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

I really loved this hotel; the only 2 things I would change would be; one the $12.00 per day parking fee, that was a little surprise that they didn’t mention and the fact they did not have an adult pool. For an ocean front room this hotel runs about $320+ per night. It's wonderful waking up in the morning and having coffee on the balcony or you can go sit downstairs on the rocking chairs which over look the beach. The food is good at this hotel and service is top notch!

We went on a 5 day get away with friends. The hotel has an intimate feel as it has everything easily accessible. Right of the elevator and your close to beach,pool,valet,front desk,bar and restaurant. Great friendly staff and lovely appointments throughout the hotel, Old Florida Plantation design and feel. Close to everything by car. We will be returning I'm sure.

This hotel has ALOT of potential to be one of the best on the beach in Ft. Lauderdale. The rooms are designed wonderfully!
The lobby, hotel lounge, pool area, back porch, beach - WoW! Just amazing, but...there are several issues w/ the service & operations that just might ruin your stay?
Front Desk - only as helpful as they have to be. We were checked in an hour early after begging, but the desk clerk had an attitude the entire time. The gate to the garage was "stuck" the morning we were checking out, it took an hour to get our car. The front desk just said - well, things like this happen.
Bartenders - the two male bartenders were GREAT! Professional, helpful & enjoying their job. The female bartenders were rude & more interested in chatting w/ each other or going outside to smoke than waiting on guests. We spoke to several other guests in the lounge that felt the same way.
Pool area - BRING your OWN beach towel because if you want a beach towel from the hotel you will have to go thru quite a process to check one out, then return it & that's only if they have them available. The towel experience tends to steal your enjoyment of the beach & pool.
Pool service - forget it! You will either have to beg a waiter to take your order & pray you get your drinks or food in less than an hour. Just walk inside, order & wait.
There are some great staff members, giving great service:
Igor - the bellman! Teddie - housekeeping! The roomservice waiters! The bartender from Cuba! (can't spell his name)
If the MANAGEMENT just provided more training - this would be THE PLACE to stay!