Pelican Cove Resort & Marina

Pelican Cove Resort Marina Hotel Islamorada was renovated in 2014 and feels a bit more sleek and stylish than some of the other local properties. The condo-style buildings are painted off-white and are surrounded by clay-colored stone driveways lined with bright-green leafy shrubs, trees, and tall palms. Inside, the lobby aims for an upscale, natural aesthetic, with a sleek wooden bench, herringbone floors, and white wicker chairs before a stylish, wood-top front desk. The Cabana Bar is similarly decorated with round, wood-laminate tables and bright-yellow metal chairs. The open-air bar area has a pitched white roof adorned with ceiling fans and decorative woven spheres entwined by twinkling lights. Some of this trendy decor feels a bit divorced from the local Florida spirit, though it's attractive, and the natural setting and saltwater lagoon beach are undeniably pleasant. Guests are a mix of families and couples. 

The resort is conveniently located for exploring the Islamorada sights, situated just off the Overseas Highway. There are several attractions a short drive away from the property, such as the History of Diving Museum (three-minute drive), the Theater of the Sea (two-minute drive), and the Lignumvitae Key Botanical State Park (10-minute drive). There are several restaurants within an easy, five-minute drive as well, including Lorelei Restaurant & Cabana Bar, The Islamorada Fishing Company, and The Beach Cafe at Morada Bay. Miami is about 90 minutes away, while Key West can be reached in under two hours.

Guest rooms have a natural-chic aesthetic similar to the rest of the property, with decor that includes brown tile floors, beige walls and curtains, light-wood-laminate headboards and dressers, and all-white beds. The only pops of color come in the form of tabletop orchids and horizontal beach photography prints hanging behind beds. All rooms have air-conditioning, work desks, flat-screen TVs with cable, coffeemakers, mini-fridges, safes, ironing facilities, and furnished balconies with views of the marina or ocean. Beach chairs and towels are provided. Bathrooms are modern and all-white, with wood-laminate vanities and shower/tub combos. Each standard room has either two queen-size beds or a king-size bed and a queen-size sleeper sofa. Junior Suites are available, as are one-bedroom Suites with living rooms and large, oceanfront balconies. 

The property has a covered bar that's open until the evening serving light lunches and snacks, plus free breakfast is served daily, though some guests find the selection of fruit, toast, and bagels bland. The lovely outdoor pool and hot tub offer views of the water, and there's also a small, saltwater lagoon beach. Guests can explore the bay with kayaks, water-bikes, and paddleboards. Beach cruisers are also available, and there's a tennis court on-site. The marina and boat slips are available to guests, and fishing charters and eco-tours can be booked by hotel staff. The hotel has a beautiful meeting room with natural wood walls, white wicker chairs around a long wooden table, and loads of natural light flooding in through a wall of windows. Pelican Cove charges a daily resort fee, however, which includes amenities like Wi-Fi, breakfast, and non-motorized water sports.