Fort Lauderdale, South Florida is known for many things, however, history isn’t one of them. One of the rare exceptions is The Riverside Hotel which adds a touch of glamour and history to the otherwise recent chapter in human history made possible by air conditioning.
Located in trendy (and expensive) Las Olas, the Riverside Hotel is a gem. If you have a vacation planned which includes visiting anywhere in Fort Lauderdale this is where you should be staying.
The hotel combines old-world romance with first-rate service and one of the most unique atmospheres in the area.
My wife and I have made a small habit of taking “staycations” and we found our room to be large, spacious, very pleasing, as well as a very good deal for the money. We paid more for rooms that were far smaller and certainly not as clean.
Beyond at the room itself, and the well-appointed lobby, the hotel restaurant as well as the bar is not to be missed. Las Olas Blvd. is a hub for fine dining and great bars, so the Riverside Hotel does have some serious competition.
But the hotel rises above…
If you want, the entire Las Olas strip is at the front door but you do not even need to go that far. Instead, stop into the Golden Lion Vintage Pub. It is the bar at the front entrance to the hotel, and enjoy their happy hour Monday through Saturday from 3 till 7 PM. Our drinks were superb and we even had a small appetizer which was fantastic, for about $20. Pictured here are the “Anti-Oxidant” Martini and the Cucumber fusion.
Dinner at the Wild Sea Oyster Bar & Grill was a four-star experience. The prices here are slightly more than modest, but you are more than getting your money’s worth both in terms of service and simply amazing meals.
If you’re looking for a short staycation, a quick stay while on a long journey, a vacation in the area, or if you just want to pretend you’re Cary Grant for the day, stay here. You know people like him would definitely stay here, schedule the Riverside Hotel in your planner and make it happen.
Location: 620 East Las Olas Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
On the web www.riversidehotel.com.
Leonard Goffe is an author, writer, and journalist based in South Florida. He is available for your public relations, content development, WordPress design, SEO and technical writing needs.
