Don CeSar Hotel
Built in 1928, this Mediterranean Revival masterpiece stands as a testament to one man’s romantic vision and determination. Thomas Rowe, the hotel’s original owner, created this magnificent structure as a tribute to his lost love, Lucinda, whom he met in London during his younger years. Their romance, tragically thwarted by her disapproving parents, ended when they forced her into an arranged marriage. Before parting, the couple would meet at the opera, where their favorite performance was “Maritana,” and they would whisper to each other, “Time is infinite, I will wait for you.”
The hotel’s distinctive Moorish architecture and flamingo-pink façade quickly made it a favorite among America’s elite. F. Scott Fitzgerald, Clarence Darrow, and Lou Gehrig were among the many luminaries who graced its halls during the Roaring Twenties. However, beneath its glamorous exterior, the Don CeSar began accumulating supernatural tales that continue to intrigue guests today.
The most frequently reported ghostly encounters involve Thomas Rowe himself, often seen walking hand in hand with a dark-haired woman in a long white dress – believed to be Lucinda. Staff and guests have witnessed the couple strolling through the lobby or along the beach, only to vanish into thin air. These sightings typically occur near the hotel’s original entrance, where Rowe would have greeted his distinguished guests.
During World War II, the hotel served as a military hospital, adding another layer to its supernatural history. Guests have reported seeing uniformed figures walking through walls where hospital corridors once existed, and the sounds of big band music drifting through empty hallways late at night. Some visitors have even reported hearing phantom keyboards clicking in the former typing pool area, where military clerks once processed paperwork.
The hotel’s fifth floor seems to be a particular hotspot for paranormal activity. Guests have reported lights turning on and off independently, doors opening and closing without explanation, and the distinct feeling of being watched. Room service employees have shared stories of knocking on doors to deliver orders, only to find rooms empty upon entry, despite hearing voices moments before.
Perhaps the most touching supernatural encounters involve the hotel’s romantic legacy. Numerous newly married couples have reported strange occurrences during their honeymoon stays. Some have awakened to find fresh flowers mysteriously appearing in their rooms, while others have captured unexplained figures in their wedding photos. Many believe these are signs of Rowe’s blessing, still celebrating love from beyond the grave.
The hotel staff has embraced these supernatural elements, maintaining detailed logs of guest experiences and unexplained phenomena. Many long-time employees have their own stories to tell, from elevators operating themselves to mysterious phone calls from unoccupied rooms. The most common occurrence involves the hotel’s original elevator, which occasionally travels to the fifth floor without being summoned, doors opening to an empty corridor.
Today, the Don CeSar continues to blend luxury with legend, attracting guests who are drawn to both its opulent amenities and supernatural reputation. While some visit hoping to catch a glimpse of Thomas and Lucinda’s eternal romance, others are simply captivated by the hotel’s timeless charm and the possibility of experiencing something beyond the ordinary.
The “Pink Palace” stands as more than just a historic landmark; it’s a testament to enduring love and the thin veil between past and present. Whether viewed as a luxury resort or a haunted haven, the Don CeSar Hotel continues to captivate visitors with its unique blend of romance, history, and supernatural mystery, proving that some love stories truly do transcend time.