Location: Downtown, Fort Lauderdale, Florida South East, Florida, USA (On the New River in Downtown Ft. Lauderdale) View Map
Accommodations: Condo, 2 Bedrooms + No additional sleeping rooms avail, 2 Baths (Sleeps 4)
Keywords: Condo, Esplanade, New River, river, Downtown, penthouse
We offer you a vacation getaway in the sky – a luxury condo at the very top of the Esplanade, right on the New River, in exciting Downtown Ft. Lauderdale.
DOWNTOWN ON THE NEW RIVER – means you are there. Not having to get into your car to “get there”, not “only a mile (or two, or three) to THERE”, but actually being THERE. We have 35 restaurants, night clubs, play houses, historic center, and art museums all within a quarter mile from us – that’s 2 blocks. They are all just an easy short walk away. Or you can take one of our bikes for a pleasant 5 or 10 minute ride to any of them. Walk to the Water Taxi stop just down the street and go anywhere on the New River and Intercoastal Waterway. Eat at one of the nearby restaurants on the river (the Pirates Republic Saloon & Restaurant is a block away). Suggestion: Plan your vacation to take in one of the first-run Broadway productions offered at the Broward Performing Arts Center (our 52 million dollar crown jewel playhouse), then one night you can walk across to the “theater” and feel like you are on Broadway.
LUXURY CONDO – is like staying in a fancy resort but without the resort prices and small rooms. It is NOT some rental house buried in a residential neighborhood miles from where you want to be. Luxury Condo means a swimming pool, a jetted spa pool, a dry heat sauna room, tennis courts, a full gym, 2 reserved parking spaces, a Business Center and 24 hour desk service with a full time residential manager. A place where someone says “Hello” when you arrive and that can help with problems and questions.
“A VIEW TO DIE FOR” – means we are on the penthouse floor, 16 stories up looking down on the river and the boat traffic. Across the river is the Performing Arts Center mentioned above, Esplanade Park, the City’s Historic District, the Entertainment District and the start of the premier shopping district – Las Olas Blvd. “A view to die for” means the whole City is laid out before you, and at night it lights up as far as you can see.
FULLY EQUIPPED – means a 50” HDTV, Comcast cable service with 273 channels (14 HBO and Starz premium movie channels and 95 HD channels). A Sony Entertainment Center with 7000 songs, Blu-ray DVD player, 20 Mbps Internet service with Wi-Fi, free phone service to anywhere in the US, Canada and Puerto Rico. Bicycles, a kayak for the river, tennis rackets for the 2 courts, a blanket, chairs and cooler for the beach, full kitchen supplies and the list goes on (see details below).
SEE OUR WEB SITE AND WEB CAM – for more pictures, for a live river view from the nifty camera on our balcony, for a 2D and 3D floor plan, for more about our “stuff”, for more about your hosts Ralph and Judy, for more about the special events like the Winterfest Boat Parade that starts on the river below us and the New Year’s Eve party that takes place in the park across the river from us. And more about the dock spaces available for your boat or yacht. The WEB site and WEB cam links are shown below - right after the section on RATE DETAILS.
IN SUMMARY – we are a Luxury Condo, Downtown on the New River, with a “View to Die For”. We are a “one unit guest house”. We meet every guest, we show them around, we get them settled in and we get to know them. We have over 30 very nice reviews from guests we call our friends.
Vacation Rental Features
- Amenities
- Air Conditioning
- Linens Provided
- Elevator
- Washer
- Dryer
- Garage : Two parking spaces in our secured garage
- Beds
- King Bed
- Convertible Bed
- Crib
- Entertainment
- Jetted Tub in Bath
- Shared Hot Tub
- Sauna
- 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
- VCR
- CD Player
- Stereo System
- Music Library : With 7800 on our favorite songs (our whole music collection) on a Sony iPod music system.
- Shared Pool
- Kitchen
- Full Kitchen
- Cooking Utensils Provided
- Refrigerator
- Dishwasher
- Microwave
- Ice Maker
- Outdoor Features
- Gas/Electric BBQ Grill
- Balcony : With a view over-looking the river, "a view to die for"
- View/Location
- Waterfront, not Lake/Oceanfront. Ask for details : Right on the New River in Downtown Ft. Lauderdale
- Communications
- Telephone
- Free Long Distance : Free service to anywhere in US, Canada and Puerto Rico
- Computer : Business center with PC and printer
- Broadband Internet : with 20 GB cable internet service
- WiFi (Wireless Internet) : Free Wi-Fi
- Other Amenities
- Hair dryers, Iron and ironing board
- Suitability
- No Pets Allowed
- Handicapped Accessible (may have limitations)
- Activities
- Golf
- Tennis
- Shopping
- Kayaking
- Boating
- Swimming
- Windsurfing
- Biking
- Live Theatre
- Restaurants
- Fitness Center/Gym
- Cinemas/Movie Theaters
- Museums
- Other Activities
- Kayak - take our 2 person kayak out on the river for a fun outing to visit one of the local restaurants for snacks and drinks. Or play a game of tennis on one of our two courts - we have the rackets and balls.
Rate Details (In US Dollars)
Apr 16, 2012 - Nov 30, 2012: $1400/wk, $4800/mo, 1 week min.
Dec 1, 2012 - Apr 15, 2013: $1750/wk, $6000/mo, 1 week min
Holiday rate: Dec 8, 2012 - Jan.5, 2013: $300/night, 1 week min
"LAST MINUTE SPECIAL" Save 25% on bookings for dates less than 30 days out.*
*The 30 days just has to include the first day. What could be better.
There is a 5% County tax, a $150 cleaning fee, and a $300 security deposit.
We invoice thru PayPal or you can pay us directly with your credit card.
Note: Until confirmed, rates are subject to change without notice.
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Credit Cards Accepted:
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Map & Owner's Profile
Penthouse Luxury Condo Downtown on the New River
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. Book a show or go to the new "Laffing Matterz" for dinner/theatre comedy. www.browardcenter.org/events/
We are fortunate to have a fleet of taxi boats that will take you up and down the River and out to the Intercoastal Waterway. Stop #12 is at the Pirate Republic Bar (Y on the map).
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. On the corner of Andrews Ave. and 6th Street (across from the Courthouse). They have free indoor parking. 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 Or try one of the other 20 or more restaurants on Las Olas.
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 - you can kayak to here as something special to do. 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 Ralph and Judy are relaxing 16 floors up on the balcony of their 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
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- What a view! We're on the top facing the river. - Fort Lauderdale Vacation Condo on New River with City Views and Ocean Views
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- Looking down at the river and the Broward Center - Fort Lauderdale Vacation Condo on New River with City Views and Ocean Views
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- The living room with its 50" HDTV and Blu-ray player - Fort Lauderdale Vacation Condo on New River with City Views and Ocean Views
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- Great aerial view of building at 'Sailboat Bend'.
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- The master bath with its spa tub and glass enclosed shower.
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- As the signs says: 'Another Day In Paradise'
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- The pool deck, the heated spa is in the back.
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- The den's desk, printer, 42' plasma TV and sofa bed.
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- Dining room seats 4 (expands to 6). Kitchen is behind.
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- The living room with 2 sofas and a recliner.
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- Enjoy a game of tennis on our 2 courts. We provide the rackets - you the talent!
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- Have breakfast on the patio and enjoy the view.
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- You know you have arrived at someplace special - off to the Penthouse.
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- It's time to work off all that good food.
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- The Jungle Queen Riverboat as it passes under our balcony.
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- The City view at night from our balcony.
Traveler Reviews (37)
Downtown Fort Lauderdale River Front.
Guest: YachtReporter
(Salisbury UK)
Date of Stay: 10/27/09
Review Submitted: 11/10/09
Whenever we travel as journalists, reporting on destinations 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 that 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 locally 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 from home. Over the years we have frequently suffered by staying in poor accommodation. 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 not only fully equipped, but is at the same time, not outrageously expensive. Now, before we tell you how great and fully equipped it is, let us make this abundantly clear that it is not available during next years show because we have booked it already but for brokers, captains yacht managers and would be purchasers of super yachts this place has our recommendation. 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. This unit whose second bedroom is laid out as a study with its own WiFi, features stainless steel appliances, granite counter tops, wood floors, and an over-sized balcony. It has an excellent location. 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.
Owner 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.
Recommended for:Age 55+, tourists without a car.
Guest: Tom & Teresa
(United States)
Date of Stay: 12/27/11
Review Submitted: 01/14/12
Dear Ralph and Judy, Thank you for allowing us to stay at your beautiful place. Our trip was cut short but we had a wonderful time - short as it was. We are headed to the cool north & wish you both well for the New Year. - Canada
Recommended for:
Guest: Dawn & Geoff
(United States)
Date of Stay: 12/22/11
Review Submitted: 12/28/11
Ralph & Judy, We so enjoyed our stay in your home these past weeks. This is one of the most exceptional and enjoyable home we have visited anywhere in the world, clearly the result of its superb amenities and your personal charm. It is so well stocked (a well equipped kitchen, extra towels & bedding and has a host of little touches that are lacking in most rental homes, but really needed for stays longer than a week. There was nothing we needed that you had not anticipated. The view from the balcony, and being there during the Hard Rock Boat Parade was a highlight. We would also recommend the Broward Center for the Performing Arts, directly across the river. (The symphony we attended was wonderful) and the Bonnett House, a little piece of Florida history, was just a short drive from the condominium. Also visited twice the wonderful Cheese Cake Factory restaurant on Las Olas Blvd. (also in walking distance and loved it)! Most important, Ralph & Judy, you are a delight to deal with; extremely welcoming, helpful and well organized (we are often amazed at how often this is not the case with rentals). Our thanks to you for your hospitality. By the way, I sent a few of your stamped, customized postcards to friends, so thanks also for that lovely touch. Best to you both. - Toronto, Canada
Recommended for:
Guest: Joe & Mario - Santa Rosa, California
(United States)
Date of Stay: 11/03/11
Review Submitted: 12/28/11
Dear Ralph & Judy, We were very pleased with all aspects of our stay in your condo. It was extremely comfortable, well appointed and of course the view was splendid. Your initial orientation was very helpful in getting us oriented to the location and was very thoughtful of you. The amenities exceeded our expectations. The staff was courteous a professional. We would recommend this property to anyone looking for accommodations in this area. Wishing you both the best.
Recommended for:
Guest: Anne & Greig - Toronto, Ontario, Canada
(United States)
Date of Stay: 10/15/11
Review Submitted: 12/28/11
Ralph & Judy, Thanks for all the extras that made our stay an exceptional vacation. We thought the location was great and we visited the Downtowner, Pirates Republic, OB House and "Brinys". Loved the Water Taxi, Broward Center, The Galleria, Sawgrass Mall, Whole Foods, Las Olas, the beach and of course the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Thanks so much.
Recommended for:
Guest: Judy & Wayne, Sheldon & Krystal (Canada)
(United States)
Date of Stay: 09/18/11
Review Submitted: 10/08/11
Ralph & Judy, We loved your place and really appreciate all the extra litlle things that you did to make our stay special. The location was so convenient to so many attractions and your binder was so informative. We look forward to seeing you again the next time we are in Fort Lauderdale as we will be sure to check in to see if your condo is available. thanks again for the wonderful hopitality.
Recommended for:
Guest: Rachelle, Trent & Marissa - the Bahamas
(United States)
Date of Stay: 08/14/11
Review Submitted: 09/10/11
Ralph & Judy, Thanks for everything! You are very thoughtful. Condo was perfect & close enough to the Swimming Hall of Fame for my kid’s camp. We'll be back next year.
Recommended for:
Guest: Steph & Mike - Egg Harbor Twp., N.J.
(United States)
Date of Stay: 05/05/11
Review Submitted: 09/10/11
Ralph and Judy, What a pleasure to stay here! (Been to a lot) one of the best. Hubby and I really enjoyed the view on balcony... of course with tails in hand. Everywhere we looked there were more things that made us feel at home. The welcome frame (with our names) was great! Can't find that at any resort. We will stay in touch.
Recommended for:
Guest: Marco & Belly - Curacao, Netherlands Antilles
(United States)
Date of Stay: 04/20/11
Review Submitted: 09/10/11
Dear Ralph and Judy, We are truly amazed with this beautiful condo. It has everything, it is so complete! Only you did not have a spare bicycle tire :-)! We enjoyed our stay from the beginning. You even got us to buying new sofa's, of course with reclining seats like yours. Everyday we could do something totally different. We did a lot of biking, we know Fort Lauderdale much better now. The kids had a great time. They loved their big TV screen! The pool was lovely. Yesterday we all enjoyed the Royal Wedding of Prince William and Katherine. Today our daughter has her 10th birthday, so we all are in a very happy mood. In a few days our holiday comes to an end. It is hard to leave a place where we all had such a good time. Hopefully, one day, we will come back and will have again a great time. We thank you both for all the effort you put to make a stay for all our guests so enjoyable. I pays back to everyone who leaves a nice note in your guestbook. Hopefully till the next time.
Recommended for:
Get out of Connecticut in winter
Guest: Jim
(Branford, Connecticut)
Date of Stay: 03/07/11
Review Submitted: 04/11/11
Judy and Ralph I was a pleasure to meet you both, and stay in your great condo. We usually stay in Naples, but I think we are coming back to Fort Lauderdale.(more action, great food, and I think better beaches). Your condo is great, you think of everything. I believe that if Ralph had not been an engineer, he would have been an excellent upscale hotel manager – his attention to detail is remarkable.(pens-postcards-stamps-food-coffee-beach chairs-etc.) We spent the Month of March, the weather was great, and we were even able to see the fireworks celebrating the 100 years of Fort Lauderdale from the balcony. There is noise from the downtown nightclubs, late at night, but you get used to it, and the location, view, and building amenities far outweigh this distraction. Hope to see you again. Dorice and Jim, Branford, Ct.
Owner response:Thanks Jim for your kind words. You will be happy to know that the City of Ft. Lauderdale has started to come down hard on those nightclubs that allow late night noise to be heard outside of their property. The restaurants and nightclubs with their afternoon and evening sidewalk dining add a nice character and vibrancy to the area but now don't disturb the area later on in the evening. The best of both worlds - and one of the advantages of staying in the heart of the City. Where else can you sit on your balcony and watch the city celebrate its 100th year anniversary.
Recommended for:Adventure seekers, sightseeing, romantic getaway, age 55+.
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Vacation Rentals by Owner Listing #225719
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