Riverside Hotel Las Olas – Should You Stay Here?
The Riverside Hotel Las Olas is your ideal waterfront lodging in Fort Lauderdale. With its prime location on Las Olas Boulevard, guests enjoy easy access to the area’s best attractions. This introduction prepares you for an in-depth look at its rich heritage, modern comforts, and diverse on-site experiences.
As a local, I can tell you that if you want to be in the center of the hopping Las Olas area, (versus staying on the beach) – this is the place to stay. You can walk to all of the Las Olas bars, restaurants, and shopping venues.
Riverside Hotel Overview
- The Riverside Hotel Las Olas, located in the heart of Fort Lauderdale’s Las Olas Boulevard, offers guests a unique blend of historical elegance and modern amenities, with easy access to shopping, dining, and entertainment.
- Accommodations at Riverside Hotel cater to various preferences and include pet-friendly services, luxurious Executive Tower Rooms with panoramic views, and historic standard rooms and suites, providing an experience tailored to guest comfort.
- Riverside Hotel enhances the stay experience with on-site dining options like Wild Sea Oyster Bar and Grille, Boathouse Restaurant, and live music events, as well as offering recreation through its fitness room, outdoor pool, boat dockage services, and meeting/event spaces with advanced tech support.
Experience Riverside Hotel Las Olas
Nestled in the heart of Fort Lauderdale’s vibrant Las Olas Boulevard district, the riverside hotel located here, the Riverside Hotel, has been a defining presence for over 80 years. This coveted location grants guests instant access to an extensive selection of shopping, dining, and entertainment options, creating an alluring urban oasis where the city’s rhythm meets tranquility.
Location and Surroundings
Located at 620 East Las Olas Boulevard, in the pulsating center of Fort Lauderdale, USA, the Riverside Hotel boasts a prime location right in the city’s heart. Directly on the renowned Las Olas Boulevard, also known as Las Olas Blvd, the Riverside Hotel is more than just a place to stay; it’s a gateway to an authentic Fort Lauderdale experience.
A plethora of shopping, dining, and entertainment options await right at your doorstep, offering endless opportunities to plunge into the vibrant local culture.
Historic Charm and Modern Comforts
Originally named Hotel Champ Carr, Riverside Hotel was founded in 1935 by Preston and John Wells from Chicago, along with local resident Champ Carr. After World War II, it was renamed Riverside Hotel and has since been regarded as the ‘crown jewel’ of Fort Lauderdale. The hotel embodies a rare fusion of historical elegance and contemporary convenience, offering a unique experience to its guests.
Riverside Hotel Accommodations
We recognize that each guest at the Riverside Hotel possesses unique accommodation needs. That’s why we offer a range of room sizes to cater to various guest needs. From standard guest rooms comfortably sized at approximately 325 square feet to more spacious Junior Suites situated on the upper floors, we have something for everyone.
We warmly welcome guests traveling with pets, providing pet-friendly services for a comfortable stay of all family members.
Executive Tower Rooms
Ensconced in the higher floors of Riverside Hotel are our Executive Tower Rooms, including Junior Suites and exclusive One- and Two-Bedroom Suites, all offering panoramic views of Fort Lauderdale’s skyline and the New River. These spacious rooms, each spanning approximately 500 square feet, come with a private balcony, offering you a personal vista of the city’s splendor.
The Executive Tower Rooms, featuring floor-to-ceiling windows for maximizing views of the surrounding cityscape and waterway, promise a truly luxurious stay.
Standard Rooms and Suites
Situated in the original tower, constructed in 1936, our standard rooms reflect our rich history and unwavering commitment to guest comfort. With options for one King bed, one Queen bed, or two Queen beds, these rooms offer a comfortable stay for all types of travelers.
For guests seeking a higher degree of comfort and privacy, our one-bedroom suites offer the luxury of a separate living area and bedroom, ensuring you enjoy ample space during your stay. These hotel features contribute to a memorable experience for our guests, including the convenience of room service.
On-site Dining and Entertainment
We hold the philosophy at Riverside Hotel that dining extends beyond food to encompass the overall experience. We offer guests a selection of dining options, including Wild Sea Oyster Bar and Grille, and Boathouse Restaurant, each providing options for private dining experiences. With four award-winning on site restaurants, we cater to tastes as varied as our guests.
However, the Riverside Hotel’s dining experience transcends mere culinary delights. With live music enhancing the atmosphere on the weekends, we offer the perfect blend of culinary delights and entertainment.
Wild Sea Oyster Bar and Grille
Wild Sea Oyster Bar and Grille serves as more than a restaurant; it stands as a haven for seafood aficionados. Here, the nautical and contemporary design elements combine to create a unique and sophisticated ambiance. The restaurant prides itself on a seasonal menu that emphasizes the use of local and organic ingredients, offering creative twists on classic seafood dishes.
From fresh oysters to creative cocktails, the Wild Sea Oyster Bar and Grille is a culinary journey that appeals to even the most discerning palates.
Boathouse Restaurant
Our Boathouse Restaurant offers:
- Relaxed yet memorable dining experience
- Dockside seating along the New River
- American cuisine with scenic views
- Diverse menu including salads, sandwiches, and seafood dishes
- Signature Riverside Burger, a favorite among guests.
And for those who enjoy a lively social scene, the restaurant’s happy hour with special pricing on drinks and appetizers is not to be missed.
Live Music and Performances
Riverside Hotel offers more than rest and relaxation; it serves as an entertainment hotspot. From jazz nights and local bands to themed nights of music such as salsa or blues, we cater to a variety of musical tastes and genres. These musical events, located throughout the hotel, including in the lobby and outdoor areas, offer an immersive experience for our guests.
And for those seeking a unique thrill, our weekly mentalist show, performed by the celebrated Guy Bavli in the historic Champ-Carr room, promises a night of telekinesis, mind games, and humor, tailored by audience participation to ensure a one-of-a-kind experience.
Relaxation and Recreation at Riverside Hotel
We advocate for a balanced blend of activity and relaxation at Riverside Hotel. For our guests who wish to continue their fitness routine during their stay, we provide a fitness room equipped with the latest Cybex equipment.
After a good workout, our palm-fringed pool area offers the perfect spot to unwind and enjoy serene views of yachts sailing the river.
Outdoor Pool Area
Set amidst a tropical landscape in Fort Lauderdale FL, our palm-fringed outdoor pool provides a serene escape from the city’s hustle and bustle. Here, guests can lounge in comfort, bask in the Fort Lauderdale sun, and watch as yachts sail by on the adjacent river, providing a tranquil backdrop to a relaxing day.
Boat Dockage and Marina
For our nautical guests, we offer boat dockage services for added convenience. Our marina facilities can accommodate boats up to 150 feet in length, and we provide enhanced security for docked vessels, including security patrols and surveillance cameras, for your peace of mind.
Business Amenities and Services
We recognize at Riverside Hotel that business travelers often have obligations that persist even when they’re away from the office. Our business center, equipped with two computers and printers, caters to guests’ work-related needs.
And to facilitate smooth communication, we offer 24-hour fax services and a convenient check in process.
Free Wi-Fi and In-room Safe
Staying connected is crucial in today’s digital age. That’s why we offer free wifi to our guests during their stay, ensuring they can stay connected in all hotel areas.
Meeting and Event Spaces
For event or meeting hosts, our hotel offers an expansive 30,000 square feet of flexible space, inclusive of notable areas like the Himmarshee Ballroom and New River Ballroom, each providing 2,800 square feet for gatherings. Each meeting room is equipped with state-of-the-art audiovisual technology, and we offer technical support through our on-site professional audiovisual company.
Our dedicated and attentive staff is always on hand to help plan and execute events, guaranteeing a successful and memorable experience for all attendees.
Summary
From its prime location on Las Olas Boulevard to the blend of historic charm and modern amenities, Riverside Hotel offers a unique experience that sets it apart. Whether you’re looking for an upscale seafood dining experience at the Wild Sea Oyster Bar and Grille, a casual waterfront dining at the Boathouse Restaurant, or simply a comfortable room that feels like a home away from home, Riverside Hotel has it all.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main strip of Fort Lauderdale?
The main strip of Fort Lauderdale is Las Olas Boulevard, known for its fashion boutiques, art galleries, restaurants, cafes, and bars. Experience the heart of the city’s vibrant culture and entertainment.
Why is Fort Lauderdale so famous?
Fort Lauderdale is famous for its rich natural beauty, world-famous beaches, waterways, and cultural offerings, providing an outstanding quality of life for its residents and visitors.
Where is the main part of Fort Lauderdale?
The main part of Fort Lauderdale is located along Las Olas Boulevard, which is known for its fashion, dining, and entertainment options. It also includes the city’s downtown area and institutions such as Broward College and Florida Atlantic University.
Why is Fort Lauderdale called the Venice of America?
Fort Lauderdale is called the Venice of America due to its 300 miles of inland waterways, with around 165 of those miles within the city itself. This nickname is world-famous and reflects the abundance of water channels throughout the area.
Why is it called Ft Lauderdale?
Fort Lauderdale is named after a fortification built in 1838 during the Second Seminole War, led by Major William Lauderdale. This fortification was constructed on the banks of the New River, and the city was consequently named after it.
