August 2, 2019

Pelican Grand Beach Resort Reviews

Grand Beach Resort

Fronting a prime stretch of golden sand in the quieter northern reaches of Fort Lauderdale Beach, the Pelican Grand Beach Resort opened in 2004 and conjures the feel of old Florida with a setting that makes for a relaxing family vacation. ... more The 11-story building is painted a pale yellow with blue and white striped awnings that give it a certain Caribbean appeal. In the lobby, paddle fans swirl and pretty paintings of palm-lined Florida landscapes decorate the walls. As you're checking into your room, your eyes will surely catch sight of the hotel's piece de resistance - a wide veranda, lined with rocking chairs, that gives onto unimpeded views of the deep blue Atlantic Ocean. It's a popular place to relax with a book or a cold drink anytime of the day. Whereas hotels south of here that dub themselves oceanfront actually require a short stroll across two-laned A1A to reach the beach, you're smack dab on the sand at Pelican Grand, with no street to cross between the hotel lobby and the beach. The location is a bit more isolated than hotels to the south, however, and you'll have to drive (or walk miles) to reach nearby restaurants at the Galleria Mall or along Las Olas Boulevard.

Rooms are spacious and all outfitted with mini-fridges and microwaves, so cooking simple meals in (or eating at the onsite restaurant) is always an option, too. If your family's the type that requires little more than a great stretch of beach and a fine pool for passing a day's fun, you'll be more than satisfied here. The hotel's pool has Fort Lauderdale's only lazy river, and kids spend hours making laps around it with their tubes. The beach here is clean and beautiful, and far less crowded than those to the south. Spend your days splashing in the breakers and relaxing under an umbrella, before transitioning to a rocking chair to kick back at the end of the day. The simple pleasures are easy to access at Pelican Grand.

Our Editor Loves

Oceanfront rooms with balconies
Public veranda lined with rocking chairs
Lazy river with tubes for floating

Family Amenities

Children's Program
Connecting Rooms
Family Room 5+
Onsite Dining
Refrigerator
Pool

Rates

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Rooms

The Pelican Grand's 156 guest rooms and suites are spread throughout the building's 11 floors. Some have been more recently updated than others, but all have a similar contemporary décor with crisp white linens, carpeted bedrooms and bathrooms with dual vanities, shower-in-tub configurations and tile finishes.

The most spacious family-friendly accommodations are found on the second floor, where all of the rooms are suites with two queen beds or one king bed, and an additional sitting area separated by glass doors, with a pullout twin sleeper sofa to accommodate an extra person. Rooms either have direct ocean views or "city views" that overlook the surrounding streets and concrete sprawl. Second floor suites open to a wide shared balcony overlooking the ocean with Adirondack chairs, making it a nice place to enjoy a coffee (all rooms have in-room coffee makers) or read a book.

Standard rooms here have single king beds, some with private balconies. Coffee makers, mini-fridges and microwaves are standard in all rooms and suites. None of the rooms or suites can connect, but you can always request rooms next to each other or on the same floor when making your reservation. The 11th floor penthouse, with access to a sprawling but shared (open to the public) rooftop terrace overlooking the ocean, seems like it would be good for families, but is actually better suited for couples. The penthouse has a kitchen with a full-sized refrigerator, but no stove or oven. There are bar stools lining a counter top for eating in, a separate bedroom with a king bed and a bathroom with marble floors and an oversized jetted tub.

Source: www.familyvacationcritic.com