Hotel Launches Two-Night-Stay Packages to Celebrate the Magic of Winterfest


FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. - July 26, 2007 - The Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Boat Parade selects the Riverside Hotel, located on Las Olas Boulevard, to serve as the parade's headquarters for the first time. Since 1971, the Winterfest Boat Parade has welcomed the holiday season "South Florida style," with a unique event featuring vessels decked with glittering lights and sensational designs.

The event takes months to coordinate and a major component of that preparation process is choosing a site that is not only perfect for viewing, but one that can comfortably accommodate parade judges, VIPs and film crews. The executive staff at the Riverside Hotel has worked closely with Winterfest organizers during extensive planning meetings to ensure that every detail is handled seamlessly.

"For 36 years, the Winterfest Boat Parade has played a significant role in South Florida's history,' said Irving H. Bowen, chairman and president of The Las Olas Company. "The Riverside Hotel is honored to be this year's host hotel - we will be making history as the event's newest partner."

According to A.J. Jabbour, general manager of the Riverside Hotel, one of the outstanding aspects of showcasing the parade is that it brings the business community together. "Since the Riverside Hotel caters to the business market we look forward to hosting all of the event's corporate sponsors to ensure that this year's event is as successful as possible."

The hotel offers a spectacular view of the parade from the New River and recently launched a series of "Winterfest Boat Parade" packages featuring a variety of two-night stay options to celebrate the magic of Winterfest.

"Our prominent location affords guests breathtaking views of the parade's decorated vessels and megayachts, which is really something to see," added Jabbour. "Due to the parade's popularity and our centralized location on Las Olas Boulevard, we anticipate that our rooms will be booked well in advance."

Winterfest generates a great deal of international press coverage, be a part of the excitement and take advantage of the Riverside Hotel's new "Winterfest Boat Parade" two-night stay packages. Book your reservation today at http://www.riversidehotel.com or call reservations at 800-325-3280.

About The Riverside Hotel
For more than 70 years, no other venue in Fort Lauderdale has been able to surpass the ambience, cuisine and superior service of the Riverside Hotel. The hotel features an impressive 12-story Executive Tower offering spectacular views of the city and more than 11,000 sq. ft. of meeting space, 206 guest rooms and 11 suites. With its central location along Las Olas Boulevard, the Riverside Hotel continues to stand out amongst its competitors.

The history of the Riverside Hotel dates back to the 1930's, when brothers Preston, John and Thomas Wells established their family-owned and operated business, The Las Olas Company, Inc. In 1936, The Las Olas Company built an 80-room hotel with baths and named it the Hotel Champ Carr in honor of its general manager. In 1947, Champ Carr stepped down and the Wells brothers renamed it the Riverside Hotel. For additional information please call 954-467-0671 or visit, http://www.riversidehotel.com.