At the west end of Playa Lindamar, this two-star hotel falls below its four-star billing by a wide margin. Although managed by Spain's Sol Meliá chain, it offers little of the visual appeal of the neighboring and far more impressive Sol Cayo Largo. The colorful, breeze-swept lobby has lounge chairs and makes a good first impression. Beyond, the vaguely Mediterranean-style three-story buildings are arranged haphazardly around a freeform swimming pool. The grassy grounds are poorly landscaped and appear unkempt.

The Pelícano has 307 rooms, including 12 junior suites. All were recently refurbished and the mood is romantic. Decor is Meliá's lively trademark two-tone blues and whites, including wave-form wall murals, with yellow highlights. Junior Suites offer king beds and more varied color schemes. All feature satellite TVs, telephones, coffee-makers, in-room safes, and hair-dryers.

The buffet restaurant here earns barely passable marks, and demand for reservations-only thatched, à la carte beachside restaurant exceeds capacity. Watersports here include aqua-bikes, kayaks, Hobi-Cats, windsurfs, and snorkeling gear. Entertainment staff put their hearts into keeping guests amused with daily aerobics, pool-side competitions, and evening shows. A major plus is the kids's club with playground and children's swimming pool. Many guests go topless, and nudity is tolerated on the beach.