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Fort Lauderdale: Experience the Pelican Grand Beach Resort

If for a long time Fort Lauderdale remained in the shadow of popular Miami and Palm Beach, it is increasingly positioning itself as a chic, relaxed destination for those seeking to escape the crowds and higher costs of its neighbors.

With its magnificent beaches and canals, it’s now a popular destination for those looking to relax and enjoy the Florida sunshine. From Las Olas Boulevard, with its chic boutiques and cafés, to museums and breathtaking gardens, Fort Lauderdale offers the perfect mix of water activities, relaxation and cultural visits, exhilarating nightlife and miles of white-sand beaches.

And close to these attractions is the Pelican Grand Beach Resort on North Ocean Boulevard, which we were lucky enough to try out for a few days.

A beach paradise

Pelican Grand Beach Resort

One of the main assets of Noble House Resort’s Pelican Grand Beach Hotel Resort is undoubtedly its direct access to a private beach, a rarity in Fort Lauderdale. In fact, in this part of town, only 3 hotels have direct access to the beach, without having to cross a boulevard.

We loved spending time on this clean, well-maintained private beach. Sun loungers and parasols are available for guests to enjoy the sun and sea to the full. Beach service is also impeccable, with drinks and snacks available at all times.

The pool and the lazy river
The pool and the lazy river Photo: Courtesy

Other hotel facilities include the “Lazy River”, the only one of its kind in Fort Lauderdale, which can be navigated on a tube, and the outdoor zero entry pool, a fitness center, not to mention the magnificent veranda offering magnificent ocean views.

A charming and comfortable hotel

Pelican Grand Beach Resort Hotel
Photo: Pelican Grand Beach Resort

The hotel has also undertaken several phases of renovation and expansion since 2015. After doubling the waterfront meeting and event space to 10,000 square feet in 2015, further improvements followed in 2016 including the creation of a “Sky Suite” penthouse on the 12th floor and a “Pure Suite” on the 11th floor.

Services have also been extended to the intimate luxury PURE Spa, which now offers the very latest in skincare technology with Hydra Therapy equipment.

Then in 2019, the hotel completed the renovation of all the rooms in a beach house and boho style, while offering modern amenities. Rooms are spacious, clean and tastefully decorated.

One of the hotel's suites
One of the hotel’s guest rooms Photo: Pelican Grand Beach Resort

The renovations have brought a breath of fresh air to the hotel, with bright, airy common areas and high-quality facilities.

The hotel lobby, with its large picture windows, offers a breathtaking view of the Atlantic Ocean, creating a soothing ambience from the moment you walk through the door.

Pelican Grand Beach Resort Lobby
Pelican Grand Beach Resort Lobby Photo: Courtesy

Delicious cuisine

The Pelican Grand Beach Resort offers two restaurants, Ocean2000 and the O2K lounge.

The OCEAN2000 deserves a special mention. We were delighted by the quality of the dishes served, featuring fresh, local ingredients. Whether for breakfast or dinner, every meal was excellent. Ocean views from the restaurant terrace add a magical touch to every meal.

The hotel veranda
The hotel veranda Photo: Courtesy

Reservations are recommended, especially for weekend brunch, as the place is also frequented by guests not staying at the hotel.

Delicious brunches at the Pelican Grand Beach Resort
Delicious brunches at the Pelican Grand Beach Resort Photo: Courtesy

The lounge is ideal for an aperitif or a light meal. Here again, veranda seating steals the show. The menu includes tacos, sliders, salads and cocktails.

And if you’re feeling peckish, head for the Emporium gift shop, where you can find the hotel’s old-fashioned ice cream parlor with its retro 1950s look.

Activities near the hotel

Fort Lauderdale's canals and villas
Fort Lauderdale’s canals and villas

Fort Lauderdale offers a multitude of activities to suit all tastes, and the Pelican Grand Beach Hotel Resort is ideally located to take advantage of them.

A paradise for water sports enthusiasts, you can go sailing, yachting, surfing, paddleboarding or deep-sea fishing. Fort Lauderdale’s tropical blue waters and reefs are a delight for divers and snorkelers alike.

Here are 6 other not-to-be-missed activities close to the hotel:

  1. Fort Lauderdale canal cruise: Nicknamed the “Venice of America”, Fort Lauderdale is famous for its many canals. A boat cruise allows you to discover the magnificent luxury homes and yachts while enjoying the natural beauty of the region. Tickets for these “water-taxis” are on sale at the hotel reception (1 ticket per stay included in the resort fee).
  2. Bonnet House Museum & Gardens: Just a few minutes from the hotel, this historic museum offers a fascinating insight into local history and culture. The tropical gardens are perfect for a leisurely stroll.
  3. Shopping on Las Olas Boulevard: This iconic street is known for its chic boutiques, art galleries and restaurants. It’s the ideal place for shopping or simply strolling around and enjoying the lively atmosphere.
  4. Visit Butterfly World: the world’s largest collection of butterflies.
  5. Exploring Hugh Taylor Birch State Park: This natural park offers many outdoor activities, including hiking, biking and kayaking. It’s an ideal place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and reconnect with nature.
  6. Discover the Museum of Discovery and Science: Perfect for families, this interactive museum features fascinating exhibits on science and technology. Children and adults alike will find plenty to learn and enjoy.

Our opinion

Hotel highlights

  • Large bedrooms with separate living and sleeping areas
  • The private beach at the foot of the hotel
  • The magnificent ocean-facing veranda where you can enjoy brunch, an aperitif or simply relax in one of the rocking chairs with breathtaking views.
  • The “lazy river” pool

Good to know

  • The pool and beach close relatively early, at 6:00 p.m.
  • Located in a quiet area of Fort Lauderdale, the car (or cab) is recommended to get to most activities.
  • Resort fees are charged in addition to the room rate (but include 1 water cab ticket and other discounts).

Pelican Grand Beach Resort

2000 North Ocean Blvd.
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33305
Reservations *


Part of the cost of this stay was covered by the hotel. However, the opinions expressed in this article are those of the author.


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