The hype
Families love the lazy river and beach access, but couples often find it too chaotic and overpriced.
Pelican Grand Beach Resort
$250-450/ night
Book this if You want the only lazy river in Fort Lauderdale and a hotel that actually sits directly on the sand, not across the street from it.
Why People Love It
- Zero-entry pool and lazy river are a hit with families
- Old Florida 'Southern Belle' architecture with a massive rocking-chair veranda
- Direct beach access (rare for Fort Lauderdale where A1A usually blocks the way)
Quick Take: A charming, slightly fading grand dame that charges five-star prices for a four-star experience that relies heavily on its killer location.
Reviewed by @ettevi_wanderlust: After seven hours on the road, checking into this suite was the ultimate relief. I spent hours just spinning on the balcony and soaking in that ocean view. It feels so grand but peaceful—totally worth the trip for this specific room experience.
Guest Who Stayed Here Said
Reality check
The 'Old Florida' charm is starting to look just 'old' in some spots—expect worn carpets and dated bathrooms unless you book a renovated suite.
- You have kids who can float in a lazy river for 6 hours straight
- You refuse to cross a highway to get to the beach
- You appreciate a quieter, residential neighborhood vibe over the party strip
Cleanliness & Maintenance
7
- Housekeeping: Inconsistent. Some guests report missed spots and rushed service, while others find it adequate.
- Bathroom hygiene: Older bathrooms show their age with grout discoloration and worn fixtures, though generally sanitized.
- Maintenance: The building is fighting the salt air. Expect peeling paint on balconies, slow drains, and occasional musty smells in hallways.
- Linens & towels: Towels can be scratchy and the 'one towel' policy makes getting fresh ones a chore.
- Odors & scents: Common complaints of damp/musty smells in older carpeted rooms and hallways.
Sleepability™
7MODERATE
0-4LOUD
4-7.5MODERATE
7.5-10SILENT
- Noisy, slow elevators near the central rooms
- Thin connecting doors between rooms
- Hallway chatter echoing on tile floors
Before you book
Good to know
- The resort fee is ~$57/night and includes beach chairs and umbrellas (a legit value here)
- There is no self-parking; valet is the only option
- Beach chair service ends early (around 5pm), so don't expect sunset service
What to pack
- Your own beach towel (to avoid the towel card hassle)
- Insulated cup for drinks on the lazy river
- White noise machine if you're a light sleeper
Room Genie
Best picks
- Oceanfront Suite (high floor) for the best sunrise views and separation from hallway noise
- Corner suites for a wider balcony and more light
Rooms to avoid
- City Lights rooms (view of the parking lot/street)
- Rooms near the service elevator (constant clanging and staff traffic)
- Lower floor rooms near the pool (noise from the lazy river crowds)
Room Request Genie – copy & paste
“I am requesting a high-floor Oceanfront room, specifically away from the service elevators and ice machines. If possible, I'd prefer the North Tower for a quieter stay.”
FAQ & Hidden tips
Everything you actually want to know before you book.
Is the lazy river heated?
Yes, the pool and lazy river are heated, making them usable even on cooler winter days.
Can I walk to restaurants?
Sort of. Sandbar Grille is next door, but for real dining options, you'll need to drive or Uber south to the main strip.
Is it pet friendly?
No, pets are not allowed (service animals only).
Does the room have a microwave?
Most standard rooms have a mini-fridge but no microwave. Suites may have them, or you can request one (subject to availability).
Is the beach private?
Technically yes, it's a 500-foot stretch directly in front of the hotel, which is much quieter than the public beaches south of here.
How much is the hold on my credit card?
Expect a hold of around $100-150 per night for incidentals, released after checkout.
Insider Tips
- ✨
Walk next door to the Sun Tower Hotel for the 'Sandbar Grille'—better food prices and a great local vibe.
- ✨
The 'Emporium' ice cream shop in the lobby is a hidden gem for late-night sugar cravings.
- ✨
Grab a rocking chair on the veranda for sunrise; it's the most peaceful spot on the property.
5 things to know before you go
💡The 'City View' rooms actually look at a fairly busy road and condos, not a glittering skyline.
💡The elevators are a constant source of guest frustration—slow, hot, and often broken.
💡You have to use a 'towel card' system at the pool, and they will charge you if you lose the card.
💡The gym is tiny and often neglected, with missing weights and older machines.
💡The $10 daily food & beverage credit included in the resort fee is use-it-or-lose-it and barely buys a coffee.
Local Playbook
Map
See where Pelican Grand Beach Resort is located and what's nearby.