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Universal Palms Hotel – reviews, photos

3.0 of 5
4900 Powerline Road, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33390 (Formerly El Palacio Hotel)
Hotel amenities
Universal Palms Hotel
Ranked #47 of 135 hotels in Fort Lauderdale
4.0 of 5 stars 147 Reviews
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147 reviews from our community

    Trip type
Traveller rating
    54
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Date Rating
1 review
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
“Excellent room and service, downside very loud.”
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 7 February 2012 via mobile
1
person found this review helpful

I stayed here for a few vacation days with my partners following a Miami business trip. Upon arrival the concierge was incredible. Eddie Vega was super accomodating (we were early), and even upgraded our room. I believe the first face you see sets the tone for your entire stay and so I am happy to report that Mr. Vega was both knowledgeable and friendly. The hotel was beautiful, the rooms very clean and comfortable. The pool area was lovely and we were able to enjoy it at any hour. We also liked that the tables were covered by thatched roofs to give it an overall island feel. The weather wasn't the best so they also provided good shelter :) there were a couple conveniences within walking distance, but the bus was right around the corner to take downtown or to the beach. The ONLY downside to this hotel is that it is located right next to the tri-rail and it is so loud! It did wake us up a few times each night. Overall though the stay was quite enjoyable and great value for the cost. If you have the chance to be taken care of by Mr. Vega- all the better.

  • Stayed February 2012
    • 4 of 5 stars Value
    • 2 of 5 stars Location
    • 4 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 5 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 5 of 5 stars Service
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Ask Maleeva005 about Universal Palms Hotel
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC
New York City, New York
1 review
“"Great service and comfortable"”
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 6 February 2012

My Family and I stayed for one night because we were venturing off on a cruise the next day...however the continental breakfast is NOT the BEST stop at McDonald or Waffle House.

I thought this place was awesome staff was friendly and efficient specially Eddie V his service is impeccable.

"Highly Recommended"

  • Stayed February 2012, travelled with family
    • 4 of 5 stars Value
    • 4 of 5 stars Location
    • 4 of 5 stars Sleep Quality
    • 4 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 5 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 5 of 5 stars Service
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Ask Isis M about Universal Palms Hotel
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC
Atlanta, Georgia, United States
1 review
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
“Staff was Great!”
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 6 February 2012
1
person found this review helpful

My party stayed at this hotel as a prior to a wedding cruise night. It was booked by the bride, a total of about ten rooms. She picked this facility trying to maintain a reasonable cost for everyone. It was a bit out of the way for a trip to head from the airport to the port of Ft. Lauderdale, but she insisted that even with the cost of transportation to and from the airport to hotel, it would still be cheaper. As it turned out, this was a great facility!
About 3 miles inland from the beach, just west of I95, maybe not your idea for a beach vacation but for an interim stop on your way to the keys I would recommend it.
Rooms were comfortable, with a cold A/C. Two queens were very comfortable. We had poolside rooms. Outdoor access to all the rooms. (Pretty typical of this area). Included breakfast was nice, coffee, rolls, cereal and the like.
Nearby, a Waffle House, Miami Subs shop, and a BJ's Wholesale with a day pass to shop for things you may have forgot (beach towels, liquor, etc.) Outside of these places, everything else would be a short drive/cab ride away.
What made this place stand out was the staff. They were excellent. Always ready to answer questions/assist with whatever you might ask of them.
Ray, Claudette, Joel,and Eddie at the front desk were great.
Gloria(I believe she was head of housekeeping) was also very accommodating. I cannot rave enough about this staff, you will not be disappointed.
NOTE: There is no free hotel shuttle service from the airport/port. Cost was $8.00/pp prearranged when making the reservation. It is a separate company, Express Shuttle that the hotel recommended. Very efficient for us to the hotel and to the port the next morning.

Room Tip: Definitely poolside if possible. Street side right along railroad tracks, loud when passing by.
See more room tips
  • Stayed January 2012, travelled with family
    • 4 of 5 stars Value
    • 3 of 5 stars Location
    • 4 of 5 stars Sleep Quality
    • 4 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 5 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 5 of 5 stars Service
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Ask Jim C about Universal Palms Hotel
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC
London, United Kingdom
1 review
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
“Hotel spy”
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 3 February 2012
1
person found this review helpful

On arrival we were told at reception that there was no reservation for us,when I told the receptionist we booked on line a week prior to arriving they said they never received any conformation of our stay. The receptionist ( Eddie) was very helpful about the situation and allowed us to have some free coffee in the bar whilst he tried to sort it out. It was very busy during this and all though it took some time ,considering we were early anyway for check-in we finally got it sorted!He kindly up graded us to a suite which was lovely of him and the room was enormous. We loved it as it had a separate lounge area which my husband could watch his tv programmes whilst I dossed in bed watching mine :) we have no problems regarding hotel except the train noise but to be honest ,it brought a bit of character to the area so wasn't a problem. It never interfered with our sleep as I think it stops running at night so that was cool.All the staff are very friendly at this hotel and if you have a car like we did it is a good place to stay.

  • Stayed January 2012, travelled as a couple
    • 5 of 5 stars Value
    • 4 of 5 stars Location
    • 3 of 5 stars Sleep Quality
    • 5 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 5 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 4 of 5 stars Service
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Ask Meesh1 about Universal Palms Hotel
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC
St. Croix
2 reviews
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
“Wow! What A Deal!”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 2 February 2012
1
person found this review helpful

We were pleasantly surprised by our spacious room with living room and kitchen at $73, and spotless. The pool, two restaurants with delicious food, nightly entertainment, complimentary breakfast, beautifully landscaped courtyard with tables and chairs tucked throughout for privacy were well planned. The hotel's 8 million in renovations are evident. Add to this the friendly, efficient staff and you can truly relax. Eddie Vega at the front desk took care of our every whim, as if we were family. We extended our six day stay to nine days thanks to Eddie's expertise. And don't miss his inspirational saying at the check out desk. We look forward to our return.

Room Tip: Request a courtyard room with a kitchen (at the same price). Expedia suggested a "City View&qu...
See more room tips
  • Stayed January 2012, travelled with family
    • 5 of 5 stars Value
    • 3 of 5 stars Location
    • 5 of 5 stars Sleep Quality
    • 5 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 5 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 5 of 5 stars Service
Was this review helpful? Yes
Ask HappyGuest684 about Universal Palms Hotel
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC

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Additional Information about Universal Palms Hotel

  • El Palacio Fort Lauderdale
  • Hotel El Palacio
Address: 4900 Powerline Road, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33390 (Formerly El Palacio Hotel)
Price range (per night):* INR3,946 - 6,114

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Universal Palms Hotel
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