You know those hotels that you see on American films – those using the wrap around outdoor terrace that appears very Forest Gump-esque, the white panelling and also the beachfront views that usually ends having a make up or break up scene (depending which rom com you’re watching). Well, Pelican Grand Beach Resort is the fact that hotel; minus the film cameras and a-listers.
Pelican Grand Beach Resort is unlike every other hotel within the Fort Lauderdale area, because it’s main draw has to be that it’s on the beach. You don’t need to dodge beach front shops or busy roads to dip the feet within the sea. We stayed at Fort Lauderdale and we didn’t want to tear ourselves away from our sun lounger. The al fresco breakfast, killer food and spacious rooms made us feel quite in your own home. Here’s the lowdown on which to expect at the Pelican Grand Beach Resort, and that we totally understand if you never wish to leave:
Pelican Grand Beach Resort: The Lowdown
The hotel flaunts old school glamour, and transports you to yesteryears with it’s outdoor terrace and timeless decor. Sitting pretty around the Atlantic, Pelican Grand Beach Resort has its very own stretch of beach, it’s own lazy river and pool. It’s a hotel that has everything in one place, but, thankfully, doesn’t replicate the big resort feel. It’s homey, has bags of charm, but most of; employees are super helpful and cordial.
The Pelican Grand Beach Resort goes far beyond your average hotel. Not only do they have their renowned restaurant, Ocean 2000, which pulls Fort Lauderdale natives because of its high calibre of food, but there’s also their own ice cream shop with tempting homemade ice cream, toppings and classic American sweets. It’s alright to feel like a big kid here, we totally did.
Pelican Grand Beach Resort: The Rooms
Rooms range from guest rooms to premier suites. The guest rooms possess a choice of either a city or beach view, as well as your own balcony to lap up the Florida rays. The classic decor can also be found within the rooms – clean, and beach inspired, the rooms have sufficient space, including a king-size bed with Egyptian cotton sheets and the most cloud-like mattresses.
There might be floors upon floors of rooms, but expect the upmost calm. The guest rooms are a peaceful haven in the beach scenes listed below. Each room is kitted out in the latest technology – there’s a TV with movies and games, a mini bar, a microwave and a bathroom having a large bath and power shower.
Pelican Grand Beach Resort: PURE Spa
Aside from the glorious rooms and merely the overall beach-y vibe that you simply feel throughout the hotel, PURE spa may be the absolute one. What tends to happen in the majority of hotel spas is that it lacks good treatments, they’re always so so, although not memorable. PURE Spa waves goodbye to mediocre massages and hello to the best damn back massage you’ve ever had. PURE Spa brings a slice of Scandi living towards the beaches of Florida, think hanging chairs, crisp white interiors and Swedish oils and lotions.
Headed up by hands like spades, but soft to touch George, they offer bespoke packages to suit your skin’s needs. There’s facials, manicures, body scrubs and full massages. The back massage is 50 minutes of complete bliss and tranquility. We’ll guarantee you’ll leave thinking it’s the very best back massage you’ve ever received, because believe us, it will be. George is definitely an absolute massage wizard – long owing strokes maximising your stress release, and de-stress techniques are all used.
Pelican Grand Beach Resort: Breakfast
Now, we’ll be honest; we judge expensive hotels on their breakfast. Not only is it the most important meal of the day, it’s where hotels scrimp. At the Pelican Grand Beach Resort, they’ve traded in the breakfast buffet of dry pastries and room temperature Greek yogurt for something far better, their a la carte menu.
The breakfast here's worth missing your lie set for. The breakfast menu features American classics such as buttermilk pancakes, what are fluffiest, lightest pancakes we have ever tried – each topped with a selection of different ingredients, bacon and maple syrup, and chocolate chip and banana are some of the choices. There’s also their own speciality dish the Huevos Santa Fe – a Mexican combo of two eggs any style with chorizo and black bean quesadilla, roasted tomato sauce and avocado aji. Their steak and eggs can also be pretty special, and the American breakfast will make you seem like a completely fledged Yank very quickly.
The orange juice is squeezed fresh daily, and also the staff also understand how to nail a latte. Brunch is a big occasion on the weekends. On Sunday the restaurant is changed into a theatrical event – there’s live cooking stations serving waffles and pancakes, a carving station for all your meaty needs and a seafood display. There’s also a series of different desserts, a cheese and fruit display and copious portions of Bloody Marys to soothe your sore head.
Pelican Grand Beach Resort: Ocean 2000
Ocean 2000 is the hotel’s own restaurant while offering an alternative to other upscale Fort Lauderdale restaurants. The dinner menu has both great land and sea options, and also a fantastic selection of veggie dishes too. Nab a table around the outdoor terrace to dine under the stars. There’s a powerful focus on local, seasonal produce with Chefs Michael Bloise, Steven Mendez and Nerissa Fannell creating a menu that encompasses both international and new American flavours.
The filet mignon comes recommended by us – a wonderful cut of meat and perfectly combined with the homemade salty shallot caramel sauce. For anybody looking for fish goodness, there’s chilled gulf shrimp, local little neck clams, blue crab cake, seared diver scallops and the whopping seafood platter. The braised Florida lamb, and chicken and dumplings shouldn’t be overlooked either.
The desserts are a sight to behold. The chocolate chunk brownie s’more may be the hotel’s own hybrid. A bottom layer of fudge-y, gooey brownie topped with toasted meringue and salty caramel. God bless America. There’s also a chocolate chip cookie pie which is basically an under-cooked cookie, and totally delicious for the right reasons. For something slightly lighter, opt the vanilla bean crème brulee.
Pelican Grand Beach Resort: The Verdict
It’s not just about the rooms and repair at Pelican Grand Beach Resort, the amenities also play a pivotal part in the hotel’s success. Traditional decor is met with traditional hospitality values – there is nothing an excessive amount of trouble and everything is so readily available. Take our word for it, just go.
