraordinary charm of
yesteryear. Experience a splendid beach escape at the Grand
Dame of Florida's Gulf Coast, by calling the Don CeSar Beach
Resort, a Loews Hotel at (800) 282-1116 or (727) 360-1881.
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