Riverside Hotel

Reviewer: Not provided on Sat 30 Jul 2011 rated 9 out of 10.

I was very concerned when I read several negative reviews about the traditional rooms at Riverside Hotel. I called the hotel and found that we were indeed going to be in two traditional rooms. I was also concerned about the rooms not having a refrigerator, microwave, or complimentary breakfast. A traveling family with young children needs to have these amenities. It would have been more convenient for the pool to be in the hotel or downstairs instead of across the street. Lastly, the daily parking fee added almost $100 on to the price of our hotel stay. The hotel automatically upgraded us to a classic room when we arrived. The classic room turned out to be great. My family enjoyed their stay. If I had a choice of hotel, I might not have picked Riverside, but our stay turned out to be okay.

Positives: The staff was friendly and responsive to our needs particularly staff at the front desk and

Negatives: There was no refrigerator or microwave in the room and there was a daily parking rate of $17 per day.

Reviewer: Not provided on Sat 04 Jun 2011 rated 10 out of 10.

Beds are comfortable and only steps away from the strip, classy and upscale.

Positives: Cleanliness and in the heart of Ft. Lauderdale strip.

Negatives: Rooms are a little small but cozy.

Reviewer: Not provided on Thu 21 Apr 2011 rated 9 out of 10.

Older Ft. Lauderdale hotel on Las Olas very quaint.

Positives: Ambiance is great.

Negatives: Nothing to dislike.

Reviewer: Not provided on Sun 13 Feb 2011 rated 7 out of 10.

The staying at the Riverside hotel was a positive experience overall and we will stay again, though we will ensure a room in the new tower. Our room was in the older tower and it showed its age. The room was very clean and comfortable though quite small. The lighting was low which made it difficult to see at night or in the shower. When we turned off the lights, it would turn the clock radio off as they were on the same circuit so use of clock radio/alarm was useless. We loved the area and the cafes around. It was beautiful. Staff were very polite, helpful and quick to offer assistance. We can imagine a stay Ina newer room would have made our stay at the Riverside perfect.

Positives: The hotel was great, staff very helpful and friendly. Public areas were beautiful even though dated. Loved location.

Negatives: We were disappointed in our room in old tower. Small, buckling carpet, low water pressure, dark lighting, etc.

Reviewer: Not provided on Thu 10 Feb 2011 rated 7 out of 10.

Very old decor in the original section of the hotel. Building was very old, decor was a bit gaudy, could really use an update. It was in a trendy area, and restaurants close by were mostly trendy places and not a ton of variety. Our room was clean and staff were friendly.

Positives: It was close to the Fort Lauderdale Riverwalk

Negatives: There was no convenience or grocery stores close by.

Reviewer: Not provided on Mon 07 Feb 2011 rated 10 out of 10.

We upgraded our Priceline room for $30 to a higher room with a view. It was wonderful -- we could watch the water taxis floating up and down the waterway. The check-in process was quick, friendly and efficient. The room was clean and nicely decorated.

Positives: Quaint shopping area on several blocks right outside. Close proximity to water taxi for visiting/exploring the area.

Negatives: Can't think of a thing!

Reviewer: Not provided on Tue 01 Feb 2011 rated 10 out of 10.

This is a gem of a hotel, although we could not have afforded it without a great deal from Priceline. It is classy and elegant. Super clean and a helpful staff. The pool is just a few steps from the lobby across a very quiet street adjacent to the river. A perfect spot to watch everything from small boats to yachts sail by.

Positives: Old charm elegance.

Negatives: I would be hard pressed to find something!.

Reviewer: Not provided on Wed 12 Jan 2011 rated 4 out of 10.

I was put in one of the lower quality rooms. I have seen these rooms and did not like them. Very old and creepy. I asked to be in the newer section and they said they would need to charge me a daily upgrade fee. I knew I couldn't stay in one of the 1930's or 1970's rooms, so I agreed to pay the upcharge. When I went to my room, it was OK but not the same quality that I stayed in last summer at the same hotel. I asked the front desk if there were modern rooms in the hotel (newer TV, bedding, decor). The first staffer told me that there were nicer rooms and suites available, but I couldn't be moved to them. The second staffer then got on the phone and said she didn't know what he was talking about and all of the rooms were identical. Very odd and frustrating.

Positives: Swimming pool and location.

Negatives: Staff was somewhat shady.

Reviewer: Not provided on Thu 06 Jan 2011 rated 6 out of 10.

We did not like this hotel. We arrived late and the entrance was hidden on another street, which was not indicated anywhere. The parking was even more hidden and it was not free. The rooms were small and clearly old. The shower was too small and there was no place to work in the room. No room to put your objects and bad economy in general. This hotel needs a revamp.

Positives: The staff was nice and the public areas were beautiful.

Negatives: The hotel is old, hard to find, room clearly 60 years old, as they claim.

Reviewer: Not provided on Mon 03 Jan 2011 rated 8 out of 10.

I would come back and stay at this hotel - great location - great amenities - great staff - clean - upscale - i appreciated the parking.

Positives: Loved the location - great amenities.

Negatives: Had to call to get room cleaned- needs more outlets.

Reviewer: Not provided on Mon 03 Jan 2011 rated 7 out of 10.

Very charming and unique. Public spaces were much nicer than the private ones. The rooms need up-grading, and definitely new carpet. It felt bad under the feet!

Positives: Beautiful lobby and Christmas decorations.

Negatives: Room was a bit shabby. Carpeting especially.

Reviewer: Not provided on Tue 21 Dec 2010 rated 3 out of 10.

If you are traveling with family. I wold recommend a hotel similiar to a Days Inn or other inexpensive hotel. This hotel was Expensive. They charged for parking, they did not offer a free breakfast. They wanted to charge for a fridge in your room. The fitness center was sad. There was no microwave. Their restaurant was expensive. They wanted to charge you for local calls. Their was no wi-fi it was dial up with a long cord attached. The satalite tv kept going out. And to think this was rated with four or more stars.

Positives: The hotel did keep the room nice and clean and they were friendly.

Negatives: They charged for everything I mean everything!

Reviewer: Not provided on Tue 07 Dec 2010 rated 10 out of 10.

First time using Price Line . Will do again. Great price and a great Hotel.

Positives: Great Location for cruise Port. Lots to see and do in area.

Negatives: Loved it. No dislikes.

Reviewer: Not provided on Sat 27 Nov 2010 rated 1 out of 10.

The location and staff was excellent. Every time I turned around it was more money. The locals can park in the parking garage for $20.00 a month, the hotel guest are charged $17.00 a night for self park or $24.00 a night for valet. Forget the streets as there is no overnight parking allowed. No wonder their parking lot was always empty. A fridge was $10.00 a day extra for my medications and then there was no room near the table to eat. To say the rooms are small is an understatement, they are tiny! There are no plugs anywhere. I had to unplug the old TV to recharge my phone and unplug the fridge to use my laptop. No hot water in the mornings. No hooks in the bathroom to hang garments, no counter space although the tile was pretty it was older moldy in places.

Positives: Location.

Negatives: Parking, small rooms, and lack of plugs.

Reviewer: Not provided on Tue 05 Oct 2010 rated 7 out of 10.

Our room is small; restroom is small; neither have wireless nor Internet was available in the room.

Positives: Has good quality of public space and staff are very friendly.

Negatives: Parking $17/day. Room not in the new tower is very small.

Reviewer: Not provided on Fri 17 Sep 2010 rated 8 out of 10.

If you can appreciate staying in the historic portion of the hotel and don't mind the hot hallway it will be an excellent place to stay and enjoy Las Olas. The new towers I am sure have excellent accommodations if you want the frills of a 3-star stay. Overall a great place.

Positives: Location and common areas we're excellent.

Negatives: The part of the hotel we stayed at was the historic portion and it was retrofitted with air conditioners in the rooms, but the hallways were hot.

Reviewer: Not provided on Sun 23 May 2010 rated 8 out of 10.

It's a very good place for business travelers.

Positives: Good location.

Negatives: The wall are very thin I could hear everything from next door room.

Reviewer: Not provided on Mon 03 May 2010 rated 10 out of 10.

Superb location on Las Olas Blvd, convenient to Water Taxi, clean & comfortable, priced right with Priceline.

Positives: Location clean comfy..

Negatives: Expensive hotel restaurant & expensive parking.

Reviewer: Not provided on Mon 12 Apr 2010 rated 10 out of 10.

This hotel is in a prime location with many shops and dining facilities in walking distance. Very charming hotel, very clean, very friendly. No complaints and I would definitely stay there again.

Positives: I loved the old world charm that has remained even after renovations.

Negatives: Charged $18 per day for parking.

Reviewer: Not provided on Mon 05 Apr 2010 rated 6 out of 10.

Paid<BR/>for parking. I was unable to sleep due to no draperies to keep out outside lights, unable to call front desk due to no phone service in room.

Positives: Accessibility was great, public transport and private car.

Negatives: No phone in room despite requesting various times, no drapes keep out light.

Reviewer: Not provided on Fri 02 Apr 2010 rated 7 out of 10.

We stayed in the old part of the building and our room showed age, but it was clean. Bathroom wall tiles were neat and gave the room character. Towels were nice and fluffy kind which I liked. Lobby was very nice with friendly staff. Concierge wasn't too much help though, we asked for local food, she directed us to the most expensive restaurant in the neighborhood. Hope they don't give out recommendations based on their business partners. Other than that, our experience was a positive one and we will stay there again.

Positives: Right on Las Ola's, nice lobby, friendly staff, dated but clean room.

Negatives: Old part of the hotel rooms need update.

Reviewer: Not provided on Sun 21 Mar 2010 rated 6 out of 10.

The public areas of this hotel are very attractive. Unfortunately, we had a room in the old wing of the hotel. The bathroom was tiny. The commode was right beside the small sink. The bed was comfortable and the sheets good quality (not excellent).

Positives: Great location.

Negatives: We had an older rooms.

Reviewer: Not provided on Sun 07 Mar 2010 rated 5 out of 10.

The hotel was in a nice location and the staff was very friendly and helpful. When you enter the hotel, the lobby was beautiful, very impressive. Unfortunately they sent us up to our room and it didn't look as if it belonged in the hotel. It was much lower quality then the rooms downstairs. We were disappointed in our room. We looked at photos on line and our room was not like any of them!

Positives: Location was good, lobby was very nice.

Negatives: Our room was no comparison to the rest of the hotel, less then expected.

Reviewer: Not provided on Wed 10 Feb 2010 rated 8 out of 10.

Overall, very nice, very comfortable, helpful people.

Positives: Location, atmosphere, friendliness of most of the staff, comfortable bed.

Negatives: We left an article of clothing behind, and it took several phone calls to locate it. Security was not helpful.

Reviewer: Not provided on Thu 04 Feb 2010 rated 10 out of 10.

This is an outstanding hotel and a perfect spot for a relaxing 3 day visit. I normally don't like hotel restaurants, but the sidewalk cafe/restaurant was great for people watching and the food was just fine. Normally, I give more balanced reviews with both the good and the bad, but this was all good.

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Positives: The staff was outstanding without being overly gratuitous. They knew the art of good customer service very well.

Negatives: Can't think of a thing.

Reviewer: Not provided on Wed 03 Feb 2010 rated 10 out of 10.

We were very pleased with our stay at the Riverside. The section of the hotel where they seem to place Priceline users is in the older section, but it was fine. We LOVED the location and the public areas of the hotel. My husband has to have a firm mattress and this hotel has very hard beds. This was a huge plus for us. The restaurant and bar were very nice. It was a great stay.

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Positives: Loved the location!

Negatives: The televisions were old and didn't work well.

Reviewer: Not provided on Thu 21 Jan 2010 rated 10 out of 10.

We would definitely stay at the Riverside again. Mainly because it is on Las Olas Blvd. downtown and on the waterway too. It is a beautiful old Floridian feeling hotel; immaculate and up to date. We like being to walk out onto Las Olas and having a pick of lots of restaurants within walking distance. Main drawback would be it is not on the ocean, but it's hard to get everything. The rooms are very pretty and luxurious.

Positives: It's location and old Florida beauty.

Negatives: The pool was across the street.

Reviewer: Not provided on Sun 17 Jan 2010 rated 7 out of 10.

Very nice hotel with great location. A lot to see and do within walking distance. Staff very helpful and friendly.

Positives: Very nice decor and location. Friendly staff.

Negatives: No dislikes.

Reviewer: Not provided on Mon 04 Jan 2010 rated 7 out of 10.

Seemed like a nice hotel. The room, however, was located in the far back of the hotel. When you get off the elevator, you feel like you entered a 1 star motel. Quite a difference from the appearance in the lobby area.

Positives: Location, lounge.

Negatives: My room.

Reviewer: Not provided on Fri 25 Dec 2009 rated 9 out of 10.

Great hotel. Be sure to upgrade to a executive room in the tower for only $30. Well worth it. Great big room, lovely views. Lovely location.

Positives: Old world charm, great location, great views.

Negatives: No free shuttle to airport or cruise port.

Reviewer: Not provided on Tue 28 Jul 2009 rated 9 out of 10.

I STAYED IN THE OLDER SECTION...very nostalgic...but also not updated with wifi...and newer TV's...otherwise...place is very nice.

Positives: nostalgic with class in a great location for Ft. Lauderdale

Negatives: drive up entrance not obvious; no wifi in my room

Reviewer: Not provided on Sun 03 Aug 2008 rated 7 out of 10.

The hotel was very nice, a great get away hotel in Ft. Lauderdale. The two bars in the hotel are great for when you come down for dinner or just a night cap. They did not have Internet access in all their rooms so if you did not inquire you had to go to the lobby to get a wireless connection. Not conducive for a business traveler, this is more for vacationers and those romantic get-away. The staff was very friendly, however when I complained about my parking pass not working to get me into their garage a second time I got a attitude from one of the ladies at the front desk, this did not go over well with me and that is why I gave question number 3 a poor rating.

Positives: Within walking distance of several restaurants and stores and the overall charm of the hotel.

Negatives: They charge $18.02 a day to park in their parking garage.