PELICAN GRAND BEACH RESORT 

Fort Lauderdale’s Favorite Beachfront Escape

By Stacey Zable

Pelican Grand Beach Resort offers its guests a relaxing respite with direct access to Fort Lauderdale’s white sands. Located less than two miles from the high-energy atmosphere of restaurants, bars, shops, Pelican Grand is perfect for those who enjoy all that the city offers while taking advantage of the resort’s more laid-back ambiance when they return from a day or night out.

Guests will discover that a stay at Pelican Grand, a member of Noble House Hotels & Resorts, boasts a throwback feel with an Old Florida coastal chic vibe. A favorite area at the resort is its covered oceanfront veranda. It is lined with classic rocking chairs, making it the ideal spot to watch the waves, read a book, or even listen to the live music offered on the veranda on Thursday to Sunday evenings.

WATER VIEWS
Of course, what lies in front of the veranda draws most guests to the resort, the 500 feet of white sands, and the Atlantic Ocean. Hotel umbrellas and lounge chairs are set up for guests’ use for a day of lounging at the beach. Better yet, guests can spend part of the day in the water. Among the fun options is a SEABOB snorkel adventure right from Pelican Grand’s sands. Beach Ventures (flbeachventures.com) organizes guided tours on these cool individual motorized water vehicles that take guests above and under the water. Another option is onsite paddleboarding rentals available through the front desk.

The resort also has a zero-entry oceanfront pool with a deck featuring DJ spinning tunes. In addition, a small lazy river with complimentary float tubes aims to keep younger guests happy. Kids can also participate in the offered Funky Fish Ocean Camp for one day or multiple days while staying at Pelican Grand. Each day includes lunch and has a different theme. Depending on the day, kids get to snorkel, make tie-dye t-shirts, go boogie board or skimboarding, make jewelry, and participate in a beach clean-up. The resort also has a special welcome sign-up area for children when guests first check-in.

Water views are part of the experience at the intimate PURE Spa located on the 11th floor of the resort. Guests can choose a la carte treatments for body, bath, and face or packages that include multiple therapies for a relaxing experience.

Other activities for guests can include movie nights, board games, scavenger hunts, sandcastle building, and more.

DINING WITH A VIEW
Pelican Grand’s oceanfront veranda is also where guests eat for outdoor dining (indoor dining is another option offered) for its OCEAN2000  restaurant for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The service and cuisine are excellent and feature a menu with a choice of appetizers, salads, seafood, and meat for lunch and dinner. Breakfast options are as expansive with large servings to kickstart guests’ days. In addition, OCEAN2000 provides a special menu for the beach and pool if guests can’t pull themselves away from the sun. The O2K Lounge offers inside and outdoor seating for lively fun for drinks and food. In-room dining is available from 7 am to 10 pm if guests prefer to dine privately on their terraces. For treats, The Emporium is reminiscent of an old-fashioned ice cream parlor from the 1950s and serves coffee, candy, and bakery items and sells cute gifts.

ROOMS & SUITES
The resort boasts 144 guest rooms and suites with either city or ocean views. The Seaside Suites offer a separate living room and small dinette area with an additional television. Several years ago, the resort completed a $7 million renovation that combined Old Florida charm with modern and boho-inspired design. Special resort packages can include accommodations and resort and dining credits at Ocean2000.

For more information on Pelican Grand Beach Resort, visit: pelicanbeach.com

EXPLORING FORT LAUDERDALE

Pelican Grand is approximately four miles from Las Olas Boulevard, where guests can enjoy boutique shopping, cafes, and nightlife. Las Olas is also part of the 22-block Riverwalk Arts & Entertainment District, home to the Broward Center for the Performing Arts, Florida Grand Opera, Fort Lauderdale History Center, NSU Art Museum Fort Lauderdale, and the Stranahan House, a preserved home from the 1900s. Boat and catamaran rentals, wave runners, parasailing, diving, kayaking, and more take advantage of Fort Lauderdale’s ocean and Intracoastal Waterways and canals. The town of Lauderdale-by-the-Sea continues the throwback Old Florida feel and is approximately three miles north of Pelican Grand. Here, guests will find a walkable beach town with quaint shops, small restaurants, cafes, and a fishing pier. Info: sunny.org for more on the Greater Fort Lauderdale area.

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