ABSOLUTELY THE BEST BEACH RESORT IN FORT LAUDERDALE

A few months ago, our 93-yr.-old Dad said he'd like to see the ocean crash on the shore one more time. My sister & I decided to fulfill that wish by taking him to Ft. Lauderdale. I couldn't have scripted a more perfect location than Pelican Grand Beach Resort. Our 9th floor room overlooking the ocean was centrally located near both elevator & ice machine, though I never heard noise from either one. I could, however, experience the amazing sound of the ocean waves right outside our balcony door. Dad could not stop exclaiming "This is a beautiful place!" the entire stay, & absolutely loved the room in particular & the hotel in general. We ate in the "bar" cafe our first night & the fresh grilled fish sandwich was delicious. Dad loves his ice cream, so having an ice cream parlor in the lobby area was like a dream come true for him. That said, 6 bucks for a root beer float is crazy, even by hotel standards (2 scoops of Edy's & a can of Barq's - at least they gave him the whole can). Staff couldn't have been nicer or more accomodating. Breakfast on the veranda was one highlight of many here. Another was the zero-entry pool & the lazy river, both heated to a nice temp. Having it quite warm was great for Dad, since we walked him into the pool for his first swim in probably 30 years or more, and he LOVED it. We have video of him with his arms folded on top of an innertube, floating down the lazy river. We also sprang for the Sunday brunch and couldn't really eat the rest of the day, so much to choose from! Beds were comfy, but I can't say I would necessarily put anyone but a small child on the pullout sofa. I thought it was full-sized, but it was twin from what I could tell ( I sleep nightly on a full-size bed). Having been informed of this issue ahead of time by our host, I packed an inflatable bed & pump in my carry-on, which worked out great for us. For anyone interested, a queen-size, double-height air bed along with electric pump weighs 20 lbs. & will fit in a wheeled carry-on, no problem.

Dad already wants to know when we're going back, and can't stop talking about this trip. I am so thankful to be able to have these memories!

Although this trip was about our father, my sister & I had a blast too. Take a water taxi ride - DO IT!! Try to get on with Steven & Jim, they're the best! Visited Bonnet House & spent an afternoon in Hollywood. Visit Jake's At The Beach Saturday afternoon, you won't regret it - the regular Saturday band Curbstone ROCKS!!