Pelican Hotel Miami Beach — Hotel in Miami Beach

Update: Manager called to apologize the next day, I was informed they won't be using this transportation service in the future, and they refunded us the difference. I appreciate them for taking the time to follow up with this, remedy this, and hear us out.

See previous review below:

I stayed with my partner at the Pelican Hotel last night for our 2 year anniversary together.

Everything was great initially - the service was amazing from the front desk people and the front desk concierge who welcomed us in. It made me feel very welcomed and excited to stay in the hotel and in Miami Beach, as this was our first time here.

Thomas, one of the front desk members, helped check us out. He was great to talk to, and I developed trust in him from our small talk. I was about to grab an Uber for us to get to our next destination, as we always use Uber as our trusted mode of transportation. My partner went to the washroom. During that time, Thomas asked whether I would be interested in getting my bags carried for me, as he would "hate to see me have to carry my own luggage up to my hotel". He offered another mode of transportation that he mentioned was competitive in pricing with Uber and would transport our luggage into our next hotel room. I was open to it as I assumed the Pelican Hotel or he would get a financial kickback, and I'm happy to support the business. Otherwise, I really don't care much for what mode of transportation we use or getting luggages (2 small suitcases) transported either. I asked him how much it would cost, and he did not give provide a straight answer. He simply claimed it was competitive with Uber twice. At the time, Uber quoted $26.91 USD to get to our next destination, the Miami Pullman Airport. I agreed to this service.

What happened next was unexpected and very upsetting. 5-7 minutes later, a woman pulls up in a sweater and baggy jeans. She took my luggage and my partner carried his own. She wasn't very welcoming or talkative during the ride and had sighed once. The driver sped on the way to our next hotel and passed many cars. She seemed to be in a rush and not wanting to be there. I was looking out the window half of the time, afraid that we might crash and it was difficult for me to relax. She was going over 70km/hr in areas where the max was 50km/hr. It was not a pleasant experience and as someone who isn't fond of going at high speeds with other cars around, I was a bit fearful. I found this to be incredibly unprofessional and dangerous. Then, when we pulled up to the hotel, I'm not sure how she calculated it, but she quoted me $68 USD. I mentioned to her that the hotel front desk mentioned it would be competitive to Uber pricing and that Uber quoted my $27 USD. She scoffed and said no, this is a private transportation service. I would never have ordered this service if I knew it would cost us 2.5x the price, and for even worst of an experience. Worst part? She didn't even bring our luggage's up to the hotel or walk us to the hotel door! She just left after we got our luggage's from her trunk. Bringing our luggage's to the room was main 'selling point' that Thomas emphasized. Even though I really didn't care for it, it makes it worst that this promised wasn't even fulfilled. I was very upset, frustrated and angry, as I felt deceived. The drive wasn't even a good experience; I've had way better experiences with Uber, and ended up walking into the hotel in tears.

I hope this does not happen to anyone else because it really ruined my experience at the hotel and for the rest of the night. I am surprised at what people would do just for a bit of financial kickback, which I imagine was the case and the incentive for him to suggest this service. I would have rated it 5 stars from my experience with the initial front desk concierge. This is now down to 2 stars. I feel deceived and I don't think this is right. I find it quite unprofessional of the front desk to have allowed...

The hotel itself was absolutely great, however the deals with the restaurant leaves a lot to be desired as the restaurant has a lot of restrictions that they don't tell you about. For example, we were told that as a guest we would receive a 30% discount on all food and get 2 free drinks each during happy hour. On our 1st night we sat to eat dinner and confirmed with the waitress that we would get the 30% discount. We saw fajitas on the board menu on the street but when she brought us the menu fajitas were not listed. We asked about them and she said we could still order them. They were listed to come with 4 flour tortillas but ours only came with 3 each plus we ordered them with cheese and lettuce and we didnt get either. When we asked about that she said they didnt come with lettuce but would bring the cheese. After we each finished the 3 tortillas we had we still had more to put into another so we asked for 2 more and she brought out 4 (which again is what we should have received to begin with). We finished our meal and when she brought the check I immediately noticed there was no discount and that she charged us $3 each for cheese and $3 for the extra tortillas. I asked about all of this and she seemed to at that moment not understand what I was saying so I requested a manager. He came over and proceeded to tell me that the fajitas are part of the bar menu and is not part of the discount. I told him I asked about the discount and the fajitas before ordering and was not told in anyway that information. I then asked about the extra charges and stated we didn't even get the right amount as stated on the menu and that's why we needed 2 more and was not told there was an another charge for cheese. At that point he said, "well I'm sorry but that's how it is" and walked away. I did not spend another dime for the next 3 days in that place. We also got free breakfast but the options were very limited and the 2 free drinks options were only a local beer, a glass of white wine or mojito (which I don't drink any of that). Luckily the folks at the hotel itself has a much better demeanor! Carlos is a rockstar! When we were checking out he asked how was our stay and I told him the hotel itself was wonderful but the restaurant service was awful! I explained what happened on the 1st night and he credited us the meal apologizing and stated that never should have happened. I told him we'd probably stay there again but I still couldn't see giving the restaurant any of my money and that does kind of suck cause the food was actually very good however great food with awful service makes for a...

This place is a 32-room boutique hotel tucked inside a classic Art Deco building, and yep, it’s owned by the Rosso family—aka the Diesel fashion folks. So, naturally, it’s got attitude. Every room is a little different, but ours? Small, boho, and full of charm—think mirrored walls, double bed, mini fridge, TV, safe, bathroom, and a tiny window peeking out at the world.

You’re smack in the middle of South Beach, so it’s all about soaking up the vibes. And the Pelican gets that—guests score a free cocktail from 3–6pm, shaken or stirred by Julio, the absolute legend behind the bar who’s been here forever. Grab a drink, post up outside, and enjoy the parade: beach volleyball, Muscle Beach Miami-style, and people strolling by with parrots or snakes (seriously).

Hungry? The in-house Italian chef knows what’s up. Hotel guests get 20% off dinner (yay), though breakfast is full price (boo). If you’re feeling frugal or just need snacks, there’s a CVS nearby and a 24-hour market around the corner.

Now, about those classic U.S. hotel quirks—there’s a “resort fee” of $38 a night (plus tax), which gets you beach towels and two loungers at the beach just a couple minutes away. But if you want a parasol? That’ll be an extra $21. Yep.

Valet parking? $45 a night (plus tax). Usually works fine, takes about 15 minutes. One hiccup for us meant a 50-minute wait on day two, but the manager handled it like a pro and comped a night, so no hard feelings.

For something more low-key, check out Room 55—the rooftop speakeasy with chill vibes and solid drinks. There’s also a little back terrace with skyline views. Not sure if we were technically allowed up there, but hey—no one stopped us.

Staff-wise, most speak Spanish (which is pretty much the norm in South Beach). One person didn’t speak any English, so just a heads up.

Would we stay again?

If you’re into that full South Beach experience—absolutely.

Just know what you’re signing up for: it’s all about style. Think less “white glove service” and more “fashion-forward flair.” No one’s hauling your bags, the valet will watch you unload your luggage and drag them up the steps- and the shower might have a mind of its own. (Hot… cold… surprise!)

But the place looks amazing, the people are cool, and the location? Prime.

It’s South Beach, baby. Wild, weird,...