What to expect: Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Don Cesar Beach Resort was opened in 1928 and, although renovated, preserves its original Jazz Age elegance, when it served as a playground for America’s elite.

Upon arrival, guests proceed along a sweeping, elevated driveway, leading to a reception lobby where bell staff in crisp blue Bermuda shorts and white shirts will help them to the reception area.

Amenity highlights: The Don Cesar Beach Resort offers two outdoor pools (one with an underwater sound system), beach sports, and dining options that include the acclaimed Maritana Grille. A children's program is available for a surcharge.

A health-and-beauty spa (surcharges), fitness center, and shopping arcade are also on site, along with 40,000-square-feet of meeting space and hotel-wide wireless Internet access (included in hotel resort fee).

What to expect: The Tradewinds lobby opens into an airy, sky-lit 8,000-square-foot garden atrium bordered by 23-foot palm trees. Meandering waterways shaded by abundant vegetation are filled with white swans and Nile Perch. Tropical-view rooms are non-smoking only.

Amenity highlights: Amenities include a day spa, four Har-Tru tennis courts, four pools and one children's pool; a fitness center, and a business center. Indoor and outdoor event space totals 56,000 square feet. The KONK (Kids Only, No Kidding!) kids’ club offers a variety of crafts, games, entertainment, and activities (surcharges apply).

What to expect: Located on St. Pete Beach, this five-story, pink-and-white hotel is a half-mile from the historic Don Cesar Beach Resort and 9.5 miles from downtown St. Petersburg. The small lobby includes a market stocked with snacks, drinks, and sundries. Families and leisure travelers are drawn to the hotel's beachfront location.

Amenity highlights: Recreation options include beachfront water sports and an outdoor splash pool and spa tub. Guests also have access to the facilities at the partner hotel Don Cesar Beach Resort, including additional pools, a health club, children's activities (surcharge), and a health spa (surcharge). Complimentary 24-hour shuttle service is provided to the resort upon request.

Insider tip: The 250-acre Boyd Hill Nature Park, 6.5 miles from the hotel, offers nature trails and boardwalks, four aquariums, and an observation beehive. On guided nature walks, guests may glimpse alligators, turtles, otters, wood storks, ospreys, and bald eagles. A park admission fee is charged.