Florida: Hollywood, The Westin Diplomat Resort & Spa – Voted the Best for Families. Recently Starwood preferred guest platinum members named the Westin Diplomat in Florida “Best Family Experience” among Starwood properties.

Voted best is no surprise. Anyone who has had the pleasure of visiting the Diplomat knows that it is a class act. The ambiance of the public space oozes tranquility and the ocean views do a lot to sustain the calming atmosphere for guests. I think someone wanders around spritzing calming tropical scents but it works. It is a resort with the ability to relate families on vacation without lessening the amenities for parents.
  
Here’s the scoop.  Two programs have been created to meet the needs of moms, dads and kids. One includes time together as a family and one provides worry-free time away for parents. Key to the programs’ success is the fun factor. In fact, The Westin Diplomat Resort & Spa is so serious about keeping the fun alive that they even have a Director of Fun on staff.
 
Fun for kids with other kids. With the Westin Kid’s Club, parents are able to enjoy one-on-one time together while their children are safeguarded and engaged in creative activities such as building bird houses, making chocolate or painting coconuts. On any given day, the morning might begin with golf and tennis fun -- before it gets too hot -- then kids may go to the beach, followed by a movie or karaoke, and next the chance to uncover their hidden talents during arts and crafts.
 
The Westin Kid’s Club is for children ages 4-12 and includes a half-day ($30) or full-day program ($70) and snacks and refreshments. The full-day program includes lunch. Bonus points: The SPG® Kids Pass program is an all-inclusive dining program created with the youngest guests and their parents in mind. For a flat daily rate, children ages 12 and younger of Starwood Preferred Guest® members can enjoy all-inclusive access to a variety of dining options, including children's menus, buffets (where available) and beverages, at select participating properties during their stay.
 
Togethering time. To bring families together, The Westin Destination Club features family movies under the stars on a giant 32-foot screen in the hotel’s expansive infinity pool, scavenger hunts, cookie baking with the resort’s pastry chef, Wii competitions and a sand castle building contest.
  
Date night options. For moms and dads who want to bring back “date night,” there is even a “Kid’s Night Out Friday or Saturday ($50).” This is a kid’s pizza and movie night, which leaves mom and dad alone for a delectable dinner on the resort property. Fine dining choices include Hollywood Prime and Aizia.
     
Here’s the deal. Now through Sept 5, families may want to take advantage of the “A Sweet Family Escape,” which includes 50 guest relations credits that can be used on anything recreational. The package features guaranteed connected rooms and a welcome gift for each child.  Rates start from $185 per night.
 
Location on the planet.  The Westin Diplomat Resort & Spa, Hollywood, Florida is located within mere 15 to 30 minute drive from the two major airports in the region, Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood International Airport and Miami International Airport. It is also just a short drive from Port Everglades, the second largest cruise ship port in the United States. 3555 South Ocean Drive Hollywood, FL 33019 USA. 

Make it happen. To make a reservation call toll-free 1-866-716-8137, (954) 602-6000 or visit www.DiplomatResort.com

About the Westin Diplomat Resort & Spa: The Diplomat offers an array of amenities including several cuisine options from an award-winning seafood steakhouse to 24-hour in-room dining. Sixty additional guest rooms, an 18-hole golf course managed by Troon® Golf, a 10-clay court tennis center and a full-service spa can be experienced at the golf location. At the beach dining choices include Hollywood Prime seafood and steakhouse and waterfront dining at The Diplomat Landing’s two restaurants, Aizia and Rivals Waterfront Sports Grille.

Content and images provided by StarMark Hotels & Resorts. Comments by Nancy Nelson-Duac, Editor FTF. Copyright 2011.