Riverside Hotel

Fort Lauderdale, Gold Coast Beaches

Virgin rating

Executive Tower Balcony Room
Executive Tower Balcony Room
Preston's Wine and Martini Lounge
Lobby
Classic Room
Micro Room
Executive Tower Balcony Room
Executive Tower Balcony Room
Preston's Wine and Martini Lounge
Lobby
Classic Room
Micro Room

The hotel

Full of Old Florida charm, the Spanish tile floors and and overhead fans means that this classic hotel fits in well within the Cuban feel of Las Olas Boulevard. The road is the forefront of everything from restaurants to fashion boutiques, art galleries to bars - so it's a great alternative to the oceanfront hotels of Fort Lauderdale, and the beach is still only a 10 minute drive away! There's a wide variety of dining options available within the hotel too - with Wild Sea featuring an impressive raw bar and a creative seafood menu, all of which can be enjoyed whilst watching the yachts sail down the river. The Golden Lyon Pub and Preston's Wine and Martini Lounge both offer happy hours for a pre-dinner tipple too. If you're not planning to spend much time in your room, the Micro room offers value for money, but upgrading will give you more space to relax in for families. 

Amenities

  • Bar
  • Fitness Centre/Gym
  • Internet Access
  • No Smoking
  • Restaurant
  • Safety Deposit Box
  • Swimming Pool
  • Valet parking

Where is it

Located on Las Olas Boulevard, in the heart of Fort Lauderdale, alongside the Tarpon River, just 10 minutes drive from the beach. 

Hotel information

231 rooms and suites across two towers, all with air-conditioning, complimentary WiFi access, safe, mini fridge, TV, and bathroom amenities.

Micro Rooms are approximately 200 sq ft and are located in the original tower, with 1 queen-size bed, sleeping maximum 2 people. 


Classic Rooms are approximately 325 sq ft and are located on floors 1-6 in the original tower, with either 1 king-size bed, 1 queen-size bed, or 2 queen-size beds, sleeping maximum 4 people. 

Executive Tower Standard Rooms are approximately 500 sq ft and are located on floors 9-12, with skyline and river views, and either 1 king-size bed or 2 queen-size beds, sleeping maximum 4 people. 

Executive Tower Balcony Rooms are the same as above, with the addition of a private balcony. 

New River Café and Bakery (offering grab and go, and eat-in options, with indoor and outdoor seating). Wild Sea Oyster Bar and Grille (serving fresh seafood and classic American cuisine, open for breakfast, lunch, dinner and weekend brunch). Boathouse at the Riverside (relaxed waterfront dining, offering a selection of local and internationally inspired dishes, open for all day dining). Golden Lyon Vintage Pub (serving a wide range of drinks and classic dishes). Preston’s Wine and Martini Lounge (with daily happy hour, regular live music, and both indoor and outdoor seating). 

Outdoor swimming pool. Fitness centre. Sauna. Fitness classes*. 

Complimentary WiFi access. Concierge. 24-hour front desk. Gift shop. Self-parking $26 plus tax per night, and valet parking $36 plus tax per night (payable locally, fee subject to change). On-site boat dock. 

*Denotes local charge.

Rating summary

  • Location Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Sleep Quality Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Rooms Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Service Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Value Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Cleanliness Image of the Tripadvisor rating

Traveller rating

  • Excellent (1391)
  • Very good (726)
  • Average (273)
  • Poor (123)
  • Terrible (86)
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Go elsewhere

Nov 16, 2024 Scattie Cardiff, United Kingdom

Looks great from the outside but beware this is one rundown dated hotel. I was really shocked when I got to my room to see paint peeling off the walls and dated decor. Had to have a bath in yellow water which was just gross. You can hear every word from the rooms next door because you have connecting doors. I could hear the couple next door having… Read more
Looks great from the outside but beware this is one rundown dated hotel. I was really shocked when I got to my room to see paint peeling off the walls and dated decor. Had to have a bath in yellow water which was just gross. You can hear every word from the rooms next door because you have connecting doors. I could hear the couple next door having sex to the point it was just awkward and the group of girls having some kind of party in the other room wasn't conducive to any sleep at all. Please go elsewhere as the only thing this hotel has to offer is location and that literally is it! Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Great vacation get away!

Nov 11, 2024 karenquinlan

I stayed at the Riverside Hotel with two friends for a three day weekend get away. Everything was exceptional from the moment we walked in the door until the moment we left. When booking, we forgot to ask that the three of us have rooms on the same floor. Kavoen was remarkable. He took his time and made it happen. We asked for a late check… Read more
I stayed at the Riverside Hotel with two friends for a three day weekend get away. Everything was exceptional from the moment we walked in the door until the moment we left. When booking, we forgot to ask that the three of us have rooms on the same floor. Kavoen was remarkable. He took his time and made it happen. We asked for a late check out, and once again Kavoen was most accommodating. The rooms were clean and comfortable. We had many meals at the Boathouse restaurant, which I highly recommend. We spent time at the pool during the day and explored Las Olas Blvd in the evening. All in all a great experience. Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating THE ABSOLUTE BEST HOTEL & STAFF!!!!!

Nov 11, 2024 Neal D

Where do I even begin? I have been coming to The Riverside Hotel for years. I discovered this little hidden gem years ago & been coming back ever since! Literally my HAPPY PLACE. I am in love with this hotel. I am not a review writer but felt the need to write this. This Hotel blows away staying on the beach strip. The location is amazing!!… Read more
Where do I even begin? I have been coming to The Riverside Hotel for years. I discovered this little hidden gem years ago & been coming back ever since! Literally my HAPPY PLACE. I am in love with this hotel. I am not a review writer but felt the need to write this. This Hotel blows away staying on the beach strip. The location is amazing!! Literally walk out the door & you’re right on Las Olas Bouelvard. All of the beautiful shops, restaurants, bars, etc….so much to do & see! Not to mention the beautiful river walk! Stunning!!!! 5 min. Uber ride to the beach!!!! My recent trip was the best one yet!! The Hotel is so elegant & quaint but even nicer now because they did a complete Renovation of the rooms!!! They are all now modern, chic, & absolutely gorgeous!!!!!! I always get a corner balcony junior suite room because of the beautiful river view! Just absolutely breathtaking !!! I love it !!!! The cleaning crew each day also does a magnificent job cleaning your room. Sparkling!!! The pool is beautiful also as you watch poolside all the beautiful boats and yachts go by all day! They also have a beautiful restaurant/bar right next to the pool & on the water. You never want to leave!! Great Happy Hour & bartenders too. They also have serval other restaurants and bars with incredible Happy Hour specials!!! Now let me start with Kavoen! The manager there. He is a class act!! So sweet, classy, well spoken, helpful, kind, & goes out of his way to make sure you get what you need & what you want & will make your stay there incredible! I cannot thank him enough. He always go above and beyond!! No matter how many times you call him, he is accommodating and patient. He is top notch!! I travel all over the world & he is hands down one of the best!!!!! SUPER NICE. Now for one of my favorite restaurants there….Wild Sea Las Olas!!! Not only is the food amazing & cocktails (breakfast, lunch, & dinner) but the staff is incredible!! Bryon & Judy are the best. Always so assertive & serves you with a smile. They are always making sure my cocktails & meals are just perfect. They work so hard & are so kind!! Funny too!! Mayra the manager there is absolutely the greatest too!!! So sweet & so nice!!! She went out of her way for me everyday & made my dining experience wonderful!! She is on point! The valet guys are also super nice & friendly!!!!! I am so grateful and appreciative for all of them!!! Thank you so much Riverside Hotel!! I cannot wait to return!!! FIVE STARS ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Wonderful

Nov 11, 2024 LLRS1 Houston, TX

We love this hotel and have enjoyed every stay. Even though we arrived the weekend of the Boat Show, and the hotel appeared to be full, we did not have any problems with noise and got a great night's sleep as always. We stayed in a corner balcony room in the tower, and had a great time sitting outside and enjoying the beautiful weather. We also… Read more
We love this hotel and have enjoyed every stay. Even though we arrived the weekend of the Boat Show, and the hotel appeared to be full, we did not have any problems with noise and got a great night's sleep as always. We stayed in a corner balcony room in the tower, and had a great time sitting outside and enjoying the beautiful weather. We also enjoy walking down Las Olas and always find a great restaurant nearby. We had delicious coffee and breakfast at the hotel's New River Cafe and Bakery. I highly recommend this hotel. Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating NOT CONDUCIVE TO BUSINESS

Nov 11, 2024 W3874ULtomm

I am hosting four clients in Fort Lauderdale this week for a two-day series of meetings and dinners. I deeply regret choosing the Riverside Hotel for their stay, as it proved to be far from business-friendly. Extremely so. I needed to book a conference room and after being transferred to the sales department, I waited in vain for a callback. I… Read more
I am hosting four clients in Fort Lauderdale this week for a two-day series of meetings and dinners. I deeply regret choosing the Riverside Hotel for their stay, as it proved to be far from business-friendly. Extremely so. I needed to book a conference room and after being transferred to the sales department, I waited in vain for a callback. I had to reach out again before the end of the day just to get a response. My request was for a four-hour room rental from 9AM to 1PM for a straightforward meeting, without any catering needs. The cost for just the room was quoted at $500. When I inquired about additional equipment like a TV and webcam, I was told it would add another $375. This brought the total to $875 plus taxes for a mere four-hour session, which I found to be excessively priced. This ordeal led me to discover a better alternative at Opus Meeting Rooms located at 515 E Las Olas Boulevard, just a short distance away. The cost there? A mere $125, saving us $750 compared to what Riverside Hotel was charging. Given the Riverside Hotel's exorbitant pricing, I've committed to spending nothing further at their establishment during our visit. We have opted to have breakfast at Top Hat Deli, lunch at a spot across the street from the hotel, and dinners booked at Rocco's Tacos and Cafe Sensei. We will even avoid the bar. This experience clearly demonstrates cause and effect in action. Read less