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The Westin Diplomat Resort & Spa used to be one of my go-to spots in South Florida. It stopped operating under the Westin brand in 2014 and became part of Hilton shortly after. Now, Hilton has officially re-opened the property as the Signia by Hilton Diplomat Beach Resort to bring a newly refreshed luxury experience to Hollywood.
Located along the Atlantic coastline between Miami and Fort Lauderdale, the 1,000-room beachfront resort opened today, May 1st. The property has had several lives and the latest might be the most luxe yet.
Originally opened in 1958, the Diplomat has long been a fixture on Hollywood Beach. After being acquired by Trinity Investments in 2023, the property underwent an $80 million transformation with a heavy focus on public spaces and dining venues. It just relaunched under Hilton’s upscale Signia brand and looks to once again become one of South Florida’s most recognizable beachfront destinations.
The redesign introduces a more modern and social atmosphere. The lobby has been reimagined as a light-filled gathering space with lush greenery, lounge seating, and communal areas designed for both relaxation and connection.
The outdoor experience has also been significantly upgraded. The Verandah (the resort’s oceanfront deck) now serves as the centerpiece of the property and includes:
- The Solara Infinity Pool
- A refreshed Grand Lagoon Pool
- The Verandah Social Club, an adults-only space
- An oceanfront jacuzzi
- Elevated cabanas and daybeds
- Nearly 1,000 feet of semi-private beachfront
A new event space, Horizon Lawn, adds flexibility for gatherings, entertainment, and activities.
Food and beverage offerings received the most attention during the renovation, with these updated venues now available:
- Palmea Kitchen (featuring Mediterranean-inspired breakfast)
- The Press (offering coffee and pastries)
- Playa (serving Latin-influenced beachfront cuisine)
- Solara (an all-day lobby lounge)
- Diplomat Prime (a signature steakhouse)
These additions aim to deliver a more experience-driven dining program aligned with Signia’s upscale positioning.
It’s a little confusing as to which room types gain access, but according to the press release, guests staying in premium rooms on floors 32 through 36, along with Hilton Diamond Reserve members, gain access to Club Signia, a 6,660-square-foot lounge on the 33rd floor.
The club offers:
- Curated breakfast and midday snacks
- Evening drinks
- Personalized service through a dedicated ambassador
I remember the Westin lounge that operated in this space and the many fabulous outdoor breakfasts we had overlooking the beach.
The resort continues to build on its reputation as a major meetings destination, offering more than 200,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor event space.
Additional amenities include:
- The Diplomat Spa + Wellness
- Complimentary water sports and bikes
- Beach fitness classes
Anthony’s Take: The Signia by Hilton Diplomat Beach Resort blends historic legacy with modern luxury to deliver upgraded dining, redesigned social spaces, and a full suite of resort amenities. It stands out as one of the more compelling new openings in the region and I can’t wait to check out its rebirth.
(Image Credits: Hilton.)
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Advertiser & Editorial Disclosure: The Bulkhead Seat earns an affiliate commission for anyone approved through the links above This compensation may impact how and where links appear on this site. We work to provide the best publicly available offers to our readers. We frequently update them, but this site does not include all available offers. Opinions, reviews, analyses & recommendations are the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, endorsed, or approved by any of these entities.
