Just back after our first stay at this property a couple weekends back. Was worried about having too high expectations because of all the positive comments on this thread. Well, if anything, our experience was even BETTER than we anticipated...

Whether it was being greeted on arrival by hordes of valets & bellmen who actually RUN to get things done, to a great check-in with great loyalty recognition/upgrade/points postings, to the pools/beach/lounge and restaurants, we were continually impressed by the quality, service and value afforded by this property.

I could go on and on. Suffice to say our three nights at the Diplomat were so ourstanding we actually had lunchbag let-down when we spent the balance of the week at a very, very expensive, high-end Disney resort. So much so, we actually considered heading back to the Diplomat for the weekend - leaving Disney 2 days early and eating the $1500 we'd already paid for our accommodations - but the Diplomat had no availability for those nights.

The Flews family - with two young children - generally vacations in the Caribbean every winter - most recently for the last few years in the Bahamas, and before that Cayman. I have been informed by Mrs. Flews the Diplomat is now our winter property of choice.

I couldn't agree more, and can't wait to come back!

Cheers,

Great, now my expectations are raised again for our trip in March.

With my stay now a mere 3 weeks away, and still lots of availability showing on the website for that weekend, I did just that. Now awaiting a reply (with fingers crossed) from DiplomaticAmy

gleff, can you (or anyone else) elaborate on why Westin is far more impressive than Hilton FLL Beach?

Top tier in both programs but I would prefer to spend a couple Hilton certs that expire in a few months unless Westin (or W) is clearly better.

Bump. Anyone?

Gleff is in Vegas...

I haven't stayed at the Hilton, so I can't compare, but the Westin Diplomat is probably the best Westin in north America, I have not stayed at a Hilton anywhere that can compare to this property.

You are pretty much guaranteed a huge corner suite as a Platinum (they have 96 of them).

You also get access to a very nice Executive Club with an awesome breakfast.

I answered here
Fort Lauderdale: which hotel? [Master Thread]

Never stayed yet at the Hilton FL but have a few times at The Dip. If you want to be walking distance to a street hangout then the Hilton wins since Los Olas if I remember is walkable. While The Dip will require a long drive to SOBE or anything like Los Olas

The beach area by The Dip is pretty narrow and by the Hilton its wider, but the Ocean is too cold to go into this time of year anyway anywhere down there

Looks like the Westin Diplomat 'may' be changing it's upgrade policies. I did receive a response on Jan 8th, from an associate of Amy's -Roger Morales, who advised me : "Currently, I do not have any available upgrades to suites, as we have several groups in house that have contracted most of our suite inventory. Regardless, I will do my very best to see if any rooms have rooms have or will come open and will make certain that you are the first to receive one of these suites should one become available."
But checking the website for my specfic 2 days continues to show lots of availabilty of Corner Suites, Dipolmat Suites, Club Floor Suites etc If they were all 'contracted out', wouldn't they be off the inventory list ??

"May"? This is such a non issue. She laid it out honestly. I don't understand the problem.

They have consistently gone above the SPG upgrade policy. Now that they may not be able to upgrade you in advance because they have contracted their suites, you make a statement like that? Come on now.
In regard to the inventory, that is a question for Amy.

I have trouble comprehending the obsession for advance upgrades on award bookings?

me too, i guess it has to do with the concept of value, getting the proverbial best bang for the buck or points, I should say.

Stayed at the Diplomat Friday, Jan 13-14. Checked in at 3pm, and without saying a word, was upgraded to an Executive Club Suite (3475). Room was great and super comfortable. When I checked out on Saturday, there was a charge from Bar Su that made no sense -- far too much for what was ordered, and not rounded to the $10 or $5 as I always do. Front desk took the entire charge off, despite my suggestion that I at least pay for the drinks that were ordered. Just another great stay at one of Starwood's properties that seemingly always does it right.

Does anyone know if StarHOT guests will receive the 50% discount on food & beverage at restaurants located at this resort? The sibling of Starwood employee + 3 guests will be staying at the Diplomat.

Thanks

In my experience, only at select food and beverage outlets. It's been awhile, but we were allowed to use it at the casual restaurant within the hotel, the beach establishment, and the sports bar across the street, but not at any of the fine dining options.

If you ask at check-in, they will be glad to tell you which restaurants apply.

Best regards,

William R. Sanders
Online Guest Feedback Coordinator
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide

[email protected]