Don Cesar Beach Resort

I am the mother of the bride. My daughter was extremely busy, and asked me to handle the details of her wedding. She had always wanted a wedding on the beach, and so we looked for a venue on the beach. The Don Cesar was perfect. The ceremony was held on North Beach, and the reception was held on the Sunsets Pavilion, adjacent to the beach. We had only about forty guests, and it was just perfect. Courtney Blount was the co-ordinator, and did a more than excellent job. She responded to every one of my many, many emails promptly. She helped us design a menu when none of the menus offered were what we wanted. We had several boxes of decor items that we were able to store in her office, and she arranged to have them taken to the reception area. She carried the empty boxes away for us, helped with the table decor, and brought the boxes back after the reception so we could pack them again. She oversaw the rehersal and the ceremony and introduction of wedding party members. She was very friendly, and everyone liked her a lot. The wait staff was fabulous. They even remembered us later in the week. We had a wonderful time at the Don, and would highly recommend it to any bride. It was expensive, but when you consider all the service offered for the price, I would choose the Don again in a minute. My daughter had a wedding she will never forget. Every single detail was perfect.

I'm so glad we had our wedding at the Don Cesar. It was everything I ever dreamed my wedding to be! Though the weather was unusually cold, that of course no one could control. Despite that the outside courtyard for the ceremony was beautiful. The reception hall had just been re-done so it looked fabulous. I also had my cake done with the baker Tara Bishop at the hotel who did a great job. Everyone loved our cake, it was beautiful & Delicious. We also had our hair & make-up done in the Spa at the hotel. They did a great job too. Love the mineral make-up. It was a little pricey, but worth it for your big day! I would definitely recommend any bride having their wedding here if she wants it to be a 5 star wedding!

Getting married at the Don was everything I expected. Quinn was wonderful and very helpful throughout the process. She was always responsive on my questions and requests and did a great got of guiding through the process of planning all the details. She was very accomodating on the special touches that we added (photobooth, blinking ice cubes). The servers and other staff working the night of the event were very attentive. My server at our head table made sure we always had what we needed, which was almost a bad thing since I never made it out to the terrace was the bar and several of our guests were hanging out. My sisters thought they would need to get the gifts up to the room but the staff was already taking care of it. From the first time we stopped to see the venue and Quinn fit us in without a meeting to the family brunch we had the day after the wedding, everything was perfect.

I could spend an hour just writing and raving on and on about our ceremony and reception at The Don Cesar! The hotel is just positively gorgeous, the courtyard made for a phenomenal wedding, and the King Charles Ballroom has this AMAZING sunset view!! All of these elements, and then-some, made the Don Cesar THE place for our wedding and reception. We received a one-night complimentary suite on the day of the wedding, and they even upgraded our room to a BEAUTIFUL suite!! I can honestly say that the Don’s service was bar none, the best. The set-up, service, food, ambiance was unbelievable! Our coordinator was awesome and extremely professional – she was amazing and I can’t thank her enough for taking my calls, answering emails, helping me with questions – she was outstanding. The food was absolutely delicious and all of my guests loved the Lobster Bisque! I received multiple compliments from my guests that the catering staff was fantastic – they knew names, memorized drink orders, and were just overall attentive. I can honestly say that most of our guests said it was the best wedding they have ever attended, and I have to believe it is all because of the Don CeSar, it’s location, décor, service, and commitment to excellence. I couldn’t have asked for a better venue!

As far as scenery, the Don is as good as it gets for me. The hotel is gorgeous, the courtyard made for a phenomenal wedding, and all we added were 2 flower arrangements, and the King Charles Ballroom has a stunning sunset view. All of these elements made the Don a must-have for me, regardless of anything else. I have a few picky items that I may not have the full background on, and ultimately did not negatively impact the wedding, but something to be aware of nonetheless. I heard from vendors that there were 5 events going on at the hotel that night including my wedding. The Don, being an older hotel, has one service elevator. As a result, many of my vendors were very late setting up, including the cake, which I was told was placed down at 5:30pm, and my wedding started at 4:45pm. We received a one-night complimentary suite on the day of the wedding, and the suite was beautiful. My only hang-up about it was that it was on the 2nd floor facing the street. My fiancé and I had hoped to receive an ocean view being that it was our special night, but I guess with so many people staying at the hotel, they adjusted…even though our wedding was booked in November ’07. I can honestly say that the Don’s service was bar none, the best. The set-up, service, food, ambiance was unbelievable! Our coordinator was awesome and extremely professional – she was amazing and I can’t thank her enough for taking my calls, answering emails, helping me with questions – she was outstanding. She also set up a tasting for us, which previous knotties had mentioned they did not offer tastings, and we met the chef. Also, there was no problem extending the reception an hour, as we requested at the beginning of the night – which was fantastic and a relief. The food was absolutely delicious and all of my guests loved the Lobster Bisque! I received multiple compliments from my guests that the catering staff was fantastic – they knew names, memorized drink orders, and were just overall attentive. When an extra table had to be set up, our banquet captain was on it right away. The bell staff was unreal – especially Buddy & Scott - they packed and loaded up everything for us the following day – and we had a ton of items from the reception. The front desk ladies were extremely friendly and helpful. The spa – oh the spa – the staff was amazing, there, too. The bartenders in the lobby late night were not only accommodating, but quick, and they made it a point to memorize names and drinks. The ladies in the gift shops were incredibly sweet and helpful, as well. I can honestly say that most of our guests said it was the best wedding they have ever attended, and I have to believe it is all because of the Don CeSar, it’s location, décor, service, and commitment to excellence. I couldn’t have asked for a better venue! We even got a certificate in the mail that we had a wedding at the Don with our names and everything!

It’s The Don. The name speaks for itself. The atmosphere was amazing and the setting was idyllic. Guests from out of town weren’t sure what to expect and were blown away when they arrived. It isn’t easy to impress New Yorkers but the Don pulled it off. My only complaints are that the original wedding/catering manager, Kristen, left after we signed our contract and didn’t notify us or even our Coordinator. I had to find out about it from a bride on The Knot who had written her vendor reviews. I found it very unprofessional and though someone at the Don should have contacted the brides who had contracted with Kristen to explain why she wasn’t responding to their emails. We were blessed, however, that Kristen was replaced by Lisa Griffiths – she is a gem! What a personality! She is professional, fun and happy to do what she can to make your dream come true. She never once said “No, we can’t do that”. Mind you, there were a few things Kristen had said “no” to. The “minus” for this review comes in regarding the food. It was really delicious and guests are still talking about it. My only real complaint is that they didn’t cook my meal right (New York strip steak). I was the bride, there shouldn’t have been a question that my plate should have been the most important. When it first came to the table it was like leather & I could barley cut through it, it was so overcooked. We sent it back and asked for another but when that one came it was raw and I couldn’t cut through it either. It was as if it came straight from the oven to the table and never “rested” like steak should. Unfortunately, by the second steak, I didn’t feel like waiting for another. The waitress we had asked if she could have it sent to my room, but I wasn’t sure what good that would do since our reception was set for another 3 hours. I think they should have offered to have something else made for me, bring me one of the salmon dishes being served or come up with some alternative for me. The chef probably should have come out as it was his fault the food wasn’t cooked correctly. Reggie, who was in charge of the wait staff was really amazing & I know he was bothered by what happened and did his best to fix it. I don’t blame him at all and in fact give him praise for going table to table with a smile to check on all the guests – he’s a class act. The other part of the “minus” comes from the fact that the Don refuses to refrigerate leftover cake or desserts. We stayed there for two more nights and were given the top of our cake as well as leftover pastries at the end of the night. Well, the mini bar fridge in our room was stocked with stuff you couldn’t take out and so our cake went bad overnight sitting out since it was cheesecake with cream cheese frosting. That said, I never really had a piece of my own cake, other than the bite my husband fed me, which was a shame because from what I hear it was phenomenal! That’s my fault though for not stopping to eat a piece, I was just having too much fun to stop. Our room at the Don – The King Charles Ballroom was exactly what I envisioned. It was elegant and large and had windows on all sides looking out onto the beach…if you’re looking for the perfect setting for an elegant beach wedding, this is it! I felt like my reception was at a castle on the beach and I was the princess!

A- : It’s The Don. The name speaks for itself. The atmosphere was amazing and the setting was idyllic. Guests from out of town weren’t sure what to expect and were blown away when they arrived. It isn’t easy to impress New Yorkers but the Don pulled it off. My only complaints are that the original wedding/catering manager, Kristen, left after we signed our contract and didn’t notify us or even our Coordinator. I had to find out about it from a bride on The Knot who had written her vendor reviews. I found it very unprofessional and though someone at the Don should have contacted the brides who had contracted with Kristen to explain why she wasn’t responding to their emails. We were blessed, however, that Kristen was replaced by Lisa Griffiths – she is a gem! What a personality! She is professional, fun and happy to do what she can to make your dream come true. She never once said “No, we can’t do that”. Mind you, there were a few things Kristen had said “no” to. The “minus” for this review comes in regarding the food. It was really delicious and guests are still talking about it. My only real complaint is that they didn’t cook my meal right (New York strip steak). I was the bride, there shouldn’t have been a question that my plate should have been the most important. When it first came to the table it was like leather & I could barley cut through it, it was so overcooked. We sent it back and asked for another but when that one came it was raw and I couldn’t cut through it either. It was as if it came straight from the oven to the table and never “rested” like steak should. Unfortunately, by the second steak, I didn’t feel like waiting for another. The waitress we had asked if she could have it sent to my room, but I wasn’t sure what good that would do since our reception was set for another 3 hours. I think they should have offered to have something else made for me, bring me one of the salmon dishes being served or come up with some alternative for me. The chef probably should have come out as it was his fault the food wasn’t cooked correctly. Reggie, who was in charge of the wait staff was really amazing & I know he was bothered by what happened and did his best to fix it. I don’t blame him at all and in fact give him praise for going table to table with a smile to check on all the guests – he’s a class act. The other part of the “minus” comes from the fact that the Don refuses to refrigerate leftover cake or desserts. We stayed there for two more nights and were given the top of our cake as well as leftover pastries at the end of the night. Well, the mini bar fridge in our room was stocked with stuff you couldn’t take out and so our cake went bad overnight sitting out since it was cheesecake with cream cheese frosting. That said, I never really had a piece of my own cake, other than the bite my husband fed me, which was a shame because from what I hear it was phenomenal! That’s my fault though for not stopping to eat a piece, I was just having too much fun to stop. Our room at the Don – The King Charles Ballroom was exactly what I envisioned. It was elegant and large and had windows on all sides looking out onto the beach…if you’re looking for the perfect setting for an elegant beach wedding, this is it! I felt like my reception was at a castle on the beach and I was the princess!

Venue: The Don Cesar, St. Pete Beach, Florida A- : It’s The Don. The name speaks for itself. The atmosphere was amazing and the setting was idyllic. Guests from out of town weren’t sure what to expect and were blown away when they arrived. It isn’t easy to impress New Yorkers but the Don pulled it off. My only complaints are that the original wedding/catering manager, Kristen, left after we signed our contract and didn’t notify us or even our Coordinator. I had to find out about it from a bride on The Knot who had written her vendor reviews. I found it very unprofessional and though someone at the Don should have contacted the brides who had contracted with Kristen to explain why she wasn’t responding to their emails. We were blessed, however, that Kristen was replaced by Lisa Griffiths – she is a gem! What a personality! She is professional, fun and happy to do what she can to make your dream come true. She never once said “No, we can’t do that”. Mind you, there were a few things Kristen had said “no” to. The “minus” for this review comes in regarding the food. It was really delicious and guests are still talking about it. My only real complaint is that they didn’t cook my meal right (New York strip steak). I was the bride, there shouldn’t have been a question that my plate should have been the most important. When it first came to the table it was like leather & I could barley cut through it, it was so overcooked. We sent it back and asked for another but when that one came it was raw and I couldn’t cut through it either. It was as if it came straight from the oven to the table and never “rested” like steak should. Unfortunately, by the second steak, I didn’t feel like waiting for another. The waitress we had asked if she could have it sent to my room, but I wasn’t sure what good that would do since our reception was set for another 3 hours. I think they should have offered to have something else made for me, bring me one of the salmon dishes being served or come up with some alternative for me. The chef probably should have come out as it was his fault the food wasn’t cooked correctly. Reggie, who was in charge of the wait staff was really amazing & I know he was bothered by what happened and did his best to fix it. I don’t blame him at all and in fact give him praise for going table to table with a smile to check on all the guests – he’s a class act. The other part of the “minus” comes from the fact that the Don refuses to refrigerate leftover cake or desserts. We stayed there for two more nights and were given the top of our cake as well as leftover pastries at the end of the night. Well, the mini bar fridge in our room was stocked with stuff you couldn’t take out and so our cake went bad overnight sitting out since it was cheesecake with cream cheese frosting. That said, I never really had a piece of my own cake, other than the bite my husband fed me, which was a shame because from what I hear it was phenomenal! That’s my fault though for not stopping to eat a piece, I was just having too much fun to stop. Our room at the Don – The King Charles Ballroom was exactly what I envisioned. It was elegant and large and had windows on all sides looking out onto the beach…if you’re looking for the perfect setting for an elegant beach wedding, this is it! I felt like my reception was at a castle on the beach and I was the princess!

The Don CeSar is an absolute DREAM place for your wedding! We had our ceremony out on the courtyard and our reception in the terrace room. There were absolutely no complaints or issues with our wedding at all! They were so very accommodating and absolutely wonderful to work with! The service is first-class, and the food is beyond this world... ABSOLUTELY YUMMY! Our guests were so happy with everything that even almost two years later, they still rave about our wedding.

My girlfriends and I booked a weekend at the Don Cesar for a weekend of fun and relaxation! They have a Spa package there, though we had to alter the package a bit (the original package was only for two girls, and we were five girls). It was really great! The rooms are really fancy, and I just loved the suite that we stayed in. On our first night there we ate at the Maritana Grill, which was delicious and expensive! During the second day we checked out their pool and spa, and we each got an hour long message. The second night we ate at the restaurant again. I don't think we burnt many calories that weekend. The food was delicious, but really rich. I would have to say that the best part was the spa treatment, and being close to so many great shopping stores.

Everything was absolutely perfect! The staff was amazing to work with. We received so many compliments on the food and the service, and really felt like royalty for our wedding day!

Unfortunately, the Don Cesar was bought out by Lowes hotels in the past couple years and all that has meant is the price has skyrocketed. The hotel is gorgeous, it's on the beach and it is truly charming. The pictures are priceless. However, it ends there. The hotel is not the Ritz Carlton. It is old. There is mold. The rooms are so small, you have to crawl over the bed to get to the other side....unless you pay for a suite. The wedding coordinator was not very professional. All she talked about was her wedding and her vendors and no one else but who she used was qualified...even after I told her they were already booked. So much for making the bride feel good! My parents had to spend at least $15,000 more than expected and quite frankly worth it. Oh, the coordinator also left after she told me she was staying a little longer. Then the band took a break right when we were supposed to throw the bouquet and cut the cake and she was no where to be found. Go figure.

We had the pleasure of a great wedding planner at the Don. She was professional and completely into detail. The staff was attentive and offered great service. We still enjoy visiting the Don to enjoy a relaxing lunch or overnight stay.

The staff at the Don always takes great care of our clients!

perfect island location ~ lush landscapes and beautiful sandy beaches