This is the second part of Tim Gaylord’s three-phase exploration of the Hilton Curio Collection. For more on the Curio Collection, check out part 1 (The Highland Dallas) and part 3 (Hotel Reichshof in Hamburg, Germany).
2. Diplomat Resort & Spa, Hollywood, FL
With the forecast calling for more snow and the coldest days of winter ahead of us, many travelers are heading to Florida to escape the cold weather conditions. Even for just a few days there’s nothing like getting your feet in the sand, relaxing by a pool, and soaking up some sun. The Diplomat Resort & Spa in Hollywood, FL, is a gigantic property with pretty much every amenity you can ask for in a hotel.
Home to roughly 1,000 guest rooms and suites, the Diplomat is one of the largest hotels in Florida, yet it prides itself on providing the hospitality you might find in a much smaller hotel. Whether you’re heading down with a couple of friends, planning a wedding or function, or taking a vacation with your family, the Diplomat will be able to suit all of your vacation needs. The hotel is 10 minutes from the Ft. Lauderdale airport and 30 minutes from Miami International.
The rooms
The spacious guest rooms at the Diplomat use recycled materials, utilize carbon footprint reductions where possible, and have fantastic beds, spacious bathrooms, and breathtaking views. There are almost 1,000 guest rooms, suites, and accessible rooms at the Diplomat and they all have either a fantastic view of the Atlantic Ocean or breathtaking views of the Intercoastal Waterway.
Typically I would include an image from the bed in the room where I stayed (which was great), but I thought for this piece I would make an exception and include it from another room:
This an image from one of the bedrooms available in the Presidential Suite at the Diplomat. It’s usually reserved for dignitaries but if you’re rolling with Drake or the Stones, you might be lucky enough to book it. In the event you do find yourself in the Presidential Suite this would be the bathroom attached to your bedroom. A loo with a view:
The Diplomat Spa
Looking to alleviate a little stress? The Diplomat Spa is a great on-premise relaxation center with over 14,000 square feet of spa features and a qualified staff. From the deep tissue therapeutic massage designed to relax and sooth tight muscles to their “Breath Massage” that incorporates natural plant aromatherapy oils to works on specific goals, the spa offers every imaginable option from a five-star spa.
The pools
The pool area at the Diplomat was designed to accommodate a lot of guests. The infinity pool includes two cascading waterfalls that fall into a 240-foot lagoon pool with endless clear blue views of the Atlantic. Amenities at the pool include complimentary towel service, cabana and casita rentals, full-service pool side lunch, and spa services. Fees apply for some services here.
The pools are open from sunrise to sunset and drink/food services are available from 11 am to 5 pm.
A stunning event space on the 36th floor
If you or your company are planning to host a private event, the Diplomat has a room on the 36th floor and that enough “wow” factor to make any occasion one to be remembered. It occupies both sides of the hotel, has sweeping views of both the ocean and the Intercostal, and has a gigantic deck occupying both sides of the main room.
The four-star Diplomat Prime
With several restaurants, cafes and poolside/ beach dining facilities, the Diplomat provides many options when it’s time for breakfast, lunch or dinner. This includes 24-hour-a-day room service. I recommend visiting the AAA four-star-rated Diplomat Prime. This award-winning steak and seafood eatery is know for its finest cuts of dry-aged steaks. The business casual environment is the perfect place for a meeting, a romantic evening or family dinning experience. The food is fantastic and the staff goes out of its way to make sure your visit is on point.
Billy’s Stone Crab
If you’re looking for eats off-site, it doesn’t get any more local than Billy’s Stone Crab in Hollywood, FL. Located just up the street from the hotel this seafood restaurant is a local favorite and famous for its stone crab and waterfront setting. The food here is great but the real star of the restaurant is the stone crab that’s caught seasonally but available all year. Stone crabs are only legal to harvest during the season and the Florida stone crab season runs from October 15 until May 15.
Paddleboarding
If paddleboarding on the Atlantic is something you’d like to try or if you’re a seasoned veteran looking for some time on the water, there are a couple options at the Diplomat. Boucher Brothers watersports provides rentals at the hotel along with several other water activities. Like:
Another option is a guided tour through the mangroves of West Lake Park in Broward County. You’ll be brought through the windy mangroves and out to the Intercoastal then back to base camp. It’s a nice, slow pace and kayaks are available if paddleboarding isn’t your thing.
A look ahead: Renovation coming
A complete renovation of the Diplomat will begin in 2016, though a definitive plan has not yet been determined. Stay tuned.
Last Curio Collection stop: Hotel Reichshof in Hamburg, Germany.
