The story
The Don CeSar opened in 1928 as a lavish pink Mediterranean Revival resort on St. Pete Beach, Florida, the dream of businessman Thomas Rowe, who named it for a character from an opera he loved. After Rowe's death the hotel passed through several roles, including service as a military hospital and convalescent centre during the Second World War and later as federal offices, before being saved and restored to its resort grandeur. Its best-known ghost story concerns Rowe himself, said to appear on the grounds and near the lobby, often linked to the romantic legend of a lost love he is said to have mourned; guests and staff also report figures in period dress, cold spots and small unexplained occurrences in the corridors. The hotel acknowledges the tale of its founder. These accounts should be framed as guest reports and folklore rather than proven phenomena. Current room and booking details should be confirmed from the official site before publishing.