Fort Lauderdale Vacation Condo New River City Views Ocean Views

Penthouse Luxury Condo Downtown on the New River/Weekly Ok Downtown, Fort Lauderdale, Florida Vacation Rental by Owner Listing 225719

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Location: Downtown, Fort Lauderdale, Florida South East, Florida, USA (On the New River in Downtown Ft. Lauderdale) View Map

Accommodations:  Condo, 2 Bedrooms, 2 Baths (Sleeps 4)

Stay in the Esplanade Condo in the heart of Downtown Ft. Lauderdale - directly on the New River at 'Sailboat Bend.' It looks down on the Broward Performing Arts Center and the Riverwalk Park along the river. Looking east you see the tall buildings of downtown and then out to the ocean. At night the lights of the whole city are laid out in front of you. There is no better view or location in Ft. Lauderdale. Take in a play at the Broward Center (see their WEB site for booking and event information) and walk to dinner on the river. Or take the River Taxi that will pick you up at our front door to take you a few blocks to the famous Las Olas shopping and dining area. Or grab the Water Taxi and make a day of it going to the beach and lunch at one the famous river side restaurants. The apartment is a 1230 sq. ft. two bedroom, two bath unit on the top, 'penthouse,' floor of the 16 story Esplanade with a 230 ft. private balcony.

The apartment includes such luxury features as: 50" HD TV and Blu-ray player, unlimited US phone service, broadband, wireless internet access with a scanner/printer/fax machine.

Note: If you have a boat, the City of Ft. Lauderdale offers dockage space for a nominal fee.

If you are not familiar with the Downtown area of Fort Lauderdale, it is the fastest growing, most vibrant part of the City. A number of years ago the City Commission decided to re-develop the downtown area as an arts, entertainment and residential living area. A number of studies were done and a master plan developed. The first phase was the building of the “Riverwalk Park” along the north bank of the New River (the main river that runs through the downtown area and has some of the most expensive homes in the City). The Riverwalk Park allows you to walk the river (or ride one of our bikes) and enjoy the activities. The west end of the Park (where we are) starts at the cultural center of Broward County with the Broward Center for the Performing Arts, and going east passes the Museum of Discovery and IMAX Theater, the Old Ft. Lauderdale Village and Museum, the Museum of Art (one of the few museums in the country to show the King Tut Exhibition). Continuing along the Riverwalk are a number of parks (Huizenga Plaza with its fountain that dances to music is most impressive), the Las Olas Riverfront mall with its many shops and movie theaters, the entertainment area along 2nd street, and a number of magnificent new condos (the 35 floor Las Olas River House that is the blue building you see in our patio picture, has condos from the $700s to over $4 million). The River walk ends at famous Las Olas Blvd. and its many unusual shops and restaurants (the Rodeo Drive of Ft. Lauderdale). One of the must things to do is to take one of the narrated river boat rides. In Summary: you could stay at one of the condos on the ocean with its quiet serene atmosphere (remember you will have to get in your car to go anyplace), or you can stay Downtown “where the action is”. If you haven’t tried staying Downtown I think you have a treat awaiting you.

About the Esplanade and some history: The building is a luxury condominium offering the following features: a heated pool and spa, a coed sauna room, an exercise room, two tennis courts, a bike room where you will find two bikes for your personal use, plus a business center with computer and printer. The Esplanade is located on the point of land known as “Sailboat Bend” and as the name implies is the point in the New River were sailboats would have to change tacks as they sailed past. Only 150 years ago the site was a Seminole Indian village and burial ground. In 1838, along the banks of the New River near the Esplanade, was fought the 2nd Seminole war and a fort was built named after Major William Lauderdale – hence “Fort Lauderdale”. If you take the Ghost Tour they will tell you about all the sightings at Sailboat Bend. (The tour is an interesting 90 minute walking tour along the Riverwalk starting at the CheeseCake Factory on Las Olas Blvd. - call if interested).

Some final words and a mental image:: Read your email and surf the web while sitting on the patio with your laptop and watch the Jungle Queen Riverboat pass directly below on its river cruise. Or relax with the 42 inch plasma TV with 80 channel cable service and a VRC/DVD player to watch fantastic looking movies in the den/2nd bedroom. The living room has a 50" HDTV and Blu-ray player (or watch HD premium channels on the free cable service). Plus the living room has a music system with 25 of our favorite CDs (remember to bring some of your favorites). The fully equipped kitchen has granite counters and a separate alcove for the washer and dryer. The kitchen is equipped right down to the under cabinet TV and spice racks. Relax in the luxury master bathroom with its whirlpool tub and glass enclosed shower. We have two reserved parking spots in the secured parking garage (and remember the two bikes ready to take you along the Riverwalk Park). Everything is beautifully furnished for your comfort and enjoyment.

Vacation Rental Features

  • Amenities
    • Air Conditioning
    • Washer
    • Dryer
    • Linens Provided
    • Garage
    • Covered Parking
    • Off Street Parking
    • Elevator
  • Beds
    • King Bed
    • Convertible Bed
  • Entertainment
    • Cable/Satellite TV: With premium HBO and Star channels in HD on 50" HDTV. Also has a Blu-ray player for the ultimate in movie viewing.
    • DVD (2)
    • VCR
    • CD Player
    • Stereo System
    • Music Library: With 25 on our favorite CDs
    • Jetted Tub in Bath
    • Shared Hot Tub
    • Shared Pool
    • Sauna
  • Kitchen
    • Full Kitchen
    • Cooking Utensils Provided
    • Refrigerator
    • Dishwasher
    • Microwave
    • Ice Maker
  • Outdoor Features
    • Gas/Electric BBQ Grill
    • Balcony
  • View/Location
    • Waterfront, not Lake/Oceanfront. Ask for details
  • Communications
    • Telephone
    • Free Long Distance
    • Broadband Internet
    • WiFi (Wireless Internet)
  • Suitability
    • No Pets Allowed
    • Handicapped Accessible (may have limitations)
  • Activities (on site and nearby)
    • Golf
    • Tennis
    • Shopping
    • Sightseeing
    • Restaurants
    • Boating
    • Swimming
    • Snorkeling/Diving
    • Windsurfing
    • Biking
    • Fitness Center/Gym
    • Cinemas/Movie Theaters
    • Live Theatre
    • Museums

 

Rate Details (In US Dollars)

Personal Currency Assistant

Apr 16, 2009- Nov 30, 2009: $1000/wk, $3500/mo, extra night $150, 1 week min stay
Dec 1, 2009 - Apr 15, 2010: $1,500/wk, $4500/mo, 2 week min stay
Apr 16, 2010 - Nov 30, 2010: $1200/wk, $4000/mo, extra nights $160, 1 week min
We are the only New River Downtown luxury condo that can offer weekly rentals.
All rates include all taxes and fees, parking, and facilities access.
There is a $100 cleaning fee, and a $300 security deposit.
We use PayPal for your convenience and safety. This allows you to charge with any
credit card and not have to reveal your numbers to me.

Note: Until confirmed, rates are subject to change without notice.

  • Credit Cards Accepted:

  • Visa
  • Mastercard
  • American Express
  • Discover
  • Diners Club

Dates available: Year Round
Before contacting us, please check our calendar for your desired dates.

Note: Each property is individually owned or managed.

Map & Owner's Profile

 
 

Penthouse Luxury Condo Downtown on the New River/Weekly Ok

Year Purchased: 2004

Why the Owner Chose Downtown

After retiring from Motorola after 40 years as an engineer in their Research Department we wanted to buy a place we could go to getaway. We fell in love with the Esplanade Condo as the perfect hideaway. It is only 30 minutes from our home in Coral Springs but a "world away".

The Unique Benefits at this Condo

It is located in the heart of Downtown Ft. Lauderdale in their cultural, entertainment district and only minutes from the famous Las Olas shopping area. When not rented we come here to relax and watch the boat traffic on the river below our balcony. (In December the world famous Ft. Lauderale Christmas Boat Parade passes directly below.) Why don't you come and join us?

A
Broward Center for the Performing Arts

Ft. Lauderdale's premier playhouse. It is directly across the river from us (see it in the picture below). Book a show during your visit www.browardcenter.org/events/

B
Rivertaxi

Get on at our front door and travel anywhere on the New River. 954-880-7060

C
IMAX Theater and Museum of Discovery & Science

3D theater and hands on museum. You can see it from the balcony. 954-467-6637

D
Downtown Arts & Entertainment District

A special entertainment area. The Himmarshee Bar & Grille, Dicey Riley's, Coyote Ugly, The Voodoo Lounge, The America Backyard, and The Porterhouse Bar & Grill are all here.

E
Ft. Lauderdale Historical Society

Has great tours at 1, 2 and 3 PM of the old historical area. Learn about the early days of Ft. Lauderdale. 954-463-4431

F
Las Olas Shopping District

The famous "Rodeo Drive" of Ft. Lauderdale. A mile of shops and restaurants.

G
Publix Supermarket

Where you will want to go for your food supplies. 601 S. Andrews Ave., 954-728-9205

H
Downtowner Saloon & Steak House

A great place for dinner or lunch right on the river. Inexpensive food with a casual atmosphere. Free parking behind. One of our favorite spots. Right under the Andrews Ave. bridge. 954-463-9800

I
Jungle Queen Riverboat

A great 3 hour sightseeing cruise on the New River. Goes out daily at 9:30am & 1:30pm. (Also has dinner cruise at 6pm). Leaves from dock 2 blocks south of Las Olas Blvd. on A1A. "A must do."

J
Mangos Restaurant and Bar

A popular restaurant with live music every night. It has free parking in the rear. 904 E. Las Olas Blvd. 954-523-5001

K
Cafe La Bonne Crepe

Try their soft French Country Crepes stuffed with strawberries, blueberries, bananas and topped with powdered sugar. 815 E. Las Olas, 954-761-1515

L
Broward Court House

The main courthouse.

M
Stranahan House

The oldest house in Ft. Lauderdale. Built as a trading post with the Seminole Indians in 1901. An interesting history and cultural tour. Open most days. 335 SE 6th Ave. 954-524-4736

N
Museum of Art

One of South Florida’s leading cultural attractions with over one million visitors since 2003. At Andrews Ave. and Las Olas Blvd. 954-525-5500

O
Carrie B. Harbor Tours

Another great river tour boat. "See The Yachts And Homes Of The Rich And Famous". Goes out 3 times daily for 1 1/2 hours. 800-979-3370

P
Ft. Lauderdale Convention Center

According to Google it is 2.7 miles away - about 9 mins.

Q
Ft. Lauderdale International Airport

According to Google it is 6.1 miles - or about 16 mins. (Miami's Int'l Airport is given as 29.1 miles or 37 mins.)

R
Take a bike ride

You can use our bikes to pedal to the beach along Las Olas Blvd. From this point there is a bike lane. Round trip is 7.7 miles. Stop for lunch at the Casablanca Cafe (see map and below).

S
Casablanca Cafe

A great little cafe across from the beach. Sit on the patio and watch the beach crowd. A1A & Alhambra St., 954-764-3500

T
Briny Riverfront Irish Bar & Restaurant

Another popular place for drinks or food. Inexpensive and tables are outside along the river. In the Riverfront complex - 305 S. Andrews Ave. (You can see it from our balcony). 954-376-4742

U
Dania Jai-Alai

Something different. Here you can bet on Jai-Alai games. It is a very fast ball game where the ball is caught and thrown with a "cesta" - wicker scoop. My grandson loves Miguel. 301 E Dania Beach Blvd

V
South Beach Park (on the Ocean)

A great little (27 acres) park right on the Ocean. It has its own parking lot. With grills, picnic tables, restrooms, playground. Las Olas to A1A and south 1/2 mile - just 12 minutes away.

W
Hugh Taylor Birch State Park

A 180-acre park donated by Mr. Birch in 1941 to preserve his "subtropical paradise". Great for a picnic and dip in the ocean (has tunnel to beach under A1A). Parking entrance on Sunrise Blvd.

X
Docks for Fish & Snorkel boats

Here the "Catch My Drift" offers a 4 hour group fishing trip for $30 per person (with coupon) and Pro Dive II offers glassbottom and Coral Reef snorkeling. See my information notebook in the apt.

Y
Pirate Republic Bar Seafood & Grill

Newly renovated and is just a 5 minute walk. It is one of our favorite places to eat. Sit at one of the riverside tables and watch the boats go by. It use to be Shirtail Charlies. 954-779-7677

Z
Ft. Lauderdale Beach

This world famous beach is just a few minutes away by car (or a short, easy 30 minutes by bike or Water Taxi). Grap a couple of our beach chairs, the cooler and go enjoy the rays.

 

Owner's Map of Downtown

Here Judy and I (Ralph) are relaxing 16 floors up on the balcony of our Penthouse Condo.

(Note that you can blow-up the map below, use the + button. That will help you better see where we are located and the surrounding attractions. Also you can click on each balloon marker to get more information.)

 

Property Photos

Guest Comments (15)

  • 11/05/09
    Positive Rating
    Frances & Michael Howorth , Wiltshire UK
    • Whenever we work, as travel writers around the world there is one thing that frequently blights our enjoyment and that is finding accommodation that we can afford to pay for and more importantly meets our high standards. We are sure that we are not alone in our desire to avoid noisy and sometimes dirty rooms in hotels chains. They are uncomfortable, have expensive and poorly served breakfasts and supplement their already substantial profit by charging huge sums to guests for the use the internet. When we travel we like to live as local do, in comfort, with the necessities of life that make being and working away from home that little bit more bearable. A good, well equipped kitchen, washing machines, a place to work and other home comforts help ease the stress of being away on the road. What do you think? For many years we have suffered poor accommodation in Fort Lauderdale at boat show time, made worse by the knowing the price has just gone up because the event is in town. So, it is wonderfully refreshing to be able to report on, and even recommend, a great self-catering apartment in downtown Fort Lauderdale that is fully equipped, and while not cheap is excellent. The penthouse suite on the 17th floor is a two bedroom apartment located over looking the New River, with spectacular views of down town and the water in the heart of Fort Lauderdale. The main bedroom has a huge bed, walk in wardrobe and bathroom with tub and separate shower. The second bedroom is laid out as a study with printer, wifi, sofa bed and its own bathroom. The large living room includes a fully equipped kitchen with dishwasher, washing machine and drier and a dinning room table that is perfect for working at. Walk across the bridge to the Broward Center for Performing Arts and all that Las Olas Boulevard has to offer or catch the water taxi over to the beach or along the water ways so you get to see the houses belonging to millionaires who park their super yachts at the foot of their gardens! The apartment block has its own covered secure parking, a sauna, fitness centre, pool surrounded by BBQs for use by guests and even a 24 hour lobby attendant.

      Homeowner Response:
      Thanks Frances & Michael, as travel writers that have been all over the world, your kind words mean a lot to us. No amount of paid advertising can compare to freely given endorsements like yours. We look forward to seeing you again next year for the Ft. Lauderdale Boat Show. In the meantime we will be following your WEB blog and living vicariously thru your lives.
  • 11/04/09
    Positive Rating
    david and lindsey , london, england
    • Great place to stay, splendid views over the river and downtown area. Very well equipped, and close enough to walk or cycle safely to Publix. Ideally placed for Los Olas restaurants and easy to get around by river taxi and water taxi (recommend Charley's Crab at end of water taxi route).
  • 10/21/09
    Positive Rating
    Heather ,
    • I stayed here for 2 weeks while in town with FIDDLER ON THE ROOF. A co-worker and I (both management) shared this fantastic 2 bedroom/2 bathroom apartment. It couldn't have been better equipped! The beautiful balcony on the top floor of the building provided gorgeous views and a lovely breeze. The kitchen had every appliance necessary and quite few extras. Ralph and Judy were so welcoming and pointed out some local restaurants to try. I'll definitely come back if given the chance!

      Homeowner Response:
      Thanks Heather and Betsy, it is always nice to have people with the Broward Playhouse stay with us. It makes us feel in some small way we are contributing to the arts. Good luck on the rest of your tour.
  • 08/24/09
    Positive Rating
    Elaine and Mickey Winick , New York, NY
    • We have rented this apartment for the last three winters (January, February, March) and plan to rent it again this winter. The Apartment itself is beautiful, the view spectacular, and everything we have needed has been there or has been supplied by the owner. From the balcony, we can see both up and down the river. Last year, we were able to watch the migration of the manatees, a very impressive sight. The building is quiet, with a full gym, a pool, a sauna and jacuzzi.
  • 08/01/09
    Positive Rating
    • Guest Comment entered by Homeowner:
      Dear Ralph & Judy, What an excellent place you have here. I will not forget the views, the bike rides, the food, the saunas and swins and the daily visits to the Pirate Republic. We had everthing we needed and enjoyed every monent. Two weeks wasn't enough. Cheers!
  • 07/22/09
    Positive Rating
    Christina & Gerhard , Switzerland
    • We have just stayed in this appartment for two weeks and we have had the best time. Everything was great. Perfectly clean, excellent location. There was nothing we have missed. This will be our all time favorite vacation home and we hope to return very soon.
  • 07/22/09
    Positive Rating
    • Guest Comment entered by Homeowner:
      Dear Ralph & Judy, We never met you Ralph, but everything was laid out perfectly - thanks Judy. My three boys took full advantage of the facilities and we all had a wonderful time. A big difference for our home town of London. Thank you.
  • 07/13/09
    Positive Rating
    Ann , NYC, New York
    • My fiance and I stayed here for a week. June 20-28 It is a GREAT place. Very CLEAN!! And SO CONVENIENT. They have everything there that you need to be comfortable. A fully appointed kitchen with every appliance. Wireless internet connection, printer, huge TVs. They keep the place stocked with all the amenities. You don't have to worry about running out of soap or shampoo, because they have a backup supply. Plus, Ralph & Judy are really sweet and accommodating. We HIGHLY recommend this place if you like your vacations to be relaxed, hassle free, clean, comfortable and if you like to cook.
  • 07/08/09
    Positive Rating
    Ivor & Lucy Evans , South West, UK
    • Great place to use as a base to explore Fort Lauderdale & the surrounding area. Fantastic to have supper out on the balcony. You can watch the world go bye below you, from boats to people. One could say that the apartment block is the “wrong side of the river”, but with a bridge either side and water taxis at your disposal access to the theatre, restaurants, river walk and Las Olas are less than five minutes away.(the better view out ways the walk). We had a great time and if your lucky enough to be able to find a space in the diary then book, you wont be disappointed. Thanks again Ralph & Judy ,keep up the good work, the girls and I will be back !!!
  • 06/18/09
    Positive Rating
    Wozniak Jerzy , Katowice-Poland
    • I was in this condo second time.I stayed for 3 weeks.This is very comfortable,and convenient condo- with garage,bicycles,swimming pool,grill,fitness room,and,of course, with beautifull city view!Thanks! Jerzy Wozniak from Poland

First (10) of (15). View all comments

Dates available: Year Round
Before contacting us, please check our calendar for your desired dates.

Note: Each property is individually owned or managed.

Vacation Rentals by Owner Listing #225719

There have been 3467 visitors to this page since the counter was last reset in 2009.
This listing was first published here in 2009.

Date last modified - November 07, 2009