In celebration of its 70th anniversary, the Riverside Hotel unveiled extensive renovations and upgrades to its entire lobby. A 10-foot aquarium now serves as the main focal point in the room, but out of all of the new amenities, the hotel is most passionate about its new lounge, Preston's.

Named after one of its founders, Preston A. Wells - who built the hotel with his brother John Wells in 1936 - Preston's is a real turning point for the hotel. Before Preston's, the Riverside Hotel had never featured a fully-functional bar as part of its lobby.

"We are so excited to open Preston's, it has been a dream of the Riverside to offer its guests an exquisite lounge and social atmosphere," said Peter Schmidt, vice president of food & beverage for the Riverside Hotel. "Hotel guests can kick start the first leg of their vacation or business trip with a soothing cocktail or delicious meal from any of our three restaurants - right in our lobby."

Whether you are in the mood for stone crabs from the Grill Room, Moroccan lamb loin from Brio Mediterranean Bistro or crispy calamari from Indigo, Preston's can serve up whatever tantalizes your taste buds. Grab a seat and catch up on the latest news or sports highlights from one of the many flat screen TV's surrounding the bar or surf the Web. The newly expanded lobby is now a virtual 'hotspot' featuring wireless Internet access (WiFi) for all its guests.

Preston's opens every evening from 5 p.m. until 11 p.m. and features an extensive selection of single malt Scotches, bourbons, whisky's, and port wines. Classic cocktails such as Tanqueray Martini's, Boodles Sidecars, Grand Marnier Champagne cocktails, Riverside Ramos Gin Fizzes, Myers East Indian cocktails, Dewar's Flying Scotsman's and Singapore Slings are also poured. A specialty Preston's cocktail is already in the works.

For guests seeking a warmer setting, Preston's also features a covered garden patio with comfortable yet stylish patio furniture - offering guests a place to lounge in the sunshine. Cigar and cigarette smoking is allowed outside.

Preston's is located inside the Riverside Hotel lobby at 620 East Las Olas Blvd. in Fort Lauderdale. Please call the Riverside Hotel at 954-467-0671 for more information.