Pelican Hotel

The Pelican is at 826 Ocean Drive, in the middle of South Beach's best-known strip, so the sand, the Art Deco hotels and the restaurants of Ocean Drive are all on the doorstep. More than 2,100 guests rate it 8.8 out of 10, and the location and friendly service are what they mention most.

Rooms are furnished with antiques and have flat-screen TVs, and some have sea views. Pelican Café serves international food, there's a bar with an early-evening open bar, a gym and room service. Beach chairs and umbrellas are available, and the concierge can help plan trips out.

Worth knowing

Some reviewers hear noise from the lift and a few raise cleanliness concerns, so a room away from the elevator is worth requesting. Check-in is from 4:00 PM and check-out at 11:00 AM. Parking is valet or garage, and pets are welcome, with bowls provided. It suits couples who want to be on Ocean Drive itself rather than a few blocks back.