The Don CeSar, the epitome of old-world glamour and sophistication, has been graciously welcoming guests since 1928, and January 16, 2018 marks a major milestone, 90 years from when it first opened its doors. Beginning January 2018, the legendary 277-room landmark hotel invites travelers from near and far to join in celebrating its 90th anniversary with commemorative moments throughout the year, from a black-tie gala to limited-edition luxury goods.
On Friday, January 19, 2018 The Don CeSar presents its 90 th Anniversary Gala, an iconic celebration of history and community, 90 years in the making. The soirée, taking place in the hotel’s King Charles Ballroom from 7-11 p.m., will feature food, drinks and entertainment exploring The Don CeSar’s storied history throughout the decades. Tickets to the black-tie gala are $175 (plus tax and gratuity), available for purchase at don90thgala.eventbrite.com, and include an open bar, hors d’oeuvres from Executive Chef Mike Molloy and music from Z Street Speakeasy Band.
In addition, The Don CeSar is offering exclusive commemorative merchandise throughout its anniversary year including:
- 90th Anniversary Coffee Table Book ($64) – Produced by Grandin Hood Publishers, featuring archival photographs, memorabilia, the evolution of the hotel over nine decades of hospitality and much more.
- “I Dream of The Don” Nail Polish ($13) – In The Don CeSar’s unforgettable pink exterior hue, created in partnership with SpaRitual.
- Bourbon & Boweties bracelet ($40) – A custom pink-and- gold bangle bracelet with The Don CeSar’s signature silhouette, handcrafted by local jewelers in the Tampa Bay area.
- Bugatchi Men’s Accessories ($24.95-$79.50) – Men’s pink dress socks branded with The Don CeSar’s logo. Also available in The Don CeSar’s retail shops are pink enamel cufflinks from the luxury Italian menswear designer.
“For nearly nine decades, The Don CeSar has been a place for generations to gather with family and loved ones to create memories of a lifetime,” said Interim General Manager Jim Gross. “We’re thrilled to reach this milestone and look forward to serving the local community and guests alike with our signature brand of hospitality for the next 90 years and beyond.”
Since January 16, 1928, The Don CeSar has played host to the world’ s elite, stars of the silver screen, renowned authors and U.S. presidents such as F. Scott Fitzgerald, Ernest Hemingway, Franklin D. Roosevelt and Al Capone. A Gulf Coast icon, the hotel has starred in feature films including Robert De Niro’s “Once Upon a Time in America” and “Forever Mine” starring Ray Liotta. A true legend, The Don CeSar was named to the National Register of Historic Places in 1975 and was a founding member of the Historic Hotels of America in 1989.
In 2008, the year of its 80th anniversary, The Don CeSar opened its full-service Spa Oceana. In 2016, The Don CeSar launched Rowe Bar, a beachfront restaurant and lounge, and debuted an $8 million renovation to all 70 one-bedroom suites of sister property Beach House Suites by The Don CeSar located half a mile from the main property. Planned for January 2018 is a lobby renovation for Beach House Suites. Also planned for 2018 is a multi-phase renovation for The Don CeSar herself to include meeting and event spaces and common areas.
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ABOUT THE DON CESAR
The Don CeSar opened at the height of the Great Gatsby era in 1928. Known as Florida’s iconic “Pink Palace,” The Don CeSar is reminiscent of a Mediterranean-style castle with its majestic pink exterior, historic grandeur and striking architectural design elements set upon the white sand beaches of the Gulf of Mexico in St. Pete Beach. A AAA Four Diamond property, National Historic Landmark and member of the Historic Hotels of America, The Don CeSar features 277 luxurious guest rooms, including 36 suites, and six restaurants and lounges: the award-winning Maritana Grille, serving locally sourced, coastal cuisine; Sea Porch Café, open for breakfast, lunch and dinner; Uncle Andy’s Ice Cream Parlor, an old-fashioned ice cream shop; The Rowe Bar, where legendary hospitality meets the modern bar scene; The Beachcomber Bar & Grill located poolside; and the Lobby Bar at the hotel’s epicenter. The Don CeSar also offers two deluxe heated pools, 22,000 sq. ft. of indoor function space, more than 16,000 sq. ft. of creative outdoor space, the 11,000 sq. ft. full service Spa Oceana, fitness center, Camp CeSar Kids Camp, The Shoppes of The Don, and access to beach rentals and water sports. Located half a mile from The Don CeSar is Beach House Suites by The Don CeSar featuring 70 one-bedroom suites complete with private balconies to take in the picturesque views of Florida’s Gulf Coast and Boca Ciega Bay. The Don CeSar is approximately 30 minutes from Tampa International Airport and 25 minutes from St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport. For more information or reservations, please call 727.360.1881 or visit www.doncesar.com.