You’ve seen the photos. Those two massive towers soaring over the Atlantic, connected by a glass-bottomed bridge that makes your stomach flip if you look down too long. That’s the Diplomat Resort & Spa Hollywood, or as the locals and Hilton loyalists call it now, The Diplomat Beach Resort. Honestly, if you haven't been there since the early 2020s, you’re basically looking at a different animal.
It’s big. 1,000 rooms.
People think "big" means "corporate" and "soulless." They’re usually right, but this place is sorta the exception that proves the rule. It’s currently tucked under Hilton’s Curio Collection, which is their way of saying, "It’s a luxury hotel, but we let it keep its weird, cool personality." In early 2026, the property is actually wrapping up a massive multi-million dollar "Next Era" renovation, pushing it toward a rebranding as a Signia by Hilton.
The Reality of the Diplomat Beach Resort Rebranding
Most travelers get confused by the names. You’ll hear "Westin Diplomat" from people who haven't updated their GPS since 2014. Then it was the Diplomat Beach Resort. Now, it’s transitioning into the Signia by Hilton Diplomat Beach Resort.
Why does this matter to you? Money and vibes.
The new owners—Trinity Real Estate Investments and Credit Suisse—dropped over $800 million to buy the place and then dumped another $36 million into the current 2025-2026 refresh. This isn't just new carpet. We’re talking about a total overhaul of the lobby into a "multi-story conservatory" packed with exotic plants and a new gold-standard infinity pool deck.
If you’re booking right now, you might see some "pardon our dust" signs, but the payoff is a room that feels like a modern beach house rather than a 90s executive suite. The design firm Indidesign is behind the look, and they’ve leaned hard into soft neutrals and floor-to-ceiling glass.
Where to Actually Eat (And What to Skip)
The Diplomat has like six or seven different places to eat, and they aren't all created equal.
- Diplomat Prime: This is the heavyweight. It’s a boutique steakhouse with a 1950s flair. If you want to drop $80 on a dry-aged ribeye and feel like a high-roller, this is it. It’s 108 seats of pure sophistication.
- Monkitail: Michael Schulson’s izakaya. Honestly, the duck scrapple bao is legendary. It’s dark, moody, and has a hidden karaoke bar called Nokku in the back.
- Playa: This is the poolside spot. Tacos, rum, and sand. It’s great for a casual lunch, but keep in mind you’re paying "resort prices" for a taco.
- Counter Point: For when you just need a caffeine hit and a croissant before hitting the beach.
The "hidden" gem? Candy & Cones. They churn the ice cream right there. It’s got this retro soda fountain vibe that actually works without being too cheesy.
🔗 Read more: Aoraki Mount Cook Village: What Most People Get Wrong About Staying There
The Spa is the Real Reason People Stay Here
Let’s talk about the Diplomat Spa + Salon. 15,000 square feet.
It’s huge.
Most hotel spas are an afterthought in the basement. This one is a sanctuary. They have a "serenity room" with a ceiling waterfall fountain that is genuinely hypnotic. If you’re going to splurge, go for the 80-minute signature massage. The therapists here—people like Oleg and Rodolfo—have been there for years and have a bit of a cult following.
The spa also grants you access to the steam room and sauna, which is the best way to sweat out the mojitos from the night before. You get a day pass to the pool and beach with most treatments, which is a smart way to enjoy the resort if you’re staying at a cheaper Airbnb nearby and just want a "luxe day."
Is the Service Actually Good?
Here’s the nuance. It’s a 1,000-room hotel.
Sometimes, the valet is a nightmare. You might wait 20 minutes for your car during a busy conference. That’s the reality of a mega-resort. However, the front-line staff, the people like Teke at the spa or the bartenders at The Hotel Bar, tend to be career hospitality pros.
The "vibe" is weirdly versatile. You’ll see a CEO in a $5,000 suit walking past a toddler with a melting ice cream cone and a guy in a "Florida Man" t-shirt. It’s Hollywood, Florida, after all. It’s not as stuffy as Palm Beach, and not as chaotic as South Beach. It’s the middle ground.
Actionable Insights for Your Stay
If you're planning a trip to the Diplomat Resort & Spa Hollywood in 2026, here is the "insider" way to do it:
- Book an Intracoastal View: Everyone wants the ocean view, but the Intracoastal side gives you incredible sunsets over the water and the city lights at night. Plus, it’s usually cheaper.
- Check the Convention Calendar: This is a major hub for tech and medical conferences. If there’s a 3,000-person event happening, the pools will be packed. Check the resort’s event calendar before you lock in your dates.
- The Hollywood Broadwalk: You’re just a short walk or bike ride away from the famous 2.5-mile boardwalk. Use the resort's complimentary bike rentals (usually 1 hour included in the resort fee) to cruise down to the Margaritaville area for live music.
- Resort Fees: Expect them. They usually cover the Wi-Fi, beach chairs, and some fitness classes. Don’t act surprised when you see the bill; just make sure you actually use the chairs and the bikes to get your money's worth.
The transformation into Signia by Hilton is almost complete, making this the peak time to visit if you want that "new hotel smell" without the opening-week glitches. It remains the anchor of Hollywood Beach for a reason.
To make the most of your trip, download the Hilton Honors app before you arrive to handle digital check-in and potentially skip the lobby lines during peak hours. If you are driving, consider the self-parking options across the street to save a few bucks over the premium valet service, especially if you plan on coming and going frequently.