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)
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:





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?
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/
3D theater and hands on museum. You can see it from the balcony. 954-467-6637
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.
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
The famous "Rodeo Drive" of Ft. Lauderdale. A mile of shops and restaurants.
Where you will want to go for your food supplies. 601 S. Andrews Ave., 954-728-9205
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
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."
A popular restaurant with live music every night. It has free parking in the rear. 904 E. Las Olas Blvd. 954-523-5001
Try their soft French Country Crepes stuffed with strawberries, blueberries, bananas and topped with powdered sugar. 815 E. Las Olas, 954-761-1515
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
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
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
According to Google it is 2.7 miles away - about 9 mins.
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.)
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).
A great little cafe across from the beach. Sit on the patio and watch the beach crowd. A1A & Alhambra St., 954-764-3500
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
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
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.
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.
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.
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
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
- What a view! We're on the top facing the river. - Fort Lauderdale Vacation Condo on New River with City Views and Ocean Views
- Looking down at the river and the Broward Center - Fort Lauderdale Vacation Condo on New River with City Views and Ocean Views
- The living room with its 50" HDTV and Blu-ray player - Fort Lauderdale Vacation Condo on New River with City Views and Ocean Views
- Great aerial view of building at 'Sailboat Bend'.
- The master bath with its spa tub and glass enclosed shower.
- As the signs says: 'Another Day In Paradise'
- The pool deck, the heated spa is in the back.
- The den's desk, printer, 42' plasma TV and sofa bed.
- Dining room seats 4 (expands to 6). Kitchen is behind.
- The living room with 2 sofas and a recliner.
- Enjoy a game of tennis on our 2 courts
- Have breakfast on the patio and enjoy the view.
- You know you have arrived at someplace special - off to the Penthouse.
- It's time to work off all that good food.
- The Jungle Queen Riverboat as it passes under our balcony.
- The City view at night from our balcony.
Guest Comments (15)
First (10) of (15). View all comments
Vacation Rentals by Owner Listing #225719
There have been 3621 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


Positive Rating
Frances & Michael Howorth , Wiltshire UK
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.
Positive Rating
david and lindsey , london, england
Positive Rating
Heather ,
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.
Positive Rating
Elaine and Mickey Winick , New York, NY
Positive Rating
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!
Positive Rating
Christina & Gerhard , Switzerland
Positive Rating
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.
Positive Rating
Ann , NYC, New York
Positive Rating
Ivor & Lucy Evans , South West, UK
Positive Rating
Wozniak Jerzy , Katowice-Poland