Hollywood, Florida: All America City and
one of Fodor's "Best Beaches for Families"


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Judy Erickson
Hollywood, Florida Office of Tourism
(954) 921-3478
Email: jerickson@hollywoodfl.org



What’s New in Hollywood

A naturally fun, affordable and accessible Florida beach destination


HOLLYWOOD, FL
- Home to award-winning beaches, breathtaking nature areas, a vibrant Historic Downtown, and over 5,000 hotel rooms ranging from resorts to vacation apartments, Hollywood, Florida, is located only 10 minutes from Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport and Port Everglades, and 20 minutes from Miami International Airport. From its scenic 2.5-mile pedestrian Broadwalk and 1,500-acre mangrove wetland preserve, to eco-adventures and watersports, to free concerts, festivals and cultural events, Hollywood was recently recognized by Fodor's Travel Guide's 2009 as one of the "Best Beaches for Families." The following is an update of what’s new in Hollywood, Florida.

HOLLYWOOD INTRODUCES COMPLIMENTARY VISITOR GUIDE — Get the inside scoop on Hollywood, including destination highlights and a detailed map, at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, Port Everglades, all Turnpike Service Plazas, VISIT FLORIDA Welcome Centers throughout Florida, the Hollywood Beach Welcome Center and local businesses.

DESTINATION RECOGNITION — For the 11th consecutive year, Hollywood has met the requirements of Blue Wave Certification by the Clean Beaches Council for its seven miles of clean, safe and uncrowded natural beach.

GEARING UP FOR FOOTBALL SEASON — Hollywood is already looking forward to being an integral part of the South Florida community that will host the 2010 Super Bowl, Pro Bowl and Orange Bowl, and their pre- and post-game celebrations. With easy accessibility and proximity to Land Shark Stadium in Miami, unique destination highlights and great deals at local hotels, Hollywood is a winning choice for fans looking to enjoy a game at Land Shark Stadium. For more information: www.visithollywoodfl.org.

FANTASTIC FALL GETAWAYS - Amazing fall savings are just a click away, from "spa chic" escapes and great golf getaways to HOT Deals at Superior Small Lodgings, resorts, hotels and vacation apartments with kitchenettes. Through September 30, book a hotel stay and receive a complimentary breakfast for two at Ocean Alley restaurant on the Broadwalk and a free one-hour beach cruiser rental for two at the Bike Shack at Oceanwalk Mall. Information: www.visithollywoodfl.org/hotdeals

SEPTEMBER SPA CHIC — Relax, recharge and de-stress for less in September with a $99 spa promotion all month long at select Hollywood spas. Sample spa treatments are designed to soothe both body and mind at a price that's sure to lift the spirits. Treat yourself or a loved one to some guilt-free pampering at Contour Spa at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino (954-587-5905; www.contourspahollywood.com), the Diplomat Golf Resort & Spa (954-883-4000; www.luxurycollection.com/diplomat) or The Spa on the Broadwalk at Hollywood Beach Marriott (954-924-2202; www.hollywoodbeachmarriott.com/spa.html). In Historic Downtown, relaxation, beauty and art coexist at Comfort Zone Studio & Spa (954-923-2030; www.comfortzonespa.com).

"ROCK 'N' RECHARGE" YOUR BODY & SOUL — Contour Spa at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, a European-style oasis of relaxation, rejuvenation and indulgence, is offering a variety of luxury spa specials for both women and men through September 30, including a Back to School or Work Special featuring a spa manicure/pedicure, hand paraffin treatment, eyebrow wax and hair design cut for just $99. Get a massage and receive $25 off a European facial. Information: 954-587-5905; www.seminolehardrockhollywood.com/hotel/spa_and_fitness.php

"STAY'N'PLAYCATION" FLORIDA RESIDENTS SPECIAL — Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood is offering a "Stay'n'Playcation" Florida residents package Mondays to Thursdays through August 31 with room rates from $139, complimentary breakfast for two at Blue Plate, $20 free slot play for new Player's Club Members and a Hard Rock Café VIP Access Card, which entitles patrons to VIP priority seating with no wait and a $20 credit on every $200 spent in Hard Rock Café. Information: 1-800-937-0010 (mention code HPRESS9). Sign up on Facebook and Twitter for more special offers and real-time promotions.

FALL SPECIAL AT SUN AND FUN CYCLES — From September 15 through December 15, show your room key from any Hollywood hotel and receive a second hour free on the rental of a Beachcruiser. Sun and Fun Cycles has added six new Funcycles to its fleet of bicycles, making it one of the largest, most varied and best equipped bike shops around, and the only beach-area bike shop open in the evening. Be sure to ask about their Frequent Renter Program and Birthday Party Packages. Open at 9 a.m. daily at Hayes Street and the Broadwalk. Information: 954-925-0735

EXCITING CRUISE NEWS

NEW SHIPS TO SET SAIL — This cruise season, Port Everglades will host naming ceremonies for the world's largest and most innovative cruise ship, Royal Caribbean International's 5,400-passenger Oasis of the Seas, in November 2009, and one of the world's most luxurious cruise ships, Silversea Cruises' Silver Spirit, in January 2010. Three new cruise ships will make their U.S. debuts at Port Everglades this winter cruise season: MSC Cruises' 2,550-passenger MSC Poesia and the 450-passenger luxury cruise ship Seabourn Odyssey on November 10, and Celebrity Cruises' 2,850-passenger Celebrity Equinox on November 15. Port Everglades also will welcome Seabourn Cruise Line's luxury ship Seabourn Spirit for the first time on November 27, and Royal Caribbean International's Grandeur of the Seas will replace Enchantment of the Seas for year-round sailings from the Port beginning April 19.

PORT TO BOAST WORLD'S LARGEST CRUISE TERMINAL — Port Everglades is preparing for the arrival of Royal Caribbean International's 5,400-passenger Oasis class of ships, the largest cruise ships in the world, by more than tripling the size of one of the cruise port's largest terminals. Once completed, Passenger Terminal 18 will become the largest single-ship cruise terminal in the world, with a total of 240,000 square feet on two floors and more than 1,000 parking spaces within walking distance. The terminal's mega-size will enable arriving and departing guests to go through processing procedures simultaneously, with 90 modern check-in counters and 22 booths for U.S. Customs and Border Protection personnel. Terminal features will include a 4,000-square-foot skylight, 3,000-seat upper level, children's playground area, free wireless Internet access, overhead informational video screens and a 3,000-square-foot work of art by renowned international artist Michele Oka Doner. Information: www.broward.org/port

MSC EXPANDS THEME CRUISES — MSC Cruises has added five new theme cruise sailings to the Baseball Greats, Polka and Big Band themes already planned for MSC Poesia's 7- and 10-night Caribbean itineraries from Port Everglades in 2009-10. The new 7-night theme cruises are Latin Music, featuring Salsa dance lessons and a hot lineup of Latin music stars (Jan. 23); Comedy, spotlighting the musical humor and remarkable impressions of Scott Record and featured comedians (Jan. 30); Country Music, showcasing various country artists and line dancing lessons (Feb. 20); Oldies Music, featuring old-time rock 'n' roll-theme activities, The Fabulous Stingrays party band and a grand performance by The Lettermen (March 20); and Festa Italiana, a celebration of all things Italian with entertainment by opera singers and contemporary vocal artists and special theme activities (April 10). Information: www.MSCCruisesUSA.com

PADDLE BOARDING COMES TO HOLLYWOOD — Experience the most exciting new sport to hit the water, popular with celebrities like Jennifer Aniston and Matthew McConaughey and fitness enthusiasts of all ages. Eco-tours, lessons, rentals, children's summer classes and group fitness sessions for ladies are held at Holland Park Friday through Sunday. The experienced instructors at Paddles and Boards Inc. are committed to creating a fun, adventurous and healthy bonding experience for families and groups. Information: 877-786-5334; www.floridapaddleboarding.com

HOLIDAY INN HOLLYWOOD HOSPITALITY — Guests staying at Holiday Inn Hollywood can enjoy a variety of complimentary hotel amenities, including shuttle service from/to Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, onsite parking, wired or wireless Internet, and coffee in the lobby from 7 to 10 a.m. daily. All rooms feature a mini-fridge, microwave, coffee maker and wall-mounted 32-inch LCD flat-screen TV. Information: 954-925-9100; www.holiday-inn.com/fll-airport; http://rtvpix.com/BU-5304-PNHYF5-01 (virtual tour)

CROWNE PLAZA'S AWARD-WINNING SERVICE — Crowne Plaza Hollywood Beach was recently ranked No. 10 of all Crowne Plaza properties in North and South America based on its Guest Service scores. Crowne Plaza Hollywood Beach will be offering a "Fall Into Paradise" package, featuring free self-parking and free breakfast for two September 1 through November 30. Rates start at $159. Information: 954-454-4334; www.cphollywoodbeach.com

MOSAICA'S DOWNTOWN "JEWEL" — Award-winning mosaic artist Robyn Crosfield of Mosaica, a contemporary craft gallery and mosaic studio in Downtown Hollywood, recently created an attention-grabbing 6-foot "diamond" ring sculpture from thousands of iridized and gold glass tiles. "The Ring," which serves as a bicycle rack outside Morningstar's Jewelers, marks the debut of Downtown Hollywood's Functional Art Program. Mosaica specializes in mosaic mirrors, tables, urns, and floor and wall inlays. Information: 866-923-7006; www.emosaica.com

FREE FALL FESTIVAL FUN ALONG THE OCEANFRONT BROADWALK

HOLLYWOOD BEACH LATIN FESTIVAL (September 20, noon to 8 p.m.)—Enjoy music, dancing, food vendors, arts and crafts, and children's activities at this 16th annual showcase of Latin culture. Free admission. Information: 954-961-6386; www.hollywoodlatinfestival.com

HOLLYWOOD BEACH CLAMBAKE (October 16-18)—That tasty, time-honored New England tradition takes on a tropical twist at this 8th annual festival featuring a bounty of fresh seafood and live music by national acts and local performers. Free admission. Information: 954-926-3377; www.hollywoodbeachclambake.com

NEW BUSINESSES IN DOWNTOWN HOLLYWOOD

FamilyBedding.com offers custom bedding and sports team-licensed merchandise at 2029 Harrison St. Information: 954-925-6650; www.FamilyBedding.com

Hello Hollywood specializes in stylish handbags and clothing, including a unique selection of everyday dresses, at 1848 Radius Drive. Information: 954-926-2680

Orale Mexican Restaurant dishes up authentic south-of-the-border cuisine in a festive setting at 2041 Hollywood Blvd. Information: 954-367-6795

The Stock X Change sneaker boutique features more than 60 styles for the footwear fashion-conscious at 1896 Radius Drive. Information: 954-922-1991; www.stockxstore.com

Vito Venice carries the finest French lingerie brands in a range of luxurious styles at 2025B Hollywood Blvd. Information: 954-342-9284; www.vitovenice.us

About Hollywood, Florida
Situated between Fort Lauderdale and Miami, Hollywood, Florida, the 2007 All-America City and one of Fodor's 2009 "Best Beaches for Families," is a desirable year-round destination offering more than 5,000 hotel rooms at a variety of hotels, resorts and Superior Small Lodgings. Minutes away from Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport and Miami International Airport and home to Port Everglades, the largest cruise port in the world, Hollywood visitors enjoy seven miles of Blue Wave beaches; a two-and-a-half-mile European-style Broadwalk lined with cafés, restaurants, boutique and full-service hotels and resorts as well as vacation apartments facing the ocean; a revitalized Historic Downtown Hollywood and new ArtsPark at Young Circle; and an array of activities including first-class shopping, waterfront, nature and dining experiences. For more information about Hollywood, FL, contact the Hollywood Office of Tourism at (877) 672-2468 or visit www.visithollywoodfl.org.

 

 


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