Signia by Hilton Diplomat Beach Resort Review

In Hollywood, Florida, just outside Fort Lauderdale, The Diplomat resort has long been a staple for travelers. The original hotel, dating back to the 1950s, was a place to see and be seen in South Florida, and was eventually torn down and replaced by the current structure, a 36-story tower.

Now the massive resort is preparing for its next big transformation: moving from Hilton’s playful Curio brand to Signia by Hilton, described as “a world-class hotel portfolio that infuses sophisticated travel and luxury experiences into every aspect of the guest’s stay.”

Along with the rebrand, The Diplomat has also undergone a huge transformation in many of its public spaces, restaurants, pool areas and more.

Ahead of the May 1 transition, TPG had the opportunity to visit the property, now called Signia by Hilton Diplomat Beach Resort, to see what’s new and fresh, and what tried-and-true parts of the property have stayed the same.

Changed: public spaces that are bold and fresh.

The Diplomat is huge, and from the beach to the pool to the huge lobby, there is plenty of space to relax and enjoy. Now it has become even more beautiful. Part of the hotel’s transformation into a Signia-branded property was intended to honor the hotel’s heritage “while embracing a fresh beach club-inspired energy,” and that was evident to me the moment I walked in.

The atrium-style lobby is filled with greenery, with seating that matches the cool, earthy tones of the plants and the vibes of the ocean. Numerous pieces of art added an overall feeling of freshness to the entire space.

It stayed the same: the rooms.

Although many things have changed at the hotel, the rooms may still look familiar to previous guests. For my two-night stay, I was in a spacious one-bedroom suite with a large ocean-facing terrace. The bedroom featured a comfortable king-size bed placed against a wooden wall, a large armchair, and a huge television.

In the living room, a couch, desk, and amenities like a refrigerator and coffee maker made me feel right at home. Throughout the suite, the patterned rug reminded me of beach pebbles and the soft color palette blended perfectly with the crystal-clear views of the ocean.

Truth be told, I spent almost no time in my room thanks to the countless places to rest closer to the water. But when I was in the guest room, sitting on the balcony and watching people playing on the beach while the boats on the sea passed by made me feel calm and relaxed.

Changed: a new club lounge

I’m a big fan of a hotel club lounge. For guests with access, they often offer a quiet respite from the rest of the hotel, usually with all-day food and drink, good workspaces and often great views.

The Diplomat’s soon-to-open Club Signia on the 33rd floor is all that, and then some. During my preview, I tried many of the dishes that will be on the club’s menu, including a delicious Cuban sandwich, tasty salads, and a crisp glass of rose. Come for the great food, but stay for the stunning views from the club’s large terrace facing the Atlantic Ocean.

The 6,600-square-foot Club Signia is available to guests in premium room categories between the 32nd and 34th floors, as well as Hilton Honors Diamond Reserve Members.

Changed: The pools

The Diplomat’s massive pool complex, called The Verandah, features the adults-only Solara infinity pool surrounded by elevated cabanas and chaise lounges (available for an additional fee), plus the family-friendly Grand Lagoon pool. While both pool areas are great, I was happy to spend a long afternoon at the Solara pool, where waiters deliver food and cocktails, splashing in the water and reading on a daybed overlooking the ocean. However, like any resort pool complex, I noticed people clamoring for chairs quite early, so unless you book a daybed or paid cabana, make sure you get a great spot.

It’s also worth noting that throughout the pool area and throughout the hotel there is plenty of fun programming, such as live music and salsa dance classes. I even saw a mermaid (yes, a “real” mermaid) swimming with kids in the Grand Lagoon pool.

Changed: The Verandah Social Club

An incredible new place to hang out at The Dip, as the resort is frequently called, is The Verandah Social Club, an adults-only terrace filled with cabanas and lounge chairs overlooking the adults-only pool and beach. During my visit, the resort was busy putting the finishing touches on the club, but I realized it would be the kind of exclusive space I would love to hang out at. The Verandah Social Club will offer upscale food and cocktails, wellness activations (like neck and shoulder massages and refreshing cryovarite facials), and an Instagram-worthy atmosphere you’ll be dying to share on social media.

It stayed the same and changed: The restaurants.

The Diplomat is home to six bars and restaurants, ranging from an upscale steakhouse, Diplomat Prime, to the beachy open-air Playa Beach Bar & Grill, plus an indoor and outdoor bar, café, breakfast buffet and a convenient and well-stocked grab-and-go market. Across all restaurants, new menus and beverage programs from executive sous chef Michelle Milz round out the changes.

At Diplomat Prime, I had an unforgettable dinner (pictured above) that consisted of a coastal seafood platter ($90), a delicious plate of the chef’s catch of the day (market price), and a side of fried cauliflower with fresh herbs, crispy quinoa, and barrel-aged dressing ($15).

At Palema Kitchen, the daily breakfast buffet, guests can find all the classics ($42), as well as a la carte dishes like avocado tartine ($22) or a delicious shakshuka ($25).

And don’t forget to stop by the breezy Playa Beach Bar & Grill for the Island Smoked Fish Salsa ($24), a savory dip made from celery, pickled vegetables, carrots, radishes and chives with tortilla chips and plantain chips. Another winner for me was the island poke bowl, with ahi tuna and rice noodles ($28).

Stayed the same: The Diplomat Spa and Salon

I think every resort stay warrants a trip to the spa. At The Diplomat Spa and Salon, the amazing staff allowed me to try a unique sound healing experience that involved lying on a special vibrating table while wearing headphones that played music and turned on lights in sync with the vibrations of the bed (pricing upon request). After the sound healing treatment, I received the spa’s signature 50-minute massage ($220) which included aromatherapy and hot stones.

It stayed the same: the beautiful beach.

With a name like Tanner, you better believe they’ll find me on the beach getting a tan. At The Diplomat, a semi-private beach area offers chairs, umbrellas and sun loungers for an additional fee, as well as food and beverage service. Just keep in mind that while the resort controls the seating, the beach itself is open to the public, and people wander up and down the sand.

Other things you should know

The hotel has a solid gym with free daily HIIT classes or paid personal training sessions. Yoga and pilates experiences on the beach are also common.

To get off the property a bit, the hotel offers complimentary one-hour bike rentals that can be extended longer for a fee. And for families, a kids’ club is available so parents can escape to the spa knowing the little ones are in good hands.

I also want to note that the resort has a convention center that remains full and busy. While I was there, a convention was ending, but other than people milling around the lobby in shoelaces, I never would have noticed.

Accessibility

The Diplomat features a number of accommodations for guests with varying needs, including ADA-compliant rooms, public spaces, and pool lifts. As always, TPG recommends speaking to the hotel directly before booking to discuss what’s available for different travelers and their specific needs.

How to book Signia by Hilton Diplomat Beach Resort

Cash rates at Signia by Hilton Diplomat Beach Resort start around $250 per night. Hilton Honors members can book from 69,000 points per night.

In a nutshell

After leaving The Diplomat, I felt relaxed, revitalized and a little tanner than before. The changes to the property made the resort feel elegant and elegant, and the upcoming additions of Club Signia and Verandah Social Club really elevate the overall experience.

During my stay at The Diplomat I learned that it is the kind of place that people return to again and again, and I think those who return to this new version of the beloved hotel will be very happy.

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