The Resort at Pelican Hill

I visited this resort recently and, unfortunately, left quite disappointed. Charging $50 for parking (self parking) Felt excessive and set the tone for what turned out to be an overpriced experience overall. The restaurant was underwhelming. there were several mistakes throughout the meal, giving the impression of poor organization rather than a premium dining experience. The food itself was so-and-so: not bad, but certainly not good enough to justify the prices being charged. That said, the views were genuinely great and are probably the resort’s strongest asset.

Always an incredible resort with attentive and friendly staff! Very family friendly, especially for littles. The pool at the villas is wonderful.

I am updating my previous review to reflect the outstanding follow-up I received from the resort's management. After reading about my disappointing experience regarding the heating and service issues, Danielle, the Sr. Rooms Operations Manager, reached out to me personally. She did not make excuses but instead took full ownership of the situation. She genuinely apologized and offered an arrangement for my family. My family visited and had a fantastic time. They reported that the golf course condition was impeccable, the staff were incredibly kind, and the dinner at Pelican Grill was delicious with a great atmosphere. While every hotel can make mistakes, true luxury is defined by how they resolve them. Danielle and her team proved that they truly care about guest satisfaction. I appreciate their effort to turn a negative experience into a positive memory.

My family came here to celebrate my mother and husband’s birthdays. While the weather was mostly not in our favor with the rain, the excellent service and beautiful rooms made our experience top tier. The staff were friendly and knowledgeable. The manager, Val, went the extra mile to ensure that our stay was magical and wonderful in advance of our trip. The rooms have high ceilings with great views.

I have stayed at The Resort at Pelican Hill at least 25 times over the years and have also spent considerable time at the pool and restaurants. Unfortunately, my most recent experience was deeply disappointing and a stark contrast to what this property once represented. When Donald Bren owned the resort and Gerard was the General Manager, Pelican Hill was truly exceptional—elegant, warm, and one of the most beautiful hospitality experiences anywhere. Sadly, that standard no longer exists. Today, it feels like a typical luxury hotel, lacking the attention to detail, hospitality, and guest care that once set it apart. During my recent stay in a villa, the experience was especially frustrating. We were not accommodated with a late checkout, were forced to move rooms, and there was no meaningful effort made to ensure our comfort or satisfaction—even after expressing concerns. Rather than feeling valued as long-time guests, we felt like an inconvenience. To make matters worse, our interaction with Madeline in the Villas was extremely disappointing. She was rude, dismissive, and unwilling to help, which is unacceptable for a resort that positions itself at this level. Pelican Hill was once a place I enthusiastically recommended to friends and family—many of whom have stayed here regularly as well. Unfortunately, after this experience, I will not be returning, and I will be sharing my experience honestly with others. It’s genuinely sad to see what was once an extraordinary destination lose the very qualities that made it special.