HOLLYWOOD, Fla. – Times are changing at The Diplomat Resort in Hollywood, as the sale to a new owner means a huge renovation is underway.
Back in the day, The Diplomat hosted some of the biggest names in show business and was the place where locals created life-long memories.
"Not a day goes by where I don't meet someone who was married here, had their high school reunion here, got engaged here or had some important family events here," said general manager Ed Walls.
Walls said the The Diplomat, which was recently sold to a Maryland hotel investment group, is now part of Hilton's growing collection of luxury hotels. The brand is called Curio, and with the transition will come renovations.
All 998 rooms and suites will be redesigned and decorated, the restaurants will be refreshed and two more will open. The pool area, ballrooms and common area will also get a makeover.
Walls said the goal is to break the corporate mold and make The Diplomat a reflection of the unique destination that is South Florida.
"What Curio allows us to do is have a blank canvas and take The Diplomat, which is pretty iconic, and building into what we want it to be," said Walls.
It's beachfront location and 200,000 square feet of meeting space has already established The Diplomat among luxury and corporate travelers. The enhancements will make the property more family friendly too.
With Margaritaville and other major developments underway on Hollywood Beach, Walls said The Diplomat is moving to retain its reputation as a premier beachfront destination for visitors and locals alike.
"We're pretty excited about what's happening and it's time for us to reinvest into the project," said Walls.
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