We checked in for a two night stay and our last stay at the Riverside was in 2007. We got to FLL a few times a year but have been staying elsewhere.
I have been a fan of the Riverside since 1988 and have stayed there at least 50 times over the years. I used to simply love the place - it was small and special with attention to detail and nice levels of personal service.
Apparently, management continues to cut corners and I am sad to see this happen.
Positives: Comfortable rooms (but lousy soundproofing), fresh decor, two top notch concierges, an ideal location in the midst of Las Olas dining and nightlife, great housekeeping, super valet service.
Negatives: Small pool with rules that were totally unenforced, even though staff was there for the hours we were. Kids were diving, running and screaming, bringing their huge float toys into the already too small pool and making those of us who were looking for a bit and quiet head back to the room far sooner than planned. Really, with a pool this size at least make it a pleasant experience for all guests.
Management chose to do away with complimentary coffee in the lobby. I was emnaghast when I got a bill for $8.35 for two SMALL styro cups of very average coffee. Really, if you are going to take away a nicety that costs almost nothing, do not add insult to injury and rip off your guests by grossly overcharging for a simple cup of very mediocre coffee.
The feel of the hotel has changed over the years. While the tower adds modern amenitied and larger rooms, the management has allowed the very special ambiance of this hotel to fade.
Would I stay again? Yes, for the location and only for the location. Where in the past I would happily choose the Riverside Hotel to enjoy all it has to offer, that is no longer the case.
I surely hope management wakes up and restores the personal charm of this lovely old hotel to what it used to be.
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