Even though the Westin Diplomat and Spa on Hollywood Beach in Florida is located almost in our backyard, it is still one of our favorite stay at home escapes.











A weekend for us here can be as reenergizing as running off to some exotic destination (without the air fare and the TAS hassles).



The weekend consisted of three days and two nights in a Governors Suite on the 31st floor (1550 sq ft and an expansive view north over the Atlantic Ocean and westerly views across the Intracoastal), which allowed a different perspective in both altitude and attitude can.













The Executive Club on the 33rd floor offers an extensive continental breakfast as well as late afternoon cocktails plus warm and cold hors d'oeuvres. In additional to occupying a restricted location (not at all congested), the club also has two huge open air balconies, one facing east across the Atlantic and the other lfacing west across the Intracoastal with a view of the city lights.






Since the Winter Olympics are being televised nightly on NBC, we decided to join the hospitality team at Rivals (nice sports bar nestled under the parking garage and adjacent to the Intracoastal), for Happy Hour Friday night eveningwide assortment of reasonably priced drinks and appetizers.and lots of cheering for the US athletes.









For dinner we chose Aizia, which is located next door on the Intracoastal. Aizia offers interesting Asian cuisinefresh and beautifully presented. The only difficulty comes with trying to make decision on what to eatit all looks so good! Check the menu prices before you gono reason to experience sticker shock when the bill arrivesthe food and service doesnt come cheap!

The hotel has a great pool area on the upper and lower deck facing the beach. Unfortunately, is somewhat narrow and can get crowded at times (always hard to deal with erosion).

The hotel shuttle is a short and easy 15 minutes ride over to the spa located across the Intracoastal at the golf course. OK, the spa fees are a little pricey, but the facilities are top notch and the treatments are well worth the money. Nothing like going to a spa (completely separate facilities for Women and Men) where the attendants actually keep the steam rooms and sauna clean and in working order.they get the job done here. Best of all, the therapists are experienced and do a fine job.




This is a convention hotel and can get crowded...but, there are plenty of places to "keep a low profile" if you are here for a private weekend with that very special person. It is also a great property to enjoy being a Starwood Preferred Guest!

Noticed some Internet reviews complaining strongly about "costs" associated with staying at this resort.



OK, it costs some money, but this should not come as a surprise, since it offers so much! This is NOT a property for those seeking bargain basement prices.



Suggest you check your prices before you book and decide if this is the place for you or not.