Diplomat Hotel: A Florida Icon Gets a Facelift

The Diplomat Hotel on South Florida’s Hollywood Beach has been dazzling A-list celebrities since 1958. The Kennedys, Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jr. and Liza Minelli were among the rich and famous who frequented the beachfront property in its early years. Today it is a part of Hilton’s Curio Collection, an elegant worldwide collection of top-notch boutique properties with unique features.

An easy 15-minute taxi ride from the Fort Lauderdale airport on the Atlantic shore, this luxe oasis just got a$100 million makeover. The result is a swanky subtropical masterpiece that flaunts 1,000 guestrooms and suites, along with 10 delectable dining options that make it a heaven for foodies.

An impressive foyer and atrium, with ceilings that seem to reach the sky, welcome hotel arrivals. Lofty palms and other foliage lead through an open bar space before continuing outdoors to a pair of split-level swimming pools surrounded by 26 poolside cabanas Four of the cabanas are personally designed in bright pastels by dapper California designer Trina Turk. As for weddings and corporate functions, the Diplomat features more in-house convention space than any other hotel in South Florida — and the most spacious ballroom south of Orlando.

Yet despite its posh reputation, the Diplomat remains a lively, family-friendly beach resort. Its easy beach access and shallow pools make it perfect for children; there’s even a kids’ club! From concierges to the housekeeping and restaurant employees, every staff member strives to create a great experience for all guests.

Sleep and Spa

The renovation of the room interiors was the work of the vanguard design team of Hirsch Bender Associates. Their concept has created an upscale beach-house feel that might be described as East Coast nautical shabby-chic. Each room and suite is splashed with a sunrise or sunset color scheme. Atlantic-facing rooms highlight breezy blues and natural earth tones; intercoastal-facing rooms mimic the setting of astonishing burnt orange sunsets. The bathrooms have large jacuzzi tubs, free-flowing rainfall showers, and luxurious bath and body products.

The serene Diplomat Spa offers rejuvenation of the mind and senses with specialized treatments that include a herbalist ritual massage and holistic healing.

Wine and Dine

Among the Diplomat’s fine selection of in-house dining experiences, there are several that stand out.

At the Point Royal, celebrity chef Geoffrey Zakarian creates succulent seafood feasts. These include a daily revolving oyster menu, New England clam chowder, tasty stone crabs and other mouthwatering fruits of the sea—all as a twist on traditional Atlantic comfort food. The restaurant comes with suave mid-century furniture and lighting.

At the Asian fusion-style Monkitail, acclaimed TV chef Michael Schulson lends his take on contemporary Japanese gastropub cuisine. Shareable plates are perfect for large parties, with an extensive sake and signature cocktail menu. The smoky-lounge feel is suggestive of a late night in Tokyo.

Diplomat Prime is a classic American steakhouse, a bastion of a bygone era with simple elegance but a lively atmosphere. You’ll find a vast wine selection and Wagyu beef, aged in-house. Playa offers poolside dining, Jimmy Buffett-style with a Mexican beachfront vibe. Latin fare includes the likes of fish tacos and ceviche, plus fruity rum drinks and tequila cocktails. Bristol’s Burgers faces the property from the Diplomat landing and boat dock. The casual eatery serves juicy burgers, an assortment of chicken wings, and other pub-grub favourites.

The Neighborhood

It would be easy to spend an entire vacation at the Diplomat. But there’s plenty to see and do throughout the greater Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood vicinity. These are some of my favorites:

The Bonnett House Museum & Gardens is a circa-1900, Caribbean-inspired plantation home estate that recalls an era of elite wealth and decadence. It was the winter residence of Frederic Clay Bartlett, a self-taught artist and architect from Chicago, and his wife, Evelyn Fortune Lily. The art collection is distinctive, to say the least, and the grounds are a popular wedding venue. The estate is preserved by the National Register of Historic Places.

Family-friendly Hugh Taylor Birch State Park extends between the Atlantic Ocean and the Intercoastal Waterway. Visitors can get to know flora and fauna on a ranger-led walking tour, see a live-animal presentation, or kayak through extensive mangroves. Finish by sampling frothy craft brews at the Park & Ocean Brew Pub.

Chef Louie Bossi’s Ristorante Bar Pizzeriatakes Old World Italian traditions to another level. Almost everything is made in-house, including 14 shapes of pasta, bread and pizza dough. But what is most extraordinary is that Bossi is making his charcuterie on site: You can see the soppressata, salumi and coppa hanging in temperature-controlled colors. It’s an impressive Italian eatery with a smorgasbord of culinary classics.