When stopping over in Fort Lauderdale, for pre- and post-Bahamas flights, and crossing by boats, here is my highly recommended, on-the-way…superb stay.
“First Choice Collection”
Riverside Hotel
Fort Lauderdale, FL—This lovely hotel is Fort Lauderdale’s historic beauty, built in 1936 — the only hotel situated directly on Fort Lauderdale’s chic Las Olas Boulevard— is a legacy hotel which exudes charm and character through and through. I (Sandra) always enjoy arriving here, there’s an immediate, old-world glamour feel to the Las Olas Boulevard front entrance way. Large, colorful, international flags flutter in the breeze, extending from the edifice toward the famous boulevard, along with a stately, golden lion to greet you at the entry leading to the front desk, and oh-what-a-lobby experience.
Welcome in 20 Languages
The handsome, reception desk covers the entire back wall of the lobby; check in is faultless, with smiling, gracious personnel—at all hours. With twenty plus languages available amongst staff members, there wouldn’t be a visitor from any country on the planet that could not be accommodated. The concierge is also on call here to suggest outings, make reservations for tours, and arrange transportation. To the side of the desk, is a small business center–two computers, with printing capabilities, and complimentary Wi-Fi.
The real star of arrival is the lobby area. Tile work from the 30’s is intact and gleaming; a baby grand piano is the central point of the large reception area, gracing the entire space—flanked by two, original-1936 coral fireplaces (lit in winter time-at 68 ° or below ), at either end. Each fireplace-lounging area has smartly styled settees, with small cocktail tables set just so—where guests enjoy the beauty and warmth of the winter time fire while sipping cocktails ordered from the lobby bar; Preston’s Wine & Martini Bar, (named after the original owner), and after dinner aperitifs. In summer time, guests mingle and meet here on their way to breakfast, lunch, and dinner at Indigo, with indoor, and outdoor sheltered terrace seating; and new (in March), the upscale, modern-feel, Wild Sea Oyster Bar and Grille.
Just off Preston’s, is an intimate, outdoor courtyard-garden patio with large, comfy, thickly padded chairs, perfect for cocktails and quiet chats; continue down the winding brick pathway past small fountains, across a tiny street, and you’ll find a sparkling, tucked-away pool with ample lounges, and awnings for sun-shade, right next to the New River, where you can swim while watching yachts glide by; steps away from The Riversides’ tidy marina.
Rooms, Suites, and Views
There are three sections to the hotel— all accommodations include Tommy Bahama ™ furnishings, complimentary Wi-Fi, Pascal Morabito amenities, hairdryers, coffee makers and flat screen TV’s— the original three-story section (1936), the second, six-story addition (1937), accommodations are 300 sq. ft. in these historical sections, offering high ceilings, crown molding, vivid, original tile work in the bathrooms, bright drapery, and a charming heritage feel. The two heritage sections offer views of the hotels’ lawn and garden area, and trendy Las Olas Boulevard–the accommodations are set back in, so you won’t really hear the hum from Fort Lauderdale’s most hip, upscale, shopping, and outdoor café dining location. The contemporary tower building (2001), is 12 stories tall; there are ice machines on every floor; rooms are larger than the heritage sections at 525 sq. ft, with crisp, Tommy Bahama ™ linens and furnishings, and colorful drapery; some king rooms are available with balconies. In the four, tower executive suites, there are wet-bars for entertaining, a living room area with sliding glass door access to wrap around balconies, separate bedroom, and marble faceted bathrooms with Jacuzzi tubs. Views border on breathtaking offering amazing vistas of the New River with yachts floating by, mesmerizing, downtown Fort Lauderdale skyscrapers (lit up at night) along with the famous lamp-lighted meridian views of Las Olas Boulevard.
Colors and Corridors
Having been in the business of travel reviews for some years, a personal peeve, are hotel corridors. They are after all, the introduction to your home-away-from-home; interior designers seem to forget all about them, many are bland-boring or, dark-scary.
I found quite the opposite with the Riverside. For instance, in the historic buildings, there is good lighting; interesting tile work; set in with tiny creatures, and scenes from old-Florida, along with gracefully curved, tiled stairways embellished with trompe d’oeil paintings from another era. Tower floors have a number of decorative touches with tropical art, graceful, subdued wall sconces, brightly patterned, cheerful carpeting, elevator access ‘mini-lobbies’ with floral arrangements atop round tables, and large—encased in decorative iron-work — overhead domed lights. Kudos to Riverside management for this refreshing change.
Dining-Oh My
Indigo
Dining at the Riverside has always been an occasion, be it breakfast, lunch and dinner, at Indigo’s located within the hotel or, al fresco under the shaded terrace—resplendent with blue glassware sparkling in the day light: at night, there’s a blue hue from flickering candles—while people-watching the shoppers on the chic boulevard. Indigo Restaurant is a culinary delight; a dining experience that captures a variety of flavors, from classic cuisine: savory steaks, and light bites, to exotic dishes and a new, monthly, international menu. Executive Chef Toby Joseph and his first-rate service team aim to please the palates of hotel guests, those strolling along the boulevard and loyal locals.
Hours: Breakfast: 6:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. (Monday – Sunday)-Lunch: Noon – 4 p.m. (Monday – Sunday)-Dinner: 5 p.m. – 10 p.m. (Sunday – Thursday)- Dinner: 5 p.m. – 11 p.m. (Friday – Saturday)-Sunday Brunch: 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Wild Sea Oyster Bar & Grille
Expect the unexpected!
It’s been several years since the Riverside closed the famed, continental-style Grill Room. In its stead, is a sleek, top-of-the-line, avant-garde, fresh seafood restaurant called Wild Sea Oyster Bar & Grille. The only seafood focused restaurant on Las Olas Boulevard. At Wild Sea, the promise is “Eating Well” to strongly support farm to table & ocean to table dining by serving all natural, organic and sustainable foods when possible. In the effort to maintain these commitments – both locally and globally – the menu selections changes daily as a pledge to sustainability.
Diners at Wild Sea will first notice an elegant raw bar, with bright burnt-orange high-top chairs, marble dining area, and large menu board which showcases the varying and extensive variety of oysters: four from each coast offered daily, by name, point of origin and description of flavors, such as: East Coast—Beavertail—Narragansett Bay, RI; Blue Point—Long Island Sound, CT; West Coast: Otter Cove-North Pugent Sound, WA; Fanny Bay, Baynes Sound, BC; Totten Inlet, South Pugent Sound, WA, and a trio of condiments made in-house for dressing them. Top-neck clams from Darien, CT are on the half-shell, marinated shrimp, and a scallop crudo salad is also on the menu.
A “foodie” experience, Wild Sea is a chef-driven restaurant with a stand out, elegant beverage program. The bar was created for dining around it; amazing hand-crafted cocktails, with a select menu of premium liquors which play with herbs and citrus flavors are extremely popular: Five featured drinks, featuring five different spirits are prepared nightly (I ordered the Bourbon Drink #2 with Woodford Reserve/Amarena Cherry/Bitters/Orange/Syrup (stirred quite properly); while craft beers from Colorado, the Carolinas’, Georgia and Alabama, and some unusual wines in the bubbles, white and red categories are on the beverage lists. An addictive, complimentary bar snack— served in silver buckets—is a gourmet style Jalapeño, white-cheddar popcorn–a special blend made just for the hotel.
The beautifully tailored dining room is anchored by an impressive wrap-around wine cellar with a huge selection of fine wines. Chocolate-brown chairs, and comfy banquettes are in contrast to the light floor made of porcelain, in a wood-like pattern, creamy walls with sky-blue etched glass, sea-creature wall sconces, maritime blues, and off-whites, creating a chic, classic coastal feel, which sets the tone for light, modern cuisine.
According to Chef Toby Joseph, “We’re looking everywhere and going beyond the usual purveyors to get really great fish and shellfish that nobody else has. The menu will change almost daily because we never know what might affect the catch.”
Whether it is fresh seafood or dry aged domestic meats your palate won’t be disappointed. The dinner menu does change depending on what fish is brought in that day, but can deliver things like colossal butter flied prawns with cilantro butter, golden tilefish/maitake mushroom/black garlic/ lemon/clam broth, and blackened sunburst trout with sweet corn/okra/smoked sweet onion jam, all topped off with an end of dinner truffle.
After a delightful dining experience, Tuesdays through Saturdays, and, with a day-to-night environment, the dining room opens to sidewalk seating, and the scenic Las Olas night life entices as well. The Wild Sea transitions to a relaxing atmospheric lounge until 1 a.m. weeknights and until 2 a.m. Friday and Saturday nights with cocktails such as tequila with corzo silver/ruby red grapefruit/lime/elderberry/agave, and a lively DJ playing a variety of music on Thursdays and Fridays, or the mellow sounds of the saxophonist on select nights.
Bar & Lounge Hours: Tuesdays – Thursdays 5 p.m. – 1 a.m. ~ Friday & Saturday 5 p.m. – 2 a.m.
Happy Hour: Tuesdays – Saturdays 5 p.m. – 7 p.m. 50% off drinks and 50% off Blue Point oysters (All Night on Thursdays!)
Dining Hours: Tuesdays – Thursdays 5p.m. – 10 p.m. ~ Friday & Saturday 5 p.m. – 11 p.m.
Unusual ingredients, and sourcing of small-batch products or single catches give diners a chance to sample foods you won’t find elsewhere in the area; which makes for a don’t miss experience…fabulous .
Marina
One of a few hotels in Fort Lauderdale where you can arrive by boat, the Riverside Hotel Marina, offers 545 feet of dock space along the New River, and accommodates vessels up to 150 feet. Being located on Fort Lauderdale’s New River, one of the amenities captains value most is there are no bridges from the dock to the Intracoastal Waterway, and you can dock by the day, week or month. Power and water available. Email dockmaster@riversidehotel.com, or call 954-377-0960; FaceBook, for updates and new photos.
The Last Word
The Riverside Hotel has thought of every detail for your comfort; pampering you in a luxurious, unobtrusive style, while the superb service staff reminds one of a bygone era. Sensational.
Hotel Essentials
Website: www.riversidehotel.com ~ FaceBook ~ Phone: Toll Free: (800) 325-3280 ~ Local: (954) 467-0671 ~ Address: 620 E. Las Olas Blvd., Fort Lauderdale, Fl. 33301 ~ Check-in Time: 3:00 p.m. Check-out Time: 11:00 a.m. ~Non-Smoking ~ Pet Friendly: 214 rooms/6 suites; 2 restaurants: inside and al fresco seating, 3 bars, sundries shop; business center; gym; swimming pool, marina, fabulous 8th floor meeting facilities, Planet Massage offers in-room and poolside massages–by appointment. Major credit cards accepted. Cab from Fort Lauderdale International airport, is approximately 15 minutes.
Top Tips: Use Down Town Trolley to the beach or, the Fort Lauderdale Water Taxi– Catch a ride by waving down the Water Taxi driver from the west end of the Riverside Marina dock for scenic tours of the famous Ft Lauderdale beach, beautiful luxury mansions, water front restaurants, and club stops, along Ft. Lauderdale’s ‘Venice of America’, and the yachting capital of the world. ♦
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‘Til next time, more islands, and new discoveries…may all good things be yours.
She reach…
~Sandra
Travel photojournalist Sandra Davis, is the author of the 2013- Cacique Nominated, Bahamas Bliss: Bimini (iTunes & Android App). Since her first visit to the out-out Bahamas islands in 1979, she became an enthusiastic advocate of all things related to these beautiful archipelago outposts. Eschewing executive hotel and airline posts for writing and photography of the Out Islands; she began authoring features for publications such as Elite Traveler, Showboats International, Travel Weekly, Fodor’s Bahamas (Out Islands)-Guide books, Caribbean Beat, Skywriting’s, the web based-Professional Travel Guide, Caribbean Lifestyle, along with hosting the first, Fodor’s Online Bahamas Forum. She plans eventually, to have a cottage-by-the-sea, with an adopted Potcake puppy, in the Bahamas Out Islands.
Readers are welcome to send notes of tourism related news/hotel/restaurant employee promotions, awards to sdttravel1229@gmail.com.