Hollywood Beach has some great spots to take in the sun.  The water is really blue and clear and there are some pockets that feel like a secluded Caribbean destination.  On the other hand, there are some impressive large resorts there too.  The Westin Diplomat Resort & Spa beat Trump to the neighborhood years ago.  It stands tall and has a unique shape that allows you to identify it from miles away.  It's a cool property and here is some information to give you a general idea of what it's like.


(The building's unique 'V' shape is kind of cool.)

The hotel not only has a Spa (what mid-to-upper scale hotel doesn't today), but they have a large convention center as well.  That means that if you hold a convention there, you can get some great discounted rates for rooms.  The regular price on rooms is kind of on the higher end...over the $300 per night range for a standard room. (They appear to be offering Florida Resident rates on their website...slightly lower than $300.)

The lobby is decked out in marble and has quite a few places to relax and people-watch.  There are also water fountains that take up a lot of space in the middle, but it adds to the charm.  The large 'atrium' feel brings the outdoors in...and I'm sure saves a lot on their electric bill.

 
(The Westin Diplomat Hollywood's lobby - right & left pics.)

  (The main water feature in the lobby - left ; Jeff plays in the other water fountain..you can walk right up to it - right)

There are many places to eat at this property as well.  From a Steak restaurant, a Sushi Bar...to more casual places.  I snapped a few of the restaurant entrances.  The website shows a few more...we didn't happen to see them.  The property is quite large and there are lots of areas to explore.

 
(Common Grounds,  coffee & pastry shop - left  ;  The Cafe - right.)

  (Bar Su, Sushi Bar - left  ;  Aizia, east inspired restaurant - right)

The pool area looked really cool.  The pool is large and actually a 'double decker'!.  There are two pools.  You can see the configuration in the picture below.  They wouldn't let me out there without a room key.  Damn.


(Westin Diplomat has a 'double decker pool'!)

I'm not sure what the rooms are like.  I doubt if I will be forking over $300 a night to find out.  But, if they ever drop the price due to the soft economy...and it's a LOT less...I'd love to stay there.  The hotel looks very well maintained and lets not forget the main reason for staying...the BEACH!  It's so clear and blue and the sand is like powder.


(Hollywood Beach - outside of the Westin Diplomat.)


(Westin Diplomat Hollywood - the ocean side of the building.)