Hôtel Universel

Overall, a fine hotel. We were cautious from reading a couple bad reviews, but after staying the nighr I can say that we had a good experience. It's clean, service is good, food is alright (a bit expensive, but nothing unexpected and was tasty and having it brought to your room doesn't cost extra). Because our stay was so short we didn't get to try the pool but it seemed popular by how many were using it.

Hotel was very nice, well located off the highway. We had a suite that sleeps six, which was spacious and the two bathrooms (one with toilet the other with shower, but both with sinks) made getting ready in the morning more convenient. Also, the suite on the ground floor came with a dedicated parking spot, which was nice. The only downside was that our room was close to the elevator, and other guests made a lot of noise which could be heard in the room. Overall, pretty good value for the money we spent.

The restaurant was really good! It was a bit slow but the friendly waiter and great food made up for it! There is a pool and spa but I didn’t use it. I realized only after the fact that if you book directly with the hotel it’s a much better deal for room and dinner. Ask about their specials. I wish I knew because I booked on line with a third party.

Very beautiful hotel. The decor around the pool with multiple room balconies overlooking the pool was fantastic. I only caught a glimpse of the conference rooms but I could tell that everything was luxurious. I would highly recommend the hotel for any stay or for any conference. Absolutely loved it.

Having said that, contrary to advices from travel magazines, I would not recommend leaving any valuables at the front desk for safekeeping. Late June of this year, I forgot an item in my room and I called immediately in the following hour after checking out. They had found it and they had my item in their hands during my call. Since I was returning to the hotel in a few days, I asked them to please store it at the front desk for safekeeping. They told me that it wasn’t a problem. Upon my return five days after, they told that they couldn’t find it even though that they specifically remembered having it in their hands. Suffice to say that the hotel now considered my item has a “lost item” and that they were not responsible for any lost items.

I totally agreed with them on the definition of a “lost item”, but this was not a “lost item”, it was an item that was in their hands during my call. An item that I assumed would be safely stored at the front desk. After many emails, the hotel management did offer to cover half of the replacement cost even though that they maintained that they weren’t responsible. After I counter offered, I sadly never heard back from them.

It is a superb hotel, but don’t leave any valuables at the front desk.