There is just something about waking up to the waves crashing outside your balcony or witnessing the sun rise over the Atlantic Ocean. In Fort Lauderdale, the Pelican Grand Beach Resort, basking in the glow of a recent multi-million-dollar re-imagination, places you beachside with views for miles along 500 feet of beachfront. And did I mention, a lazy river, zero entry pool and a divine spa?
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Photos courtesy of Pelican Grand
Grand time with the kids
The Pelican Grand Beach Resort in Fort Lauderdale
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Photographer:Per Sjoborg
Grand time with the kids
The Pelican Grand Beach Resort in Fort Lauderdale
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Photos courtesy of Pelican Grand
Grand time with the kids
The Emporium at the Pelican Grand Beach Resort in Fort Lauderdale
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Per Sjoborg.per@picstop.se
Grand time with the kids
The Sky Suite at the Pelican Grand Beach Resort in Fort Lauderdale
This resort, named by Coastal Living magazine as one of the Top 10 beach hotels in Florida, boasts an Old Florida grandeur with seaside elegance in a coastal-chic waterfront retreat. The Pelican Grand coupled with Fort Lauderdale as a destination to explore, even for those of us who call Southwest Florida home, is a must–do getaway.
“Families that want the experience of a true family beach vacation, with the benefits of a 4-star resort, embrace Pelican Grand for its close proximity to many South Florida communities,” says Bill Foster, regional director of marketing at Noble House Hotels & Resorts. “The Pelican Grand Beach Resort is a gracious and beautiful option for families wanting to make great memories.
“… It’s far from the noise and activity of Miami Beach, and our serene stretch of white sand welcomes families with open arms. The resort’s ocean front verandahs, complete with comfy rocking chairs, offer a careful nod to the grandeur of Old Florida — perfect for family time.”
The resort is welcoming, fun and very appropriate for children.
“From the lazy river pool to The Emporium ice cream parlor, the kids truly enjoy every minute of the day,” Bill says.
Fort Myers mom and owner of Gulfshore Trucking Terra Anderson concurs. She and her husband and two daughters have stayed at the resort several times over past three years.
“A couple of years ago, when we started going to the Bahamas out of Fort Lauderdale, I was looking for a kid-friendly place to go the night before we left out early in the morning,” she explains. “I initially selected the Pelican Grand, because the pictures of the rooms were beautiful and for the property amenities — especially the lazy river and the views from the room being right on the beach.”
Besides location, Terra says what her family liked even more were the amenities and the overall feel of the resort.
“It reminds me of an oversized Southern plantation mixed with Tommy Bahama style,” she says. “When you walk in, you feel like you are in a 5-star luxury hotel. The rooms have the same Tommy Bahama feel and open up to a large balcony to enjoy the Atlantic Ocean view.”
There are 156 guestrooms and suites, including two suites added in 2016: the 12th floor Sky Suite penthouse (starting at $1,900 a night) and the 11th floor Pure Suite.
Terra says her family has stayed in two types of rooms. “One that was just a big room on the corner, but my favorite was the suite. It had two queen beds, then basically a separate room where there was a fold-out couch that led out to the balcony,” she says.
The resort offers a 20 percent discount off standard room rates for Florida residents in addition to other specials.
“The pool area is large and has a bar right off of it where you can enjoy yummy appetizers, and it has a great drink selection. You already feel like you are in the islands,” Terra says. “My kids thoroughly enjoyed the lazy river part, which is separate from the main pool.”
While soaking in the sun at the Pelican Grand, Bill recommends families grab a float and spend the day in Fort Lauderdale’s only Lazy River, head to the beach and paddleboard, and indulge in a meal at OCEAN2000, which is situated on the beachfront.
“While Sunday brunch is perfect for the whole family, parents can treat themselves to the unlimited Bloody Mary bar, complete with 50 toppings,” he adds.
Another resort offering is its PURE Spa, where guests can rejuvenate in the nearly 3,000-square-foot, luxury 11th-floor oceanfront retreat. Expanded treatments were added in 2016, and the spa is based on the concept of overall well-being and the Swedish lifestyle, according to Bill. There are even two outdoor spa cabanas.
The city itself is a water lover’s paradise. Bill suggests guests enjoy the resort’s prime beachfront location with sailing, yachting, surfing, paddleboarding, deep-sea fishing charters and water taxi cruises.
“Take a ride on the water taxi up and down Florida’s Intracoastal Waterway, take in the Riverwalk District for an evening concert, stroll down A1A to Hugh Taylor Birch State Park with countless things to see on the way,” Bill also recommends. “From Las Olas Boulevard with boutique shopping and chic cafes to fine art museums and breathtaking gardens, Fort Lauderdale provides high fashion, historic homes and miles of white-sand beaches, just steps outside the resort.”