The Diplomat Beach Resort Review: Fun on the Beach With (or Without) Kids

Lucee Santini Avatar

Infinity pool sunset view at the Diplomat Beach Resort in Hollywood Florida
The Diplomat boasts stunning views. Photo credit: Lucee Santini

The writer was hosted.

Located on Florida’s west coast, The Diplomat Beach Resort has something for everyone. Families with littles will enjoy the zero entry pool with water slides. Couples can cuddle in cabanas on the resort’s private beach. The Diplomat’s got a retro, laid-back, luxury feel that’s so welcoming, you won’t want to leave the resort. Ever!

We’re not the only ones who adore The Diplomat Beach Resort. Honors include a Condรฉ Nast Readerโ€™s Choice award for being one of the top 10 resorts in Florida and it was awarded 4 Diamond status by AAA.

The property, one of Hiltonโ€™s Curio Collection, features two large beachfront pools, plenty of lounge chairs and umbrellas for relaxing, and direct access to the beach so you can take advantage of all the ocean activities. With six on-site restaurants and a private beach, anything is possible in this beautiful oasis!

Covered patio at the Diplomat resort in Florida
A spacious indoor patio with tons of natural light. Photo credit: Lucee Santini

Location of The Diplomat

The Diplomat is conveniently located between Miami and Fort Lauderdale, just a hop, skip and a jump away from the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport. If shopping’s your thing, The Diplomat is nestled in a prime spot close to renowned spots such as Aventura Mall, Gulfstream Park, Bal Harbour Shops and Hollywoodโ€™s iconic Oceanfront Boardwalk.

Check Prices / Availability

Woman in lobby of the Diplomat Beach Resort in Hollywood, Florida
Arrival! Photo credit: Lucee Santini

History of The Diplomat Beach Resort

The 1950s hotel building, renowned for its celebrity guests such as the Rat Pack (Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis Jr.), Bing Crosby and Bob Hope, among many other eminent figures including elected Presidents, was demolished in 1998 to make way for the new Diplomat Resort and Spa.

Why the Diplomat Beach Resort Works for Families

The Diplomat Beach Resort is loaded with family-friendly activities and amenities. Kids will be delighted to experience two beachfront pools at the Diplomat, including a zero-entry pool equipped with thrilling water slides and the Dip + Slide kids splash zone. Nothing can beat having your own private swimming paradise! It also offers the Diplomat Kids Club, where the littles can take part in various games, arts and crafts or just hang out and chat.

What Doesn’t Work for Families

The Diplomat does not offer room service (yet). However, you can scan the app for CounterPoint (the hotelโ€™s cafe) and order your food to go.

Guest Rooms and Suites at The Diplomat

Soaring 36 stories above the ocean, The Diplomat Beach Resort in Hollywood offers 1,000 exquisitely designed rooms and suites which provide a serene oasis. Boasting contemporary furnishings and floor-to-ceiling windows with spectacular views of the Intracoastal Waterway, the Atlantic Ocean or the nearby city skyline, you can relax in ultimate comfort.

Sunrise from the balcony of The Diplomat Beach Resort
Scenic morning views are always available at the Diplomat. Photo credit: Lucee Santini

Guest Rooms

There are many options when staying in this luxury guest room. From king, queen or double bed(s) to Intracoastal views (with or without balcony) to ocean views or partial ocean view (with or without balcony). There are also options with tubs or showers and plenty of amenities.

Woman with rainbow colored scarf overlooking the ocean
Beautiful ocean views from the balcony. Photo credit: Lucee Santini

Suites and Room Types

Pamper yourself in the comfort of The Diplomat Beach Resort Hollywood, Curio Collection by Hilton, where all rooms come aesthetically equipped with a flat-screen cable TV, small refrigerator and desk accompanied by an ergonomic chair for optimum relaxation. Fancy something even more special? Opt for one of the private balcony selections! You won’t want to leave the room.

Want the ultimate in luxury? There are four types of suites available: King Bed Corner Suite, King Bed Penthouse, King Bed Diplomat Suite with Intracoastal View and the Diplomat Presidential Suite. All suites come with additional amenities such as a wet bar, refrigerator and more. They range in size from 690 to 2,500 square feet!

On-Site Restaurants at the Diplomat Beach Resort

The Diplomat Beach Resort offers a variety of dining options to suit all tastes. We tried all of them!

Playa Restaurant and Bar

With year-round outdoor seating and a breezy tropical atmosphere, Playa is a must for lunch on the beach. Whether you’re looking for an enjoyable family outing or a casual night out, this outdoor Nuevo Latino beachfront bar and restaurant is THE spot to indulge in some of the best Latin-inspired cuisines. Enjoy a selection of delectable tacos made with house-made tortillas as well as sensational cocktails expertly crafted by the mixologists using only full-bodied rums and smoky tequilas!

Ceviche at Playa restaurant
Some delicious ceviche at Playa. Photo credit: Lucee Santini

I recommend the watermelon salad, ceviche and tropical guacamole. The watermelon and tomato salad is amazing with Fresno chili, pasilla vinaigrette, cotija cheese, mint, cilantro and basil. I couldn’t pass up crispy tostones with chimichurri pico galio sauce. There’s nothing that screams Miami like chimichurri!

Photo credit: Lucee Santini

The tropical guacamole is incredible with avocado, mango, chipotle, almonds and cotija cheese, served with homemade tortilla chips.

There’s nothing like eating delicious food with the smell of the ocean and the feel of the sea breeze on your face.

The Point Royal Restaurant. Photo credit: Lucee Santini

Point Royal

Point Royal is the place to start your mornings. Graze on warm pastries, indulge in stacks of country waffles and sip freshly brewed coffee and tea. The menu also offers hearty oatmeal, juicy fresh fruits, smoked salmon and traditional plates. Breakfast hours are 7-11 a.m.

Photo credit: Lucee Santini

We ordered morning oatmeal with agave syrup, granola, and berries, crispy potatoes with sautรฉed red onions, Belgian pearl sugar waffles, wild berry compote, maple syrup and whipped topping

Photo credit: Lucee Santini

I love the Expressed Juice A3 – my favorite is the apple + carrot + lemon + ginger. Also available at Counterpoint.

Counterpoint

This chic, cafรฉ-style restaurant offers an array of dishes for breakfast and lunch, as well as grab-and-go items like salads, sandwiches and snacks. The menu features a mix of American favorites with international flavors from around the world. I am obsessed with the chia pudding and have been trying to duplicate it ever since I got home.

It’s a great place to pop into and get some house-baked pastries, specialty coffees, hearty breakfast bowls, savory sandwiches, aromatic wines and imported beers. It’s also a great place for an impromptu meeting. Open daily 6:30 am โ€“ 5 pm

The Diplomat Prime Steakhouse

Award-winning Diplomat Prime is a luxury boutique steakhouse and lounge helmed by Executive Chef Rashaad Abdool which truly sets the standard for fine dining. Feast your senses on a delectable menu of prime dry-aged beef, delicious seafood dishes that change with the season and other exquisite fare at this restaurant. Diplomat Prime is one of the only steakhouses in South Florida to carry the Japanese A-5 Wine-Fed Wagyu, one of the rarest select cuts in the world. Prime is open Tuesday to Saturday 5:30 p.m. โ€“ 10:30 p.m. Make reservations by phone: (954) 602-8331.

Photo credit: Lucee Santini

I tried the third rarest Wagyu beef in the world, from Japan, where the cows are fed wine grapes. It was buttery and delicious. This 4-Diamond-rated luxury boutique steakhouse experience is just steps from your suite!

Photo credit: Lucee Santini

We also had Whole Roasted Cauliflower with smoked paprika aioli, zaโ€™atar and toasted pepitas.

Photo credit: Lucee Santini

I also had Maine Diver Scallops with tempura maitake mushrooms, pickled shimeji mushrooms and bacon emulsion.

The Canteen

The Diplomat Beach Resort’s Canteen is a great place to stop by and get goodies. I grabbed some juice and coffee and snacks for the room. They also have a variety of alcoholic beverages.

The Hotel Bar

Enjoy handcrafted cocktails and light bites at Diplomat Beach Resort’s lobby bar, The Diplomat Bar. Enjoy locally distilled spirits and classic concoctions while looking out onto the Atlantic Ocean. Whether you’re stopping by for a quick drink or an evening of entertainment, Diplomat Bar is sure to impress with live music on select nights. Open daily 11 a.m. – midnight.

Kidsโ€™ Club

The Kidsโ€™ Club is The Diplomat’s signature kid-friendly program offering a range of exciting activities and experiences for children ages 4 to 12. Children are engaged in fun and educational activities such as scavenger hunts, beach excursions, castles in the sand, arts & crafts projects (like kite crafting and shell art) and more.

Photo credit: Lucee Santini

These are just some of the amazing experiences they will get to have at the Kids’ Club:

Dinosaur Dig – The kids get to become paleontologists for a day and unearth fossils from the dinosaur dig site!

  • Fitness Activities – The Diplomat’s fitness experts will teach the kids about exercise and nutrition through fun activities like beach yoga, water aerobics, Aqua Zumba (for older children) and more.
  • Arts & Crafts – The Diplomat offers a wide variety of arts and crafts projects including kite making, shell art, sand castle building,
  • Puppet Theatre – Kids can get creative and let their imaginations soar at the Diplomat’s puppet theatre!
  • Street Art Studio – Diplomat offers a one-of-a-kind experience where kids can get creative and make their street art.
  • Water Games – Diplomat offers a variety of water games that are fun for the whole family.
  • Cooking Classes – Diplomat offers cooking classes for kids, teaching them about nutrition and how to create delicious meals.
  • Academic Club – Diplomat’s Academic Club offers the chance for kids to explore their creative side and engage in educational activities.

There is also a gaming room with Xbox and Mac computer stations for ages 7-12.

All sessions include a snack and full days include lunch. You can check out the Kidsโ€™ Menu at Playa!

Ocean Ambassador Passport to Destination Diplomat

Kids can collect all the stamps as they go throughout The Diplomat. Their ticket to fun ends with a prize!

Photo credit: Lucee Santini

Open 9 a.m. โ€“ 4 p.m. | Wednesday to Sunday

Rates vary depending on half-days or full days. Drop in for $30 per hour, Wednesday through Sunday.

Things to Do at The Diplomat Beach Resort, Curio Collection by Hilton

woman with swan-folded towels
Who doesn’t love the extra touch of delicately folded towels? Photo credit: Joy Blasucci

Make it a Beach Day

Relax by the ocean on a chaise lounge or play in the sand. Make your beach day even more comfortable by renting a cozy daybed and some umbrellas to provide you with much-needed shade from the sun. From throwing bean bags to a dedicated area for kids’ toys, the Diplomat beach offers plenty of activities every day.

A daybed on the sand at the beach.
Photo credit: Lucee Santini

Water Sports

Experience the thrill of the waves atop a powerful jet ski, or enjoy more leisurely pursuits on your kayak, paddleboard or banana boat. Make the most of your time at the Diplomat with a free one-hour kayak or paddle board rental daily during your stay! To ensure you get the most out of your waterfront experience, I urge you to make a reservation in advance for paid rentals since the complimentary ones are handled on a first-come, first-served basis.

Book water activities here.

Fitness Center

Open 24 hours a day, the two-story fitness center features an elevated cardio deck with ellipticals, treadmills and stationary bikes.

Core Fitness Training

Join personal trainer Dean Statler for daily HIIT classes or a one-on-one training session. Guests at The Diplomat are welcome to attend one complimentary class per day.

Group Fitness Classes

The Diplomat Beach Resort offers a variety of group fitness classesโ€”from yoga and Pilates to boot camps and cycling classes. The team of certified instructors will help guide you through the collection of exercises focusing on both strength and flexibility.

You can even try more daring activities such as aerial yoga, HIIT, kickboxing, aqua sculpting, and more. These classes are available daily for a nominal fee.

The Diplomat Spa

Visit the Diplomat Spa for an unforgettable experience complete with saunas, steam rooms and whirlpools. Enjoy treatments like hot stone massages, facials, body scrubs and aromatherapyโ€”all designed to help you relax and rejuvenate. The Diplomat Spa also offers a full range of salon services from haircuts to manicures and pedicures, waxing and lashes.

Various pools at the Diplomat resort
There are pools galore at the Diplomat. Photo credit: Lucee Santini

Beachfront Pools

Soak up the sun beside two beachfront pools or relax under the shade of a cozy cabana, available for rental.

Reserve a Cabana here.

Poolside Service

Treat yourself to refreshing drinks and cuisine delivered to your chaise lounge from the beachfront Playa Restaurant. Outdoor pool amenities include complimentary towel service, private cabana rentals, and poolside food and drink service including lunch through dinner. Fees apply for some amenities.

Kids Splash Zone waterpark/playground
The Splash Zone for younger guests. Photo credit: Lucee Santini

Dip & Slide Splash Zone

Water slides, fountains and drench buckets bring big fun to our little guests at the Diplomatโ€™s supervised kid haven, perched above the sparkling Lagoon Pool.

Infinity pool at the Diplomat
The view speaks for itself. Photo credit: Lucee Santini

Infinity Pool – Swimming Pool

The Diplomat Beach Resort’s inifinity pool side overlooks the Atlantic Ocean with unobstructed views. Guests will find a variety of lounge chairs and umbrellas to relax in, as well as Evian misters to keep cool. Refreshments are available for purchase from the poolside bar.

In the middle of the Infinity pool lies an awe-inspiring oculus (window), 18 inches thick and round, revealing a breathtaking view from the top pool to the bottom. Your gaze will be fixated on two cascading waterfalls tumbling into the remarkable 240-foot sparkling lagoon below!

Business Center on Site

The Diplomat Business Center provides professional services, meeting facilities and state-of-the-art equipment to help you stay connected with wifi while on the go. Services include copying, faxing, scanning, printing, internet access and more. Take advantage of the expansive 209,000 sq. ft. event area spanning both the indoors and the outdoors!

Valet parking for the Diplomat Beach Resort Hollywood by Hilton

Valet parking is also available for guests at The Diplomat Beach Resort. Enjoy a worry-free stay by entrusting them with your car during your visit. You can also park in the parking garage for a nominal fee.

Concierge Services

The Diplomat Beach Resort offers an array of concierge services to ensure that guests have a memorable stay. The staff can offer assistance with arranging transportation, making reservations and providing recommendations on the best places to eat and explore in the area.

Additional amenities include easy check-in at the front desk, free wifi and dry cleaning is available.

Whether you are visiting The Diplomat Beach Resort with or without kids, there is something for everyone to enjoy! From water sports and fitness classes to a day spa, beachfront pools and the Dip & Slide Splash Zoneโ€”everyone will find something fun to do. Make sure to take advantage of all that The Diplomat Beach Resort has to offer during your stay.

Check Prices / Availability


Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *