Spread along Fort Lauderdale’s pristine beachfront, the Pelican Grand Beach Resort pairs Old Florida seaside grandeur with modern elegance. In 2019 alone it earned a “Top 30 Resorts in Florida” from Condé Nast Traveler and a “Silver Badge” for “Best Hotels in Fort Lauderdale” from the U.S. News & World Report. Simply put, visitors can expect a chic, coastal, waterfront retreat.
Part of the Noble House Hotels & Resorts collection the Pelican Grand Beach Resort is one of the only true beachfront, boutique resorts along Fort Lauderdale’s coast. In other words, there are no roads or traffic between the rooms and water once you are at the resort. The Pelican Grand also holds the distinction of having Fort Lauderdale’s only “lazy river” – a relaxing shallow pool which functions like a river, in case you haven’t had the pleasure of riding in one – which itself overlooks the Atlantic Ocean.
The Pelican Grand is also home to the acclaimed PURE Spa and the excellent OCEAN2000 restaurant, both of which I had the pleasure of visiting in January 2020. Beyond my visit, I had the pleasure of doing Q&A with the resort’s Director of Sales & Catering, Shelley Berry, as printed more. More on the resort can be found online by visiting www.pelicanbeach.com.
What was your entry into the hospitality world? Did you always know you wanted to work for a major resort?
Shelley Berry: I started my career in hotels on the culinary side. I had the opportunity to work for a large hotel in Daytona Beach and worked my way up to the position of Sous Chef overseeing both banquet and outlet culinary. I eventually moved into the Banquet Manager position overseeing events up to 1,000 guests. I had the opportunity to move into Conference Services and Catering Sales and continued this throughout my career with boutique luxury hotels.
How would you describe the Pelican Grand Beach Resort to someone who hasn’t yet been there?
Shelley Berry: As a an elegant beachfront boutique hotel with old Floridian grandeur! We always like to boast that it’s truly a luxurious hideaway found off the beaten path in Fort Lauderdale.
Do you have a favorite amenity on-site? The lazy river?
Shelley Berry: The lazy river is really a must on my list, (especially for families — it’s the only one in Fort Lauderdale — but my overall favorite amenity would have to be our Scandinavian-inspired PURE Spa located on the 11th floor rooftop. It has the most breathtaking views with floor-to-ceiling glass windows surrounding the space.
What about your great restaurant on-site — do you have any favorite items on the menu?
Shelley Berry: OCEAN2000 is known for our Sunday brunch which is complimented with an unlimited build-your-own Bloody Mary Bar with more than 50+ toppings to choose from. For dinner, we love to promote OCEAN2000 as the destination for “toes-in-the-sand dining” where guests can embrace the spectacular views of the beach while enjoying a seafood centric menu of contemporary American cuisine, with a distinct emphasis on organic ingredients. One of my favorite dishes is the Pan-roasted Sea Bass with Yukon Gold Mashed Potatoes, Baby Bok Choy and Truffle Nage.
Your hotel is of course beachfront. Has it always looked the way it does now?
Shelley Berry: Yes, most recently in February 2019, the resort completed a $7 million total renovation to our guest rooms. In 2016, we also created the 12th floor “Sky Suite” penthouse and 11th floor “Pure Suite,” which are the stunning oceanfront suites. And in 2015 we doubled the oceanfront meeting and event space to 10,000 sq. ft., offering waterfront event venues.
Is there a best or ideal time of year to visit?
Shelley Berry: The best time of year to visit is December through May.
What is coming up for the Pelican Grand Beach Resort in later 2020? Any special events or promotions?
Shelley Berry: We always have a handful of promotions being offered yearly such as our “4th night on us” and “Florida residents” packages, along with some fun activations we have coming up as well which include “Bubbly Saturdays” at our O2K lounge, “Coconut Races” in our lazy river, “Wine down Wednesdays” and so much more!
Finally, any last words for the kids
Shelley Berry: If you’re looking for the ultimate relaxing vacation destination with the most stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean, then please visit www.pelicanbeach.com.
