Hotel Universel
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Summary of reviewsHotel Universel offers a conveniently located stay near Laval University and essential services, making it an excellent base for various activities. The hotel's prime location allows easy access to public transportation, highways and numerous attractions like downtown Quebec City, the Aquarium and Montmorency Falls. Guests appreciate the proximity to restaurants, shopping centers and grocery stores and the availability of an on-site bar and restaurant enhances their experience.
The on-site Boston Pizza restaurant provides convenience, especially for those who prefer not to leave the hotel for dining. While some guests enjoyed the clean ambiance and courteous service, others found the food average and overpriced. Despite mixed reviews on the restaurant's offerings, the hotel's location near numerous dining options is a plus.
Guests appreciate the spaciousness, comfort and cleanliness of some rooms with features like kitchenettes and large balconies adding to the overall comfort. However, many guests noted that the rooms are outdated and in need of renovation with issues like peeling wallpaper, dirty carpets and poor soundproofing. Cleanliness and maintenance inconsistencies, such as dirty sheets and malfunctioning appliances, were areas of concern.
The hotel's cleanliness receives mixed reviews; while some guests praised the clean rooms and practical facilities, others encountered dirty environments and inadequate maintenance. The lack of consistent cleaning services and problematic spa and pool areas were notable downsides.
The staff at Hotel Universel generally receive positive feedback for their friendliness and helpfulness. The reception, pool and restaurant staff are often commended for their polite and professional service. However, some guests experienced indifferent or rude behavior and issues like unprofessional conduct and lack of cleaning service were mentioned.
The Wi-Fi offerings at the hotel could benefit from significant improvements, as many guests reported weak and unstable signals. Despite these connectivity challenges, free Wi-Fi is provided and guests appreciated the courteous staff's efforts.
The gym is appreciated for its simple yet functional equipment, although cleanliness and condition left room for improvement. The pool area with its exotic ambiance and warm water, is enjoyable, especially for families. However, issues like crowding, cleanliness and insufficient supervision were noted.
Free parking is a notable benefit with many guests valuing the convenience and spaciousness. However, parking availability can be limited during busy times, causing some difficulties in finding a spot.
Hotel Universel is recognized as a family-friendly destination, offering spacious, clean rooms suitable for young children. Despite areas needing improvement, the hotel's convenient location, friendly staff and practical amenities provide a generally pleasant stay for both leisure and business travelers.
Categories
The on-site Boston Pizza restaurant provides convenience, especially for those who prefer not to leave the hotel for dining. While some guests enjoyed the clean ambiance and courteous service, others found the food average and overpriced. Despite mixed reviews on the restaurant's offerings, the hotel's location near numerous dining options is a plus.
Guests appreciate the spaciousness, comfort and cleanliness of some rooms with features like kitchenettes and large balconies adding to the overall comfort. However, many guests noted that the rooms are outdated and in need of renovation with issues like peeling wallpaper, dirty carpets and poor soundproofing. Cleanliness and maintenance inconsistencies, such as dirty sheets and malfunctioning appliances, were areas of concern.
The hotel's cleanliness receives mixed reviews; while some guests praised the clean rooms and practical facilities, others encountered dirty environments and inadequate maintenance. The lack of consistent cleaning services and problematic spa and pool areas were notable downsides.
The staff at Hotel Universel generally receive positive feedback for their friendliness and helpfulness. The reception, pool and restaurant staff are often commended for their polite and professional service. However, some guests experienced indifferent or rude behavior and issues like unprofessional conduct and lack of cleaning service were mentioned.
The Wi-Fi offerings at the hotel could benefit from significant improvements, as many guests reported weak and unstable signals. Despite these connectivity challenges, free Wi-Fi is provided and guests appreciated the courteous staff's efforts.
The gym is appreciated for its simple yet functional equipment, although cleanliness and condition left room for improvement. The pool area with its exotic ambiance and warm water, is enjoyable, especially for families. However, issues like crowding, cleanliness and insufficient supervision were noted.
Free parking is a notable benefit with many guests valuing the convenience and spaciousness. However, parking availability can be limited during busy times, causing some difficulties in finding a spot.
Hotel Universel is recognized as a family-friendly destination, offering spacious, clean rooms suitable for young children. Despite areas needing improvement, the hotel's convenient location, friendly staff and practical amenities provide a generally pleasant stay for both leisure and business travelers.
Family Friendly Hotel
This hotel offers an indoor swimming pool, a popular feature for families looking for hotel amenities to entertain children.
Hotel with Swimming Pool
Hotel Universel boasts a unique indoor pool within an exotic garden setting, complete with a Nordic spa. This Sainte-Foy hotel provides a relaxing and immersive experience.
Heated Pool Indoor Pool
Business Hotel
Hotel Universel Quebec has rooms that can welcome between 10 and 350 people and get rearranged into meeting or reception rooms. It offers versatile facilities for event planners.
Hotel with Parking
Located on Chemin Sainte-Foy, Hotel Universel offers parking facilities. Its location ensures easy access for guests arriving by car.
Hotel with Gym
Hotel Universel provides a complete gym with equipment such as a treadmill, free weights, and an elliptical trainer. Guests can also enjoy the track and field at PEPS, located within walking distance.
3-Star Hotel
This hotel provides comfortable accommodations and a range of facilities, including a pool and restaurant. Its location offers convenient access to the university and other local attractions, making it a practical choice.
Hotel with Indoor Pool
Hotel Universel boasts an exotic indoor garden area with a heated pool, a Nordic spa, a water slide, a hot tub, and a sauna. This combination offers a unique blend of relaxation and family-friendly fun in a distinctive setting.
Hotel with Heated Pool
Hotel Universel features an indoor heated pool set within an enchanting atrium-style tropical garden. Guests can also enjoy Scandinavian or Finnish-style spas located right beside the pool, offering a unique and relaxing environment.
Cheap Hotel
Accessible Hotel
About Hotel Universel
License: 006160
Guest Reviews
Location
In addition to being near educational and cultural institutions, guests highlight the hotel’s closeness to numerous restaurants, shopping centers and grocery stores, which adds to the convenience of their stay. Moreover, the location facilitates easy access to highways, making it straightforward for guests to venture into old Quebec, the Aquarium, Montmorency Falls and other scenic spots within a short drive.
The hotel provides a quiet environment despite being within walking distance to a plethora of services and amenities. The presence of a bar and restaurant on-site further enhances guests' experiences, ensuring that everything is within reach. For those seeking to explore by foot or public transport, the proximity to bus stops and essential facilities makes Hotel Universel a well-situated choice for both leisure and business travelers.
Breakfast
Guests found it inconvenient to seek breakfast options outside the hotel, especially when they expected to dine in-house. Some mentioned that while the hotel restaurant does offer breakfast, it is costly and on some days, the restaurant was unexpectedly closed, adding to the inconvenience.
There were positive remarks about the friendly and kind demeanor of the servers during dinner and breakfast when available, but overall, the absence of a consistent and included breakfast service was a notable downside for many visitors.
Dinner
However, opinions on the dining experience at Boston Pizza are mixed. While some guests enjoyed the easy access and the fact that the restaurant was integrated into the hotel, others found the food to be average and overpriced. Complaints included incomplete orders and unappetizing meals with several guests noting that the chicken dishes were particularly underwhelming. Despite these mixed feelings, the convenience of having a restaurant on-site is a notable benefit for travelers.
Beyond Boston Pizza, the hotel is well-placed with numerous good restaurants and shops nearby, giving guests additional dining options. Overall, while the on-site dining experience at Boston Pizza has its pros and cons, the location and amenities provide a generally pleasant and convenient stay.
Rooms
However, there were several areas noted for improvement. Many guests reported that the rooms were outdated and in need of renovation, mentioning issues like peeling wallpaper, dirty carpets and exposed electrical wires. Poor soundproofing was a common complaint, along with maintenance issues such as broken appliances, malfunctioning air conditioning and non-operational toilets. Cleanliness was inconsistent with accounts of dirty sheets, floors and bathrooms being noted. Additionally, guests remarked on uncomfortable beds and insufficient or damaged furnishings.
Some rooms had problematic heating and cooling systems, creating discomfort for occupants. Smells of smoke, dampness and general mustiness were also frequent concerns. The basement and windowless rooms were particularly criticized for being too dark and uninviting. Some amenities and advertised features, such as coffee makers and microwaves, were missing or not functioning correctly in certain cases.
In summary, while some guests found their stay comfortable and enjoyed the ample space and convenient features of the rooms, many felt that Hotel Universel requires substantial upgrades and better attention to cleanliness and maintenance to meet modern hospitality standards.
Beds
However, a significant number of reviews indicate dissatisfaction. Common issues include uncomfortable mattresses, ranging from being too hard to sagging on one side. Several guests described the mattresses as feeling old with noticeable springs and a tendency to make noise. Broken headboards, beds that creak and tilt and very firm mattresses were also mentioned. Hard or lumpy pillows and insufficient or worn-out bedding sheets contributed to the discomfort with some bedding described as stained or dirty.
Overall, while some guests found the beds at Hotel Universel to be comfortable and accommodating, a notable portion encountered various issues that detracted from their comfort during their stay.
Cleanliness
However, several reviews reveal recurring issues with the hotel's cleanliness and general maintenance. Numerous guests encountered dirty rooms, bathrooms with mold and dusty environments. There were also frequent complaints about unemptied trash, stains on sheets and unpleasant smells in the hallways. The cleanliness of the spa and pool areas, in particular, was cited as problematic with reports of cloudy water and moss. Many guests expressed concerns about the need for better upkeep and renovations, mentioning outdated furnishings, peeling wallpaper and broken equipment.
The lack of consistent cleaning service was another significant issue with some guests reporting that their rooms were not cleaned during their stay and towels were not replaced. Furthermore, several noted the noise levels and insufficient soundproofing, which detracted from their overall experience.
In summary, while Hotel Universel has its strong points with clean and quiet rooms and friendly service, there is a substantial need for improvement in cleanliness and maintenance across the hotel to enhance the guest experience.
Staff
However, there are notable criticisms as well. Some guests experienced indifferent or rude behavior from certain staff members, including at the reception. Issues such as a lack of room cleaning service, unfriendly and unwelcoming receptionists and complaints being ignored contribute to a less favorable perception. A shortage of staff and instances of unprofessional behavior, such as an employee texting while serving, were also noted.
Despite these issues, many guests still found the staff to be amazing and appreciated their efforts, especially in addressing specific requests and providing entertainment advice during the COVID era. Overall, while the service at Hotel Universel has received mixed reviews, there is a clear presence of dedicated and friendly staff who strive to enhance their guests' experiences.
Wi-Fi
Gym
However, there are some areas for improvement. Some guests mention that the cleanliness of the gym is unsatisfactory with instances of bins being left full for a couple of days. Additionally, the gym is sometimes described as being in bad condition and the non-functioning dry saunas are a recurring point of concern. Overall, while the gym has its merits, there are notable aspects that could be enhanced to better satisfy guests’ expectations.
Pool
However, there are several recurring concerns. The pool is often described as being too small and becoming crowded quickly with reports of too many children at times making it noisy and chaotic. Cleanliness is also a noted issue with some guests finding the pool area dirty or the pool water cloudy. Temperature control seems inconsistent with some finding the pool or spa water too cold. The lack of supervision in the pool area has also been pointed out, which can lead to a disruptive experience. Booking time slots for the pool also appears to be a challenge with reservations being full even before some guests checked in.
Overall, while the pool area at Hotel Universel has its charm and is enjoyable for many, especially families, there's room for improvement in managing crowd control, cleanliness and supervision to enhance the guest experience.
Parking
However, several reviews pointed out significant issues. A recurring complaint is the limited availability of parking spaces, especially during busy times like weekends or evenings, resulting in difficulties finding a spot. There were instances where guests mentioned the need to circle around or seek assistance from staff to secure a parking space. Additionally, the parking area was sometimes described as unaccommodating, particularly for electric cars. Some guests experienced frustration when no parking spaces were available upon arrival, leading to a perception that the system to manage hotel guest parking could be improved.
Overall, while the parking at 'Hotel Universel' has its advantages, such as being free and spacious for some, the limited availability and occasional difficulties in securing a spot are notable concerns among guests.
Family
One of the standout features for families is the pool area, which is particularly loved by children. Despite some complaints about noise and kids jumping around, the pool remains a popular spot for young guests. The spa area also receives positive mentions, contributing to the overall appeal for families seeking relaxation.
While there are a few criticisms regarding occasional noise levels and minor inconveniences such as limited towels and amenities in the family rooms, the general sentiment is that Hotel Universel is an ideal place for a family vacation. Whether it's the atmosphere, the well-maintained facilities or the attentive service, the hotel aims to provide a satisfying experience for families looking for a getaway.
3 Star
However, the reviews reveal a split opinion on the overall impression. Some guests found their stay passable and pleasant with ratings ranging from 6.00/10 to a notable 9.00, reflecting a varied but generally positive experience. The hotel was considered perfect for a short stay and a few guests mentioned they would recommend visiting again, showcasing a level of satisfaction with their stay.
Yet, it's also clear that the hotel has areas needing improvement. Issues such as outdated decor, basic amenities, low soundproofing and disappointing service were repeatedly mentioned. Guests noted cleanliness issues and low-quality rooms, suggesting a need for upgrades to meet modern standards. The swimming pool was described as tiny and parking spaces for adapted needs were not ideally positioned near the entrance.
In summary, Hotel Universel presents a mixed bag with some standout aspects that appealed to guests looking for a budget-friendly, short-term stay, while also revealing significant areas where enhancements could elevate the overall guest experience.
Business
The value for money is noteworthy, offering reasonable rates that align well with what business travelers expect. The amenities might not be plentiful, but the on-site restaurant and lobby areas are commendable. However, noise levels can be high due to other visitors and an attached business downstairs, which could potentially disrupt an otherwise short and efficient business stay. Despite some drawbacks like occasional noise and a somewhat dated feel, the overall service and strategic location make it a decent choice for those traveling for work.
Accessible
Elevators are available, ensuring smooth transport of luggage and providing mobility-impaired guests easy access to different floors. Such facilities make it easier for individuals in wheelchairs to move around without much hassle. Furthermore, there is specific mention of accessible rooms, which are essential for guests with reduced mobility.
However, there are areas marked for improvement. While the bathrooms in some rooms lack grab bars and anti-slip mats, posing a challenge for safety, the pool and sauna do not meet accessibility standards. Additionally, there are no wheelchair ramps and the presence of stairs on all floors could be a potential barrier. Despite these issues, guests have found the hotel suitable for their needs overall, especially when staying for a week or longer.
This blend of conveniences and necessary improvements reflects Hotel Universel's current state, highlighting its commitment to inclusivity while pointing out areas for enhancement to better serve all guests.
Heated Pool
Indoor Pool
Open daily from morning until 10 PM, the pool is commended for its extensive availability. Guests appreciate the pool area as a relaxing space to unwind, highlighting the presence of a jacuzzi, glass windows facing the street and a comfortable ambiance. While some noted issues such as overcrowding and occasional water quality concerns, the overall sentiment suggests that families, particularly children, have a delightful experience.
The heated pool receives specific praise and the added amenities like water fountains for kids make it enjoyable for all ages. Despite minor drawbacks, including the necessity of making timely reservations due to high demand, the indoor pool at Hotel Universel remains a cherished feature for many visitors.
Yes, Hotel Universel has pool(s) that belong to one or more of the following categories: Heated Pool, Indoor Pool.
No, a spa isn't available at Hotel Universel.
No, Hotel Universel doesn't allow dogs.
Yes, parking facilities are available at Hotel Universel.
Yes, Hotel Universel has a gym.
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