We stayed here two nights when visiting Venice. Abano Terme is a spa town, riddled with hotels and almost nothing else of note. The average visitor appears to be over sixty and enjoying disposable income, so the average standard of hotels and shops is quite high.

We took full-board at the Universal and the meals were the best feature of the stay. Each lunch and dinner includes a large buffet of salads, antipasti, and desserts, plus a choice of primi and secondi piatti. Everything we were served was lick-the-plate good.

The spa's been redecorated within the last year or two and is very modern looking. The same old staff remain, however, so you'll get a very good but traditional massage.

The hotel has indoor and outdoor heated pools--big, but not enormous. If you don't have a swimming cap, you'll have to buy one, and the policy about towels is unclear--they charged us for two when we actually got four from the attendent.

For what you'd pay in Venice for a small room and no food you can get a five-star food, a good pool, and an average room by Italian standards. The train station is within a mile of the hotel and gets you to Venice in about 45 minutes.

We would definitely stay here again when visiting Venice.

I spent three nights at the Hotel Universal Terme recently and quite enjoyed the experience. My favorite part was possibly the large, old-fashioned, elegant lobby with its plush chairs and couches. I don't think I've ever spent so much time sitting at a hotel bar (which is part of the lobby) and people-watching.

My room was clean and comfortable. The staff was very friendly and helpful, and honestly made me feel welcome. The spa was nice (not that I know much about spas), and I really enjoyed swimming in the outdoor thermal pool (there is an indoor one as well, but I preferred the outdoor one).

The food was also a highlight. The breakfast was average, but the lunches and dinners were exceptional. Yummy Italian food! Overall, my stay made for a relaxing vacation with a delicious Italian flair.

We spent a few days at the Hotel Universal in Abano. The hotel has a great sleek new spa, pools and a good restaurant. The staff went way beyond to accomodate us. Very central and reasonably priced.