Navyfan
Google
It pains me to write this review, because Pam is a warm and engaging hostess. But having recently completed a two-night stay at Pam’s Pelican, I have to say that Stephanie W.’s and BizinVA’s reviews are spot on. Everything they recount was also our experience, so I won’t duplicate their remarks. We got off to a bad start when I received a 7:00 am phone call on the day we were scheduled to arrive asking, “Where are you?”. I told her that we weren’t scheduled to arrive until later that day. Perhaps this was an omen of things to come. When we arrived, we were frankly appalled at the shabby condition of the grounds and the lobby…certainly not what we expected from a rather pricey B&B. Pam advertises that customers who pay in cash will receive a discount. When I began to pay in cash, Pam nonchalantly told me that she had already charged my credit card, another bad omen. Perhaps the most disgusting aspect of Pam’s is the omnipresent cigarette smell and remnants EVERYWHERE – room, porches, gazebo, lobby, you name it. Ash trays were overflowing and there was no evidence of any cleaning. Our room, Zen Sunrise, was clean and roomy but there was a definite odor of cigarettes. One of the reasons we chose this particular room was the private entrance to the covered porch. Well, to get to the private entrance you have to navigate a narrow and rather treacherous spiral staircase…not to be attempted by the weak of heart. The window air conditioner was unbelievably loud as it recycled on and off, and the conch shell showerhead, while cute, was like showering under a garden hose. We are absolutely astounded at the number of rave reviews Pam’s has received, to the point of wondering whether they are all legitimate. Some of the comments are downright laughable, such as “beautiful courtyard,” “house was beautiful,” “best B&B ever in our travels,” etc. My suggestions to Pam: (1) Hire a professional groundskeeper / landscaper; (2) Perform a thorough cleaning and sanitization of the house; (3) Do not allow smoking anywhere on the property; (4) Replace the air conditioners with quieter, more modern units; (5) Provide a more realistic description of the property to prospective visitors. In the meantime, PLEASE do yourself a favor and look elsewhere for accommodations on this scenic island – you will thank me later for the advice and honest observations.
