Fort Lauderdale is full of glass towers. Most of the "beachfront" hotels there aren't actually on the beach; they're separated by a busy four-lane road called A1A that you have to dodge traffic to cross just to get your toes sandy. But Pelican Grand Beach Resort Florida is different. It sits directly on the sand. Honestly, it’s one of the only true ski-in, ski-out style beach experiences in the area, which is probably why it feels more like a relaxed summer cottage in Nantucket than a flashy South Florida high-rise.
What You’re Actually Getting at Pelican Grand Beach Resort Florida
Most people book this place because of the lazy river. Let's be real. It’s a huge selling point for families. You grab a tube, drift around the tropical landscaping, and forget that the real world exists for a bit. It’s not a massive water park, but it does the trick when you want to soak without the salt.
The vibe is very much "Old Florida" meets modern luxury. You’ve got those big, white rocking chairs on the porch. Sitting there with a cocktail while the sun goes down is basically a rite of passage here. The resort underwent some pretty significant renovations recently, particularly to its meeting spaces and guest rooms, keeping the coastal chic aesthetic without making it feel like a sterile hospital room. The rooms use a lot of light woods, blues, and creams. It feels breezy.
The Dining Situation (Beyond the Buffet)
OCEAN2000 is the main spot. It’s got a reputation for being one of the best waterfront dining spots in Fort Lauderdale, mostly because you can sit on the veranda and hear the waves hitting the shore while you eat your snapper. The seafood is fresh. They do a Sunday brunch that’s become something of a local legend. If you're staying here, you're going to eat there at least twice, but don't sleep on the "O2K" lounge for small bites either.
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And then there’s The Old Fashioned Ice Cream Parlor. It’s exactly what it sounds like. It’s nostalgic, it’s covered in 1950s-style decor, and it’s arguably the most popular place in the building at 4:00 PM on a Tuesday.
Why the Location Matters More Than You Think
If you stay at the big brand-name hotels further south near Las Olas Boulevard, you’re in the thick of the noise. It's loud. There are spring breakers. There are people revving engines. Pelican Grand is tucked away on the northern end of the beach. It’s quieter.
- Privacy: Because the hotel owns the stretch of beach directly in front of it, you aren't fighting the general public for a square inch of sand.
- Access: You’re still only a short Uber or a drive away from the Bonnet House Museum & Gardens or the high-end shopping at The Galleria.
- The View: Since there aren't massive skyscrapers flanking it on every side, the light hits the property differently. It feels open.
The Rooms: A Reality Check
Not every room is a massive suite. That’s a common misconception. You’ve got your standard guest rooms, which are comfortable, but the real value is in the Oceanfront Suites. If you book a "city view" room, you’re looking at the street. It’s a nice street, but it’s not the Atlantic. Honestly, if you’re going to spend the money to stay at Pelican Grand Beach Resort Florida, splurge for the ocean view. Otherwise, you’re missing the entire point of the property’s unique footprint.
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The suites often include separate sitting areas and private balconies. Having a morning coffee on a private balcony while watching the Atlantic sunrise is one of those things that sounds like a cliché until you're actually doing it. Then, it's the highlight of your trip.
Pure Spa: The Rooftop Hidden Gem
A lot of guests don't even realize there's a spa until their third day. It's called PURE Spa. It's small. It’s intimate. It’s located on the 11th floor. Because it’s high up, the views of the coastline are dizzying in the best way possible. They use high-end products and the treatments are focused on "well-being," which is a fancy way of saying they want you to walk out feeling like a noodle.
Managing Your Expectations
Look, it’s a luxury resort, but it’s a busy one. During school holidays, there are a lot of kids. If you’re looking for a silent, adults-only sanctuary, this might not be it during the month of March or over Christmas break. But if you want a place that feels high-end but also lets you wear flip-flops in the lobby, this is the spot.
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Valet parking is pretty much mandatory given the location, so factor that into your daily budget. It’s not cheap, but that’s the reality of beachfront Florida in 2026. The staff is generally praised for being "on it," but like any major resort, peak check-in times can be a bit of a wait.
Actionable Steps for Your Visit
- Request a North-Side Room: If possible, ask for a room on the north side of the building. It tends to be a bit quieter and offers a clearer view up the coastline toward Pompano Beach.
- Book Brunch in Advance: If you're there on a Sunday, OCEAN2000 fills up with locals who aren't even staying at the hotel. Don't expect to just walk in and get a table on the veranda.
- Check the Tide Charts: The beach at Pelican Grand is beautiful, but at high tide, the "private" beach area can get a bit narrow. Plan your heavy lounging for mid-to-low tide.
- Use the Water Taxi: Walk or take a quick ride down to a Water Taxi stop. It’s the best way to see the "Venice of America" (the mansions in the Intracoastal) without paying for a private charter.
- Hit the Gym Early: The fitness center has floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the ocean. It’s one of the few hotel gyms where people actually want to be on the treadmill because the view is better than Netflix.
Staying at the Pelican Grand Beach Resort Florida isn't about being in the middle of the neon lights of South Beach. It's about that specific feeling of waking up, walking out of your room, and being on the sand in approximately sixty seconds. For many, that’s the only luxury that actually matters.