Exclusive Festival Packages Starting at only $159/Night

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. - (March 31, 2008) - Swaying palms, tropical breezes and illustrious boutiques will set the scene with the Riverside Hotel at center stage during the 13^th Annual Las Olas Wine and Food Festival on May 1, 2008. Guests drawn to the popular event's deep reds, refreshing whites, and luscious aperitifs can expand their experience this year with a luxurious one-night stay at The Riverside Hotel. Rates start at only $159 a night.

As part of the Riverside Hotel's Wine and Food Festival package, anyone from casual event-goers to professional sommeliers can enjoy wonderful wines and more than 50 of South Florida's award-winning restaurants at the center of it all. Located on Las Olas Boulevard between an eclectic variety of shops, galleries and spas, the historic Riverside Hotel is the ideal spot to enjoy it all.

Starting at $159/night for classic one-night accommodations, this package includes two complimentary cocktails upon arrival, full American breakfast for two, Water Taxi voucher, and 20% off dinner at The Riverside's Indigo Restaurant. As part of the Package, festival-goers seeking a more lavish experience can also elect to upgrade to deluxe accommodations in the Riverside Hotel's Executive tower or many luxury suites, offering expansive views of the New River and beautiful Las Olas Boulevard.

The Las Olas Wine and Food Festival, presented by Premier Beverage, is the must-attend event of the South Florida social calendar. More than two dozen of the world's most preeminent wineries will offer today's finest selections. When paired with signature dishes from The Grill Room on Las Olas, Chima Steakhouse, Indigo, Trina, 3030 Ocean and many more, The Las Olas Wine and Food Festival will transform the city's most charming thoroughfare into four blocks of world-class cuisine and live entertainment.

Start making plans to attend Thursday, May 1st from 7p.m. to 9p.m. Tickets are $70.00 per person and benefit the American Lung Association of Florida. Unlike last year, tickets are limited and will only be on sale prior to the event, either online or from the American Lung Association offices. Visit the American Lung Association of Florida, South Area (http://www.mrsnv.com/evt/eventclosed.jsp?id=1356) or call 1-800-LUNGUSA.

The Riverside Hotel is located at 620 East Las Olas Blvd., in Fort Lauderdale. Hurry and book your Wine and Food Festival Package today! Call reservations at 800-325-3280 or log onto www.riversidehotel.com.

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.

*Double occupancy; one night minimum stay required. Additional rate applies for triple/quad adult occupancy. Three-day advanced reservations are required and must be booked by April 28, 2008. No refunds for early departures and/or no shows. Parking and hotel tax and service charges not included.


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Media contact:
Samantha Jacobs
Starmark International
954-874-9000
sjacobs@starmark.com