Construction began in 1926 on a stretch of undeveloped barrier island that was then called Pass-a-Grille Beach. Rowe invested $1.25 million—an enormous sum at the time—and employed architect Henry Dupont, who combined elements of Mediterranean Revival, Moorish, and Spanish Baroque styles. The result was breathtaking: a symmetrical pink castle w

Introduction: The Birth of a Coastal Icon On the shimmering sands of St. Pete Beach, where the Gulf of Mexico laps gently against Florida’s west coast, stands one of the most recognizable hotels in the United States—the Don CeSar Hotel. With its pink stucco façade and Mediterranean grandeur, the “Pink Palace” has watched the tides of hi

Preserving a 19th-century concrete structure in the humid climate of Florida is no small task. Yet the Casa Monica’s custodians have continually invested in its maintenance, ensuring that its distinctive architecture and historic charm endure. The building’s continued use as a functioning hotel rather than a static museum gives it a vitality th

Architecturally, Casa Monica is a feast for the senses. The building’s exterior—defined by rounded Moorish arches, crenellated parapets, and minaret-like towers—evokes the romance of Andalusian palaces. Inside, intricate details abound: hand-stenciled designs, Moroccan tiles, and antique chandeliers blend seamlessly with contemporary luxury.