I think one reason this hotel has had a number of mixed reviews is that some of us remember it as the family-owned Pelican Beach resort with a Best Western affiliation and a warm, family-owned atmosphere _ and one of the best complimentary continetal breakfasts I've ever experienced. Parking was also free. The accommodation was comfortable, but not luxurious, but it was good value considering the wonderful location.
Inevitably, the family decided to expand, tore down most of its existing buildings and erected the luxurious new highrise which now dominates the skyline. Initially, efforts were made to keep its old customers coming: the prices didn't suddenly become stratospheric, and the Pelican retained its sense of welcome and warmth. Unfortunately, this didn't last very long. They wanted to offer the amenities of a resort hotel, which has far different requirements from what this location once was, and it wasn't succeeding. Inevitably, despite the best of efforts it was becoming more impersonal. Then it was sold and the new owners had an enirely different agenda - to turn it into a luxury resort hotel with some units being sold as condos. I stayed at the Pelican Beach the week its BW affiliation ended and overnight its room rates soared.
The problem is that despite the quality of the rooms, its over-all operation doesn't meet luxury standards, and you have the sense of being gouged at every turn. The valet parking system is a nightmare and horrendously expensive. Breakfast is not good value, yet you can't eat anywhere else unless you have the valet call up the car. The pool area is picturesqute but not especially functional. Charges are exhorbitant for rooms in the old section, and frequently there's a certain amateurishness in the performance of the staff. During my last stay, for example, we were constantly having to chase down the people who staffed the ice cream parlor because they were never there. The so-called business centre was a joke, and the front desk staff quite snippy if you complained.
Bottom line: The old Pelican beach was certainly not as luxurious, but it was a lot more enjoyable _ and far better value









