Pelican Shores Inn

I booked a staycation to regroup, reset, and take a mental break. The room was cozy and warm when I arrived, and well insulated against the blustery wind. Even with people constantly coming through, the entryways, hallways, and rooms were free of debris and sand. We had lightning, thunder, and hail, and the power flickered briefly. Every room has a flashlight, though we didn't need ours. Housekeeping was courteous, attentive, and detail-oriented. The office staff were engaging, informative, and helpful. It's a secure, quiet place to stay, with a friendly staff.

The view from outside our room was beautiful, and we had a nice little patio with chairs. We liked the location, and the staff were courteous and helpful. The room was clean, small, and cramped, with easy beach access. It was decent for the price. The child in the room above us was rambunctious, which was irritating. It sounded like a gym full of athletes doing jumping jacks for hours.

We booked this as a break while our travel trailer was being repaired, and after more than 20 years without a hotel stay, we’d come back with family or friends. The ocean is right beyond the patio, with an easy walk down to the beach, and the rooms have been updated nicely. My one gripe was the mattress. We prefer something like a slightly deflated air mattress, and I’d hoped for foam. The front desk person listened when I mentioned it.

The fireplace was a real treat on our Christmas stay. We could leave the door cracked to hear the waves and still keep the bedroom suite warm. The pool had plenty of toys and floaties for the kids, and the staff were lovely. They lent us scissors for wrapping gifts and gave the children a big stack of paper for drawing contests. The beach-side porch lights were red and green, and we added our own lights and a tree in the room and on the deck. Breakfast was limited to things like croissants, bagels, oatmeal packets, cereal, and yogurt. I’d have liked some fruit and boiled eggs, though I appreciate that they offered breakfast at all. A hot tub would have been nice too. Still, it made for a lovely Christmas getaway.