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Hungry Pelican Motel: Traveller Reviews

TripAdvisor Traveller Reviews

Reviews of Hungry Pelican Motel

( 2-6 of 38 )
“You get what you pay for”

Hungry Pelican Motel

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3 of 5 stars
trickangle
15 Mar 2008

Recently renamed as "The Pelican," not much has changed in the condition of the grounds. As others have said, the place is old. There were some issues with the service. But, for $65 on spring break week for two people (even if the room was tiny), you absolutely cannot beat the price.

Nevertheless, you basically get what you pay for. We encountered a number of problems during our two-night stay. Most annoying were some issues with customer service. First, all guests are given complimentary use of several (total) canoes, kayaks, and a paddleboat, but when we tried to sign up for one at 5 p.m., we were told that the boats are only available until 5:00 to "make sure everyone is back by sunset." This is Florida; the sun doesn't set until 7:30! We only wanted to take it out for an hour. Most frustrating about this policy, though, is that it is not posted anywhere in any of the information pamphlets, nor were we told about this at check-in. So, we were unable to ever use any of the boats, which had been one of our main reasons for staying there.

Another strange customer service lapse came regarding local phone service. Our room had a DVD/VCR player with the TV (not standard at most hotels), which was awesome, but it had no phone. This would not have been a big deal, except that guests are not even allowed to make local phone calls at the office. When I went to the office to ask if I could use the phone, the woman kept me waiting while she finished a personal phone call, then told me I would have to go across the street to use the pay phone at the CVS Pharmacy. This was not a huge deal, but it seemed ludicrous that a paying guest would be refused such a basic amenity when it was so clear they had a phone available.

A third major problem with the motel is the Internet service. Simply put, it doesn't work. Save yourself a huge hassle and don't spend two hours like I did trying to figure out the problem. Just log in to the wireless network of the hotel next door and it will work fine, but do not try to use The Pelican's wireless network.

Despite all these problems, I still give The Pelican 3 stars because of the price. We stayed during high season and couldn't find anything else for less than double what we paid. The room for $65 is tiny -- not much bigger than my closet at home -- but the grounds are nice and not counting the random restrictive policies, the staff was friendly. (By the way, there is no beach for swimming, just a dock for the boats, so don't expect use of a nice private beach -- there isn't one.)

I would definitely recommend this motel to anyone looking at price as their top priority, but if you're seeking something more romantic or better quality, look elsewhere.

  • This TripAdvisor Member:
    • Liked — Price
    • Disliked — Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC
trickangle's Summary
Date of Stay: March 2008
Travelled with: Spouse / significant other
Visit was for: Other
Age group: 18-24
Member since: 14 March 2008
  • My ratings for this hotel are:
    • 3 of 5 stars Value
    • 3 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 3 of 5 stars Location (e.g., convenience, views)
    • 3 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 2 of 5 stars Check-in / front desk
    • 3 of 5 stars Service
    • 1 of 5 stars Business service (e.g., internet access)
Would I recommend this hotel to my best friend?
Most likely
I recommend this hotel for:
Young Singles
I do not recommend this hotel for:
An Amazing Honeymoon, A romantic getaway, People with disabilities, Great pool scene
I selected this hotel as a top choice for:
Beach / Sun, Outdoor / Adventure
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“Nice people, shabby rooms”

Hungry Pelican Motel

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3 of 5 stars
allentown,pa
4 Mar 2008

Wonderful and friendly describes the people who run the place. They are knowledgable about the local rest. and what to do, but the rooms are from the 50's and the toilet leaked and the air conditioner blew right in your face if you are sitting on the couch watching tv. It would have been a deal at $80 bucks but for $200 I expected alot nicer place. The place is really OLD Fla. and is peaceful though.

  • This TripAdvisor Member:
    • Liked — the staff
    • Disliked — the room
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC
glentabor's Summary
Date of Stay: February 2008
Travelled with: Spouse / significant other
Visit was for: Romantic getaway
Age group: 35-49
Member since: 30 September 2007
  • My ratings for this hotel are:
    • 2 of 5 stars Value
    • 1 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 5 of 5 stars Location (e.g., convenience, views)
    • 2 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 5 of 5 stars Check-in / front desk
    • 5 of 5 stars Service
    • 3 of 5 stars Business service (e.g., internet access)
Would I recommend this hotel to my best friend?
Probably not
I recommend this hotel for:
Young Singles
I do not recommend this hotel for:
Young Singles, An Amazing Honeymoon, A romantic getaway, Girlfriend getaway, People with disabilities, Older Travellers, Great pool scene, pet owners, Families with Small Children, Families with Teenagers
I selected this hotel as a top choice for:
Beach / Sun
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“Beautiful setting”

Hungry Pelican Motel

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3 of 5 stars
Norwich, United Kingdom
7 Feb 2008
1/1 found this review helpful

This motel is in a attractive, peaceful Bayside setting. We stayed in the Dolphin room next to the reception desk, and had access to the 'beach' and jetty.
I say 'beach' because it wasn't particularly sandy, and access to the water was from the motel's boat ramp. We sat out and watched the sun go down from the pier (the best sunset we saw in the Keys) and watched a fisherman feed a visiting Pelican. Beware, I was later told that the fisherman had seen a shark's fin in the water earlier that day.
The accommodation had a nautical theme over two bedrooms, dining room and kitchenette and bathroom - ideal for a family. There was only two of us so it meant we had room to spread out. It was clean and serviced daily (we were there for two nights). The shower's power kept wavering, but otherwise great. Breakfast wasn't much however. But the owners obviously put a lot of effort into making this a great place.
Excellent Latin cafe in Key Largo - try the chicken, rice and beans with plantain. Beautiful and authentic.

  • This TripAdvisor Member:
    • Liked — The setting
    • Disliked — the small bathroom
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC
Naz79's Summary
Date of Stay: December 2007
Travelled with: Spouse / significant other
Visit was for: Romantic getaway
Age group: 25-34
Member since: 07 February 2008
  • My ratings for this hotel are:
    • 4 of 5 stars Value
    • 4 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 4 of 5 stars Location (e.g., convenience, views)
    • 4 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 3 of 5 stars Check-in / front desk
    • 4 of 5 stars Service
Would I recommend this hotel to my best friend?
Absolutely!
I recommend this hotel for:
Young Singles, An Amazing Honeymoon, A romantic getaway, Girlfriend getaway, Older Travellers, pet owners, Families with Small Children, Families with Teenagers, tourists
I do not recommend this hotel for:
Young Singles, An Amazing Honeymoon, A romantic getaway, Girlfriend getaway, People with disabilities, Older Travellers, Great pool scene, pet owners, Families with Small Children, Families with Teenagers
I selected this hotel as a top choice for:
Beach / Sun, Theme / Amusement park, Outdoor / Adventure, Shopping, Other
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“great value”

Hungry Pelican Motel

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4 of 5 stars
KENT ENGLAND
31 Jan 2008
1/1 found this review helpful

Had read reviews before our travels so was suprised with some of the negative comments We found the staff polite and helpful accomadation clean and comfortable and the location of the Pelican is stunning
If you are looking for somewhere to totally relax this is the place.Across the beach try the Bayside Restaurant wonderful seafood on offer. Will see you all at the Pelican next year Thank you for making this part of our holiday such a pleasure
Regards Richard and Jenny

  • This TripAdvisor Member:
    • Liked — LOCATION
    • Disliked — NOTHING
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC
shacksgardens's Summary
Date of Stay: January 2008
Travelled with: Spouse / significant other
Visit was for: Romantic getaway
Age group: 35-49
Member since: 31 January 2008
  • My ratings for this hotel are:
    • 4 of 5 stars Value
    • 4 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 5 of 5 stars Location (e.g., convenience, views)
    • 5 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 5 of 5 stars Check-in / front desk
    • 5 of 5 stars Service
    • 4 of 5 stars Business service (e.g., internet access)
Would I recommend this hotel to my best friend?
Absolutely!
I recommend this hotel for:
Young Singles, A romantic getaway, Girlfriend getaway, People with disabilities, Older Travellers, Families with Teenagers, tourists
I do not recommend this hotel for:
Great pool scene
I selected this hotel as a top choice for:
Beach / Sun, Great food / Wine
Was this review helpful? Yes No
“Fantastic find, great value. Loved it.”

Hungry Pelican Motel

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4 of 5 stars
Herne Bay, United Kingdom
20 Jan 2008
4/5 found this review helpful

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.

  • This TripAdvisor Member:
    • Liked — The location, surroundings and atmosphere and value for money.
    • Disliked — Beach area quite small ,noisy aircon other than that nothing!
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC
Lindytoo's Summary
Date of Stay: December 2007
Travelled with: Spouse / significant other
Visit was for: Romantic getaway
Age group: 35-49
Member since: 07 March 2005
  • My ratings for this hotel are:
    • 5 of 5 stars Value
    • 4 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 5 of 5 stars Location (e.g., convenience, views)
    • 4 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 5 of 5 stars Check-in / front desk
    • 5 of 5 stars Service
    • 4 of 5 stars Business service (e.g., internet access)
Would I recommend this hotel to my best friend?
Absolutely!
I recommend this hotel for:
Young Singles, An Amazing Honeymoon, A romantic getaway, Girlfriend getaway, Older Travellers, tourists
I do not recommend this hotel for:
Great pool scene
I selected this hotel as a top choice for:
Beach / Sun, Outdoor / Adventure, Great food / Wine
Was this review helpful? Yes No

Reviews of Hungry Pelican Motel

( 2-6 of 38 )
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Hungry Pelican Motel Also Known As

Address: 99340 Overseas Hwy, Mile Marker 99.3, Key Largo, FL 33037