Five Day Travel.Com Located on the ocean in Hollywood, one of South Florida’s most pleasant destinations, the Diplomat Beach Resort offers individuals, couples and families, multiple ways to enjoy a five-day or weekend stay. The hotel is part of the Hilton Curio Collection and is extremely luxurious and affordable. It has numerous attractions and services to keep you at the hotel: a beautiful, sandy beach, infinity and lagoon pools with waterfalls, an exciting children’s pool, an amazing bar, diverse, world-class restaurants and a very modern and elegant spa. Business and professional conferences are also held at the large convention center right next to the hotel. The lobby gives you a preview of great things to come, with its contemporary architecture, enormous windows that bring in the Florida sunlight, and beautiful tropical plants. A huge promenade area with tables and sofas will take you to the bar where historic and exotic cocktails and other drinks are served. Beyond is the terrace and infinity pool.
First Day
We came from nearby Miami, parked our car with the courteous valet attendant and checked in at the Hilton Honors desk. The welcoming front desk staff placed us in a fantastic corner suite, #2271, and gave us tokens to get free water at the small supermarket in the lobby area. Our suite offered a fabulous ocean view, and we were also impressed by the well-thought-out, contemporary design of the living/dining area and the spacious bedroom, which has an extremely comfortable bed and many great pillows. The artwork on the walls also added to the beauty of the space. The bathroom had everything you would want in a luxury hotel: a modern, glass-enclosed shower area, a bathtub, and our favorite amenities from Bigelow.
At the wraparound terrace, we enjoyed the view of the beach and the pools while sitting in comfortable lounge chairs and, during the next few days, photographed memorable sunrises from there. We placed our bottled waters in a small refrigerator, below the coffee preparation area. The closet space had bathrobes, and plenty of space for the many clothes that I brought. Most important, the housekeeper welcomed us most courteously, kept our room spotless, changed our towels regularly and brought us more amenities.
We spent the day on the beach, in comfortable and colorful chairs, with towels and under a large umbrella, to protect us from the punishing Florida sun. We recommend buying the resort fee so that you don’t have to pay $50 for this service for two.
For lunch we went to the Playa open-air café, with views of the beach, and enjoyed the fish tacos and an innovative version of the Cuban sandwich.
In the evening we splurged at the Point Royal Restaurant, with delicious Coastal American dishes created by celebrity chef Geoffrey Zakarian, including the shrimp with Andouille sausage and grits (reminiscent of New Orleans and Charleston cuisine) and scrumptious desserts such as the Dark Cherry Meringue.
Second Day
We slept until late and started the day at 11 a.m., at Point Royal’s buffet breakfast (served until 11:30 a.m.), with fresh coffee, berries, orange juice, Spanish omelette, sausages, bacon, croissants and other breakfast dishes. My husband opted for the omelette prepared to his taste by the talented staff.
By noon we were swimming in the infinity pool, right outside the lobby bar area, which includes a porthole bottom and two waterfalls that cascade down to the lagoon pools. , Later we rented a cabana by the lagoon pools, which enabled us to have two comfortable lounge chairs, plenty of towels, a “little home” with a sofa, TV, refrigerator and a beautifully painted wall with a geometric design, as well as food and beverage service.
To keep refreshed, we regularly swam in the lagoon pools under whose waterfalls everyone had to pass (they were such fun!). These pools are the favorite gathering place for families, some of whom even had tiny babies, while their older children spent the day at the children’s pool, which even has a giant pail which fills with water and is emptied onto pool. There is also a Kids Club for them. For lunch the restaurant staff brought us hamburger and an outstanding Chicken Burrito, the special for the day.
After relaxing in our elegant suite, taking photos of the view and taking a nap, we were ready for dinner and Sake at the Monkitail, a fantastic and beautifully decorated Japanese Restaurant, where we tried a variety of dishes: the Pork Gyoza, Duck Scrapple Bao Bun, Sapporro Chicken, and rolls of Lobster Tempura, Spicy Tuna and Eel Avocado. Everything was delicious!
Third Day
After repeating the relaxing second day at the pool, it was time for even more pampering by getting a massage at the Diplomat Spa. This facility is quite large, with so many rooms that one can get lost in them. It is tastefully decorated and has experienced staff such as Anthony, who has been with the hotel for 16 years. His massage will make you feel like a new person! The Spa has a tastefully decorated area with tables, chairs and views of the ocean. It is ideal for a girlfriend-get-together or celebration, followed by beauty treatments and massages.
The third night we ventured to Hollywood and had dinner at a jewel of Greek cuisine: My Big Fat Greek Restaurant, where we enjoyed enormous servings of Moussaka, Pastitsio, fresh fish, Baklava, and even live music and belly dancing.
Fourth Day
We started our day with fresh chocolate croissants and Latte at the Counter Point Café of the Diplomat. We recommend exploring Hollywood Beach, starting with the famous 2.5-mile Boardwalk, with beautiful views of the beach. It is perfect for strolling, bicycling and roller skating, especially between November and April, when it is not too hot, and you will have fun people watching. Hollywood Beach has won a People’s Choice Trip Advisor Award.
We dedicated the afternoon to Downtown Hollywood, where there are plenty of interesting, multicultural eateries, an Art and Culture Center, a Mural Project, art galleries, and the Arts Park at Young Circle. The third Monday of every month there are art walk activities. For shopping for arts and crafts, visit the Artisans Market, with 50 handmade items by local vendors.
Dinner at Valentino Cuccina Italiana is an incredible gourmet experience. It is one of the top 10 Zagat-rated restaurants in Hollywood. Chef Giovanni Rocchio prepares outstanding and innovative Italian dishes. They also have fantastic wines to accompany dinner. It is not inexpensive but well worth it! Or try Prime, a boutique steakhouse at the Diplomat.
Fifth Day
After another delightful day at the Diplomat Resort beach, we had to go back home but not before enjoying an ice cream sundae at the Diplomat’s Candy and Cones.
