Myself and my husband stayed at the Pelican Motel over the xmas period. We arrived xmas day so was looking for a location not too far from Miami so we could relax before xmas day was over, this is why we chose Key Largo. We hired a car with Hertz from Miami and it was a straightforward drive down. The motel is just off Highway 1 but we did not experience any road noise.

We saw the Pelican's website and like the look of rooms and surrounding area.
We were not disappointed when we arrived. The entrance is lovely, lined with Palm trees and the room was lovely and comfortable. We booked one of the smaller rooms (the Geko)and had read the reviews so was not suprised to see it was quite small. However it was lovely and cosy. The bed was comfortable and you had all you needed. I was unable to bring a hairdryer with me so I asked if I could rent one but was given a brand new one in a box with no charge.
The rooms were cleaned and bedding and towels changed regularly.
The air conditioning was slightly noisy but was needed and you soon got used to the humming noise.

The owners were very friendly and helpful with ideas of where to visit. They have squirrels that live in the palm trees and the owners son let me hand feed one peanuts and he told me they sometimes let him pet them!! They also have 2 cats that lay around in the sun all day.

We loved the fresh coffee, juice and pastries each morning and quite frankly could not see what some other reviewers on this site were complaining about. The accomodation was such good value for money that the complimentary breakfast was a bonus!

The Pelican was exactly what I was expecting from the Florida Keys, laid back waterside living. We made use of the free canoes whilst we were there and that was great fun. But just sitting on the Pelicans jetty watching the sunset in the evening was phenomonal.

There are some nice restaurants nearby and a supermarket and chemist just across the road. You must try Mrs Macs Kitchen. Leave the Pelican on foot and turn right its a couple of shops down on the same side. A real old style diner with food to die for. Try the stone crab claws if they have them they are fantastic. Also the churasco steak. They are open for breakfast lunch and dinner (until about 9pm I think) but are closed Sundays. We went quite a few times it was soo good. Very cheap too.

We had a meal at Snooks Diner on Christmas night which is about a 3 min stroll along the beach from the Pelican. This again was very nice although a bit more expensive so would be good for a special meal out. They also have a Tikki bar there where you can sit and look out to sea with your drink. One evening we watched a shoal of fish jumping out of the water because they were being chased by dolphins. Not your usual night down the pub! They also have live entertainement on here.

There is also a very nice Italian restaurant almost nextdoor can't remember the name but you can't miss it.

Other places worth visiting were the wild bird sanctuary and Robbies where you can feed the Tarpon fish - great fun.

During our time there we drove down to Key West and spent one night there before returning to the Pelican. Whilst Key West was fun I found it much more commercialised than Key Largo and the surrounding area so if your after a more laid back time you can't go wrong staying here.

All in all we had a really enjoyable stay at The Pelican and would not hesitate to recommend it or return in the future if I am lucky enough to be able to.