Gay-Friendly Pelican Grand Beach Resort – Ft. Lauderdale
Pelican Grand Beach Resort | 2000 North Ocean Blvd | Fort Lauderdale, FL 33305 | 1-866-905-8042
This past June I had the pleasure of being hosted at Pelican Grand Beach Resort in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
Sitting directly on the Atlantic Ocean, Pelican Grand Beach Resort boasts breathtaking views and instantly surrounds guests with a sense of old Florida grandeur. From elegant beachfront dining at OCEAN2000 or a ride in their Lazy River, this 500-foot private beach resort is the perfect setting for families, groups, or a romantic getaway.
The check-in process was smooth and quick, and before I knew it, my colleague and I were stepping inside our beautiful seaside king suite.
The room was calming with its tranquil seaside decor and breathtaking, panoramic ocean views from our private balcony.
As someone who often works from the road, I really enjoyed the separate living room area, which makes an excellent place to do work while enjoying gorgeous views.
The suite is 632 square feet and has a luxe bathroom with rainfall shower and dual vanity (tub is available upon request).
Learn more about all available room types at Pelican Grand Beach Resort by clicking HERE.
After getting settled in and soaking in the views, we decided to explore the resort a bit before heading to dinner at Ocean2000.
One of the first things I noticed in the lobby was the Pelican Grand Beach Resort Pride poster, proudly placed on an easel, stating the resort supports ALL LOVE.
Its unfortunate to think in this day and age being reminded of this is critical as a member of the LGBTQIA community, but it is—so this warmed our hearts. And, after having stayed here personally, I can attest that the Pelican Grand Beach Resort is indeed very gay friendly.
The lobby is absolutely stunning. There is lots of comfortable seating to just sit back and relax, as well as an entrance to their oceanfront beach. You can also access both of the resort’s onsite restaurants, Ocean2000 and OK2 Lounge.
Also accessible is The Emporium Ice Cream Parlor, which is open daily and offers a wide array of ice cream flavors, coffee and espresso beverages,s and other snacks. They also have souvenirs and other vacationing needs available.
The OK2 Lounge is the resort’s beachside lounge, offering live music and local flavors. The lounge overlooks both the pool and Atlantic Ocean, and is the perfect spot to enjoy your favorite drinks and food.
We had dinner reservations at Ocean2000, which, simply put, was perfection!
This is the resort’s signature restaurant and is absolutely stunning.
The atmosphere provides a hip, modern boho design with a laid-back sophistication.
There is a mix of earthy and airy tones that flows effortlessly onto their al fresco veranda, which overlooks the gorgeous Atlantic Ocean.
My colleague and I were constantly oohing and ahhing over each bite.
To start, we ordered their house-made bread which included fresh popovers (to die for! ), multigrain rolls, and the chef’s seasonal butter. There was steam rising from the popover as we broke it in half.
I don’t think either of us have stopped talking about those popovers since arriving back home! Yes, that good!
I ordered their 8oz Center Cut Filet served with a balsamic port wine reduction and roasted potatoes. It was so delicious that I finished every last bite!
My colleague, Kim, ordered their Seafood Risotto made of lobster, scallops, shrimp, seasonal black truffle, and mascarpone cheese. She raved about her dinner as well!
For dessert, we shared the restaurant’s special that evening: chocolate bread pudding (my favorite!)
The next morning I awoke to the most magnificent sunrise.
Look at these photos! They don’t even do it justice, but they get pretty close.
I couldn’t believe the stillness of the ocean. The silence of the beach.
I remember thinking to myself that I hadn’t felt THAT relaxed in ages! It was truly a sight to be seen!
For breakfast, we were treated to the resort’s magical Golden Sunrise experience at Ocean2000.
The day begins with the golden glow of sunrise over the resort’s private beach, as you relax from the comfort of your private verandah table.
The breakfast begins with a chilled bottle of Nicholas Feuillatte champagne and fruit juice to enjoy mimosas, of course! Next, you receive a curated selection of freshly baked pastries and tropical fruits.
We started the experience outside, where the table was decorated with colorful throw blankets, binoculars to take in the views, and a beautiful coastal book to thumb through.
Due to it being excessively hot and humid this particular morning, we moved to Ocean2000’s air-conditioned inside, which still provided just as spectacular ocean views.
Not only was the experience superb, so was the service! I want to make special note of the waiters we experienced during our dinner and two breakfast experiences at Ocean2000. Unfortunately, I forgot to write down their names, but they were truly accommodating and friendly.
After our Golden Sunrise Experience breakfast, we had wanted to spend time at the beach and/or pool, but unfortunately afternoon storms rolled in, so we were unable to do so this time around (we were only at the resort for two nights). We will definitely be making use of these amenities next time around!
The resort has its own private beach area and offers lots of beach and watersport activities, including everything from paddle boarding, kayaking, parasailing, and snorkeling. You can learn more about Pelican Grand Beach Resort’s water activities HERE.
The resort’s pool has zero entry and the ONLY Lazy River in Fort Lauderdale!
As a hotel guest, you receive access to lounge chairs, towels, and umbrellas for both the beach and pool.
Yes, there is a $50 plus tax per day, per room resort amenities fee, which includes:
- Complimentary transportation to popular destinations nearby
- Concierge and Business Center services
- Access to Fitness Center
- Assorted beach games & activities
- Lounge chairs, towels, and umbrellas for Pool & Beach
- 2 complimentary bottles of water upon arrival
- Robes & slippers are available upon request.
- Preferred Pricing for Beach Adventures, and Water Taxi (1 complimentary ticket per stay)
- 20% off the purchase of the plush Pelican mascot
- Priority Reservations at OCEAN2000 restaurant, PURE Spa, and Funky Fish Ocean Camp. *Based on availability.
Learn more HERE.
Also onsite, you will find PURE Spa, the resort’s local, luxury spa.
It is described as…. A rooftop boutique spa with soothing spaces and relaxing cabanas, PURE Spa is immersed in Swedish well-being. Our views of the ocean play a crucial role in the calming environment throughout the spa. You will find natural products by Maria Akerberg, our exclusive partner, in all the treatments we offer. These products are lauded by spa professionals around the world. Maria personally educates our carefully selected team to ensure your complete satisfaction.
Learn more about PURE Spa at Pelican Grand Beach Resort HERE.
I also want to note what a great event venue this would make, especially for a wedding or professional event.
They have fantastic spaces available for you to rent.
Learn about weddings HERE.
Learn more about meetings/events HERE.
Everything about our stay at Pelican Grand Beach Resort was, well, GRAND! We were treated so wonderfully from the second we arrived until checkout.
The resort has this elegant, laid back vibe to it that is so welcoming and pleasant.
The fellow guests we encountered were full of smiles and small talk, as was the staff.
I can’t say enough about our experience here.
Gay Travel Information highly recommends a stay here, as it is important for us to support the businesses that support our community.
Thank you, Pelican Grand Beach Resort, for such an excellent stay!