Our Hotel Planner Expert Reviews of Fort Lauderdale Grand Hotel
Our expert hotel planners periodically visit and review the hotels we represent in person.
"Welcoming three star hotel right off of Comercial Boulevard, Fort Lauderdale!"
Overall Score4.0/ 5
The hotel is welcoming with many chandeliers in the lobby area. It has a small business center directly adjacent to the reception desk with four computers in the lobby. There are two meeting spaces, both with Chandeliers. The meeting spaces are perfect for your
Business meetings, Conventions and Birthday Parties. There is also catering upon request. The hotel has a comfy bar and restaurant with live Music in the winter. There are 50 suites in the property and 10 executive suites equipped with sink, mini fridge and microwave. The rooms are spacious and colors are neutral throughout. The property has hot Buffet breakfast inclusive in the winter and an unbeatable price of 7.99 per person for the summer. There is a pool, a small gym, a beautiful gazebo for the Groom and Bride and a miniature golf. There are also Roman Statues throughout the hotel, which gives a romantic air to the property. In addition, its hard not to notice the one and only DOS, Joel Needle, with his great personality and professionalism, you will be in good hands at this inviting three star hotel!
Priscilla S, a local HotelPlanner Fort Lauderdale expert from
19-May-2016 Verified Review
Verified Reviews of Fort Lauderdale Grand Hotel
Below are the verified reviews from guests that we have booked recently:
"Nice overnight stay."
Overall Score4.0/ 5
Got bumped off our flight and was happy to find a vacancy last minute. We loved it there and the places to eat across the street. Will stay there again in the future (Lord willing).
Elvia P. (Individual traveler, booked 1 room), from
30-Mar-2025 Verified Review, stayed from Thu Mar 13 to Fri Mar 14 2025 at a $67.99 average nightly rate.
"Room infested and dirty."
Overall Score1.0/ 5
Terrible place to stay I feel cheeted.
Kelvin P. (Group coordinator, booked 2 rooms), from
25-Mar-2025 Verified Review, stayed from Fri Mar 21 to Sun Mar 23 2025 at a $108.99 average nightly rate.
"It's an old hotel but the cleaning ladies are the nicest."
Overall Score5.0/ 5
They have accommodated me and I appreciate that. Ruth at the desk has been very courteous. And my cleaning lady is very sweet. With that said I hope it stays that way.
Julie R. (Individual traveler, booked 1 room), from
27-Feb-2025 Verified Review, stayed from Wed Feb 19 to Fri Feb 28 2025 at a $123.77 average nightly rate.
"Grand Fort Lauderdale Hotel"
Overall Score4.0/ 5
I had no idea it was Daytona Race/Valentine's/President's Day and every hotel in Fort Lauderdale was booked. This was the only hotel that took me and they were prompt and got back to me. They were priced right. I'm inside by the pool area, very quiet and very nice. It's been very nice and everyone has been very kind. I like the price and location is just what I need!
Julie R. (Individual traveler, booked 1 room), from
22-Feb-2025 Verified Review, stayed from Sun Feb 16 to Wed Feb 19 2025 at a $86.32 average nightly rate.
"Scary/unsafe"
Overall Score1.0/ 5
We booked this after a flight was cancelled. After arriving a man (who appeared to be on meth) warned us that the property was not suitable for children. Like rent by the hour and have your children abducted kind of place. We tried to stick it out and planned to stay on the property and be inside before it got dark. We went to the hotel pool and felt wildly uncomfortable. People were staring and I'm worried I may now fail a drug test due to second hand smoke. After about one hour there total we felt so unsafe that we took our children and left. We did not receive a refund but decided to eat the cost. The room was dirty and there was hair in the bed.
Elizabeth A. (Individual traveler, booked 1 room), from
20-Jul-2024 Verified Review, stayed from Fri Jul 19 to Sat Jul 20 2024 at a $70.96 average nightly rate. Property Description
Universal Palms & Conference Center is conveniently located 1 block West of I-95 at Commercial Blvd. Exit 32 -mid way between Miami and West Palm Beach. Our five-story hotel is situated in the heart of Fort. Lauderdale within minutes from Ft. Lauderdale airport, down town business center, Convention Center, famous shopping centers and beautiful beaches. GUESTROOMS:The hotel boasts 195 spacious hotel rooms including 40 one-bedroom suites designed for extended stayovers. Each guestroom features a coffee maker, iron board, hair dryer, in-room safe, individual climate control, Wireless DSL, and TV with free cable and HBO. Guestrooms feature 2 Queen beds or one king bed. In addition, the suites include a kitchenette with microwave, refrigerator and sink area. The bedroom is separated from the living room and kitchenette area for added comfort and privacy. There are two television, and two phone lines in all suites. Several suites have sofa sleepers. RESTAURANT & LOUNGE:Universal Palms Hotel Sports Bar & Grill - Full service restaurant serving great food from 5PM Features four (4) 10 ft large wall screens with digital sound and a pool table for your entertainment. Open seasonally only.ENTERTAINMENT AND LEISURE:Relax in our tropically landscaped heated pool.Take a four mile drive down to the famous Ft. Lauderdale beaches. Enjoy our well-equipped exercise room.Wind down with a great HBO movie.BANQUET ROOMS:Spacious banquet hall supported by a guest event staff to ensure the success or your event. Great for family reunions, weddings, private parties, religious events and sports groups. PARKING: Complimentary parking.We look forward to the opportunity of welcoming your group. Details / Other Expenses
| Check In: | 3:00pm |
| Check Out: | 11:00am |
| Year of Last Renovation: | 2018 |
| Floors: | 5 |
| Rooms: | 196 |
| Corridors: | All Rooms Have Exterior Hallways |
| Non Smoking Rooms: | 195 |
| Handicap Rooms: | |
| Suites: | 50 |
| Room Windows: | Windows Don't Open |
| Cleaning Frequency: | Daily |
| Meeting Rooms: | 2 View Spaces |
| Dist. to Food/Bars: | On-site |
| Dist. to 24hr Restaurant: | 0.3 Mi |
| Dist. to Nearest Gym: | 0.5 Mi |
| Lounge/Bar Hours: | 8am to 11pm |
| Pool Info: | Out Door Pool |
Policies / Expenses Cancellation:
ROOM RATE: Prices quoted are based on one (1) or two (2) guests per room per night. An additional charge of $10.00 per person for each third (3) and fourth (4) person may apply. During December 15th-April 31st the additional person charge is $20 per pers |
| Nightly Parking: | 0 |
| Total Taxes: | 13.00% |
| Total Misc Fees: | $8.00 USD
(mandatory resort fees/taxes) |
| State Tax: | 7.00% |
| Country Tax: | 6.00% |
| Resort/Hotel Fee: | 8.00 Per Night |
Amenities / Features
Airport & Shuttle Information
9 miles from Ft. Lauderdale International Airport.8 miles from Port Everglades.Discounted transportation rates available.
Local Shuttle Info: Lyft, Uber, Public Bus System, and Taxi
Breakfast Information
Currently on weekends we offer a complete hot breakfast buffet for $6.95 per person. This includes eggs, bacon, sausage, pancakes, yogurt, cold cereal,orange juice, coffee tea, toast.
Pet Friendly?
Service animals complying with ADA Title lll regulations are allowed.
Sorry, pets are
not allowed.
Parking Info
Internet / WiFI
Suggested AI Generated Itinerary
Day 1
- Breakfast: Einstein Bros. Bagels - Start your day with freshly baked bagels and gourmet coffee. Located 1 mile from the hotel.
- Lunch: Coconuts - Indulge in fresh seafood and tropical cocktails with stunning waterfront views. Located 3 miles from the hotel.
- Dinner: Rustic Inn Crabhouse - Enjoy delicious seafood in a casual waterfront setting. Located 2.5 miles from the hotel.
- Activity: Fort Lauderdale Beach - Spend the day relaxing on the beautiful sandy beach and soaking up the sun. Located 4 miles from the hotel.
Day 2
- Breakfast: First Watch - Enjoy a healthy and delicious breakfast with a variety of options. Located 2 miles from the hotel.
- Lunch: YOLO - Dine at this trendy restaurant offering American cuisine and a vibrant bar scene. Located 2.5 miles from the hotel.
- Dinner: Louie Bossi's Ristorante - Experience authentic Italian cuisine in a lively atmosphere. Located 3.5 miles from the hotel.
- Activity: Las Olas Boulevard - Explore this famous street lined with shops, galleries, and restaurants. Located 3 miles from the hotel.
Day 3
- Breakfast: The Foxy Brown - Enjoy a cozy breakfast spot with a menu featuring creative twists on classic dishes. Located 2.5 miles from the hotel.
- Lunch: Boatyard - Dine at this waterfront restaurant offering seafood, steaks, and a lively atmosphere. Located 3.5 miles from the hotel.
- Dinner: The Capital Grille - Indulge in fine dining and savor prime steaks and fresh seafood. Located 4 miles from the hotel.
- Activity: Everglades Holiday Park - Embark on an exciting airboat tour and encounter wildlife in the Everglades. Located 15 miles from the hotel.
Econo Lodge Inn & Suites, El Palacio Hotel & Conference Center, Universal Palms Hotel, Rodeway Inn of Wilton Manor
