flyme2
Sep 12, 02, 6:48 pm
Westin Diplomat Fort Lauderdale
As others have already posted about the beautiful rooms with large bathrooms and separate showers and the inviting and innovative pool complex I will mainly elaborate on the Executive Lounge which, as yet, has not been detailed.
Brigitte and I have just returned from a four night stay at the Diplomat and have nothing but raves to relate. As an SPG Platinum, the hotel exceeded my expectations in every manner. Upon check-in, we were assigned to an oceanfront corner suite on a high floor with a wrap around balcony that afforded us wonderful views of the Atlantic as well as the inter-coastal waterway. We were given Executive Lounge access, which was somewhat limited the first night due to an unexplained closure. However, from the next day on, we were able to enjoy all the benefits that the access provided. Breakfast consisted exclusively of cold offerings: smoked salmon, cold cuts, cheese, toasted bagels, muffins, croissants and assorted pastries and pound cakes as well as cereal, yogourt and a nice assortment of fresh fruits and berries. These could be enjoyed inside or al fresco on either inland or ocean side terraces. The lounge itself, on the 33rd floor was strikingly elegant, with its high ceilings and impressive decor. A good assortment of newspapers and magazines as well as a large screen television were on hand to keep you abreast of current events. An omnipresent concierge was available to handle any special requests. In the afternoon snack items such as mixed nuts and dried fruits in addition to a full assortment of non-alcoholic beverages were available to all who entered. Evening hors d'oeuvres, in the form of cold plate offerings, consisted of various high quality antipasti and a revolving choice of shellfish (jumbo shrimp, crab claws), meat and vegetable salads, gourmet cheese and varied dried breads and crackers. Non-alcoholic beverages were available at no charge, and wine, beer and champagne were available for a very reasonable $4.00. Spirits and mixed drinks were also reasonable at $5.00. The constant swishing of the martini shaker proved that this was a most popular option among drinks being served. As the sun began to set, candles were strategically placed around the room, adding to the ambience. Dessert, also very popular, appeared after the evening hors d'ouevres were cleared and consisted of sinfully rich chocolates and pastries. Hard to resist! The lounge was particularly busy on Saturday evening and Sunday morning, but never crowded. By Sunday evening things had become so quiet and subdued that when I found myself reaching for the same wedge of Cambazola as a good-natured Denzel Washington, there was almost no one else there to witness this "momentous" occasion. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/wink.gif
A couple of other observations. The beach in front of the Diplomat, as previously mentioned, is narrow, especially at high tide but it is kept very clean and free of seaweed which makes a dip in the ocean very appealing. Not lying on the beach is not a great drawback as your lounge chair by the pool is only a few strides away and free of irritating sand. One other fact that I found commendable but I haven't seen previously mentioned was how truly handicapped accessible this property is. There was a ramp or an elevator available to access every area from the Lounge on the 33rd floor to the beach...bravo!
I wouldn't be sticking my neck out too far in declaring this to be one of the best North American properties Starwood currently has to offer. Great staff, great location, great hotel. What more is there? Besides, how many other hotels have a "Diplomatic Amy" monitoring the boards to make sure it stays that way?
[This message has been edited by flyme2 (edited 09-12-2002).]
As others have already posted about the beautiful rooms with large bathrooms and separate showers and the inviting and innovative pool complex I will mainly elaborate on the Executive Lounge which, as yet, has not been detailed.
Brigitte and I have just returned from a four night stay at the Diplomat and have nothing but raves to relate. As an SPG Platinum, the hotel exceeded my expectations in every manner. Upon check-in, we were assigned to an oceanfront corner suite on a high floor with a wrap around balcony that afforded us wonderful views of the Atlantic as well as the inter-coastal waterway. We were given Executive Lounge access, which was somewhat limited the first night due to an unexplained closure. However, from the next day on, we were able to enjoy all the benefits that the access provided. Breakfast consisted exclusively of cold offerings: smoked salmon, cold cuts, cheese, toasted bagels, muffins, croissants and assorted pastries and pound cakes as well as cereal, yogourt and a nice assortment of fresh fruits and berries. These could be enjoyed inside or al fresco on either inland or ocean side terraces. The lounge itself, on the 33rd floor was strikingly elegant, with its high ceilings and impressive decor. A good assortment of newspapers and magazines as well as a large screen television were on hand to keep you abreast of current events. An omnipresent concierge was available to handle any special requests. In the afternoon snack items such as mixed nuts and dried fruits in addition to a full assortment of non-alcoholic beverages were available to all who entered. Evening hors d'oeuvres, in the form of cold plate offerings, consisted of various high quality antipasti and a revolving choice of shellfish (jumbo shrimp, crab claws), meat and vegetable salads, gourmet cheese and varied dried breads and crackers. Non-alcoholic beverages were available at no charge, and wine, beer and champagne were available for a very reasonable $4.00. Spirits and mixed drinks were also reasonable at $5.00. The constant swishing of the martini shaker proved that this was a most popular option among drinks being served. As the sun began to set, candles were strategically placed around the room, adding to the ambience. Dessert, also very popular, appeared after the evening hors d'ouevres were cleared and consisted of sinfully rich chocolates and pastries. Hard to resist! The lounge was particularly busy on Saturday evening and Sunday morning, but never crowded. By Sunday evening things had become so quiet and subdued that when I found myself reaching for the same wedge of Cambazola as a good-natured Denzel Washington, there was almost no one else there to witness this "momentous" occasion. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/wink.gif
A couple of other observations. The beach in front of the Diplomat, as previously mentioned, is narrow, especially at high tide but it is kept very clean and free of seaweed which makes a dip in the ocean very appealing. Not lying on the beach is not a great drawback as your lounge chair by the pool is only a few strides away and free of irritating sand. One other fact that I found commendable but I haven't seen previously mentioned was how truly handicapped accessible this property is. There was a ramp or an elevator available to access every area from the Lounge on the 33rd floor to the beach...bravo!
I wouldn't be sticking my neck out too far in declaring this to be one of the best North American properties Starwood currently has to offer. Great staff, great location, great hotel. What more is there? Besides, how many other hotels have a "Diplomatic Amy" monitoring the boards to make sure it stays that way?
[This message has been edited by flyme2 (edited 09-12-2002).]