Pelican Beach Resort (Ft. Lauderdale). Without a doubt, this is my favorite "home-from-home" in all of Florida. Of course, the building and amenities are wonderful . . . but it is the staff which makes a stay here so much fun. It's a family business and just about everyone you meet at the resort is either a member of the Kruse family, or just about to "marry in." They are such friendly folk that very quickly, you feel that you have become part of the this warm group of people.

Just a couple of points about the Pelican's facilities. Unlike many other Ft. Lauderdale hotel resorts which advertise that they are "next to the ocean," the Pelican really is on the beach. You can get up from your easy chair on the ocean side veranda, walk down several steps and onto the private sands of Pelican Beach.

Another "on property" facility I enjoy is the "Lazy River," which runs around the heated swimming pool and deck. I can't think of a better way to spend a Florida afternoon than to lie back on a floating raft and let the warm waters of the continuously moving river carry you beneath palm trees, past the poolside bar and back to the place you started . . . so you can do it all over again. It's so relaxing, I often doze as we meander the "River."

Sailfish Marina and Resort (Palm Beach Shores)

Shelborne Beach Resort (Miami South Beach)

If you have a website address for a favorite Florida hotel, motel, B&B or resort property in this area, please e.mail the information to Dave Hunter at mile_oak@compuserve.com