Finding a spot that actually feels like Florida without being a neon-soaked tourist trap is getting harder. You know the vibe I’m talking about. Most people heading to the Broward County area default to the beachfront high-rises in Fort Lauderdale or the massive luxury complexes in Miami. But tucked away in Pembroke Pines, there is this sprawling 500-acre slice of land called the Grand Palms Hotel Spa and Golf Resort.
It’s interesting.
Honestly, if you look at the glossy photos online, you might think it’s just another cookie-cutter golf club. It isn't. It’s got this weirdly charming, Mediterranean-inspired architecture that feels a bit like a time capsule from an era when "resort life" meant having space to breathe rather than fighting for a pool chair at 7:00 AM.
The Golf Situation at Grand Palms Hotel Spa and Golf Resort
Let's get into the grass. Literally.
The main draw here—the thing that keeps the regulars coming back—is the 27-hole championship golf course. It’s split into three distinct nines: the Royal, the Grand, and the Sabal. This isn't just one long, boring loop. Because it’s three different nines, you can mix and match them to keep things fresh. The Sabal course is often the one people talk about because it’s got those tight fairways and plenty of water hazards that will absolutely eat your balls if you’re slicing.
Expect challenges.
The greens are generally well-maintained, though, like any Florida course, they can get a bit soft after a typical afternoon thunderstorm. What's cool about Grand Palms is that they use TifEagle grass on the greens. For those who aren't turf nerds, that basically means the ball rolls truer and faster than on standard Bermuda grass. It’s a pro-level touch that you don't always find at mid-range resorts.
Some people complain that the layout is a bit dated compared to the ultra-modern "stadium" courses popping up in Orlando. They’re not entirely wrong. But there is a classic, parkland feel here that’s hard to find elsewhere. You aren't playing between rows of condos. You’re playing through actual trees and wetlands. It’s quiet. You can actually hear yourself think, which is a luxury in South Florida.
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What's the Deal With the Rooms?
Here is the thing about the accommodations. The resort has about 137 rooms and suites. They aren't trying to be the Ritz-Carlton. If you go in expecting marble floors and gold-plated faucets, you’re going to be disappointed.
The rooms are huge, though. Really.
A standard room here feels more like a junior suite in a city hotel. Most of them have balconies or patios that look right out onto the fairways. There is something undeniably peaceful about waking up, grabbing a coffee, and watching the mowers head out onto the dew-covered grass while the rest of the world is stuck in traffic on I-95. The decor is definitely traditional—think dark woods and floral patterns—which some call "classic" and others call "dated."
If you’re traveling with a family or a group of friends for a golf weekend, look at the suites. They have separate living areas which makes it way less cramped than a standard hotel stay.
The Spa and "Resort" Life
They call it the Grand Palms Hotel Spa and Golf Resort, so the spa needs to hold its weight. It does, mostly.
The Spa at Grand Palms is a full-service facility. They do the whole nine yards: European facials, deep tissue massages, body wraps, and paraffin treatments. It’s a very "local" vibe. You’ll see people who live in the surrounding Pembroke Pines neighborhoods coming in for their monthly treatments alongside the hotel guests. It lacks that clinical, cold feeling of a corporate spa.
Fitness-wise, they have a pretty robust health club. It’s not just a treadmill in a closet. We’re talking a full gym, clay tennis courts, and a heated outdoor pool. The tennis program is actually quite active, with pros available for lessons.
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But let’s be real for a second.
The pool area is the heart of the "leisure" side. It’s big, it’s blue, and it’s surrounded by palms. It’s perfect for a post-round soak, but it’s not a "party pool." You won't find a DJ spinning house music or people throwing Vegas-style pool parties. It’s a place to read a book and maybe fall asleep in the sun.
Eating and Drinking at the Club
Dining on-site is anchored by their main restaurant and the lounge.
The food is what I’d call "elevated clubhouse fare." Think solid burgers, fresh salads, and some decent seafood options like blackened mahi-mahi. It’s reliable. You aren't going to have a life-changing culinary epiphany here, but you’re also not going to go hungry.
The bar is where the real action is. After a round of golf, the atmosphere gets lively. It’s that classic 19th-hole energy where everyone is exaggerating their drives and mourning their missed putts. It feels communal. You’ll end up talking to someone from halfway across the world who is in town for a tournament or a local who has played these same 27 holes every Saturday for twenty years.
Location: The Secret Weapon
One thing people overlook is where this place actually sits. Pembroke Pines is basically the "Goldilocks" zone of South Florida.
- You’re about 30 minutes from Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport.
- You’re maybe 35-40 minutes from Miami International.
- The Sawgrass Mills mall (which is a beast of a shopping destination) is a short drive away.
- Hard Rock Stadium—home of the Dolphins and F1 racing—is close enough that this is a prime home base for sports fans.
Basically, you get the quiet of the suburbs with the ability to dive into the chaos of Miami or the beaches of Hollywood whenever you want. Then you get to retreat back to the 500 acres of green.
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Addressing the "Old Florida" Reputation
I’ve seen reviews where people say the place feels a bit tired.
Look, it’s an older property. That’s a fact. It doesn't have the glass-and-chrome aesthetic of the new builds in Downtown Miami. But there is a trade-off. New resorts are often cramped. They charge $50 a day for "resort fees" that cover basically nothing. At Grand Palms, you’re paying for the space and the access to the courses.
There is a certain "Old Florida" charm that some people just don't get. It’s the smell of the damp grass in the morning, the slower pace of the staff, and the fact that the property isn't trying to sell you something every five minutes. It feels like a getaway, not a transaction.
Who is this actually for?
It isn't for everyone.
If you are a 22-year-old looking for nightlife and Instagrammable brunch spots, you will be bored out of your mind here. Go to South Beach.
If you are a serious golfer who wants to play 36 holes a day without breaking the bank, this is your spot. If you’re a family that needs a home base for a Florida vacation and wants a pool and some space to run around, it works great. It’s also a massive hit for weddings and corporate retreats because they have a huge ballroom and plenty of meeting space.
The "Grand Palms" experience is about consistency. You know exactly what you’re getting: good golf, big rooms, a quiet atmosphere, and a staff that usually knows your name by the second day of your stay.
Actionable Takeaways for Your Visit
If you’re planning a trip to the Grand Palms Hotel Spa and Golf Resort, don't just wing it.
- Book Tee Times Early: Even though there are 27 holes, they host a lot of local leagues and tournaments. If you want a specific nine or a morning start, call the pro shop at least a week out.
- Request a Golf Course View: When you check in, specifically ask if there is a room available overlooking the Sabal course. The views are significantly better than the rooms facing the parking areas or the front entrance.
- Check the Renovation Status: Resorts like this are constantly doing "rolling" renovations. It never hurts to ask for a "recently refreshed" room. Sometimes they’ve just put in new carpets or updated the bedding, and it makes a difference.
- Use it as a Hub: Don't feel like you have to eat every meal at the resort. Pembroke Pines has an incredible diverse food scene. Head out to Pines Boulevard and you’ll find amazing authentic Cuban, Peruvian, and Jamaican spots that are way cheaper and more interesting than hotel food.
- Pack for the Sun: The courses here are very open. There isn't a ton of shade while you’re out on the fairways. High-SPF sunscreen and a wide-brimmed hat are non-negotiable if you’re playing the Grand or Royal nines in the afternoon.
Grand Palms isn't trying to reinvent the wheel. It’s a solid, dependable resort that offers a lot of value in a state that is becoming increasingly overpriced. It’s about the golf, the spa, and the peace and quiet. If those are your priorities, it’s a win.