Hotel Question

Question

I am going to be in Fort Lauderdale for 1 full day/night next week. I have a very early morning flight the next morning. I am looking at 2 hotels in the Hilton family — Hilton Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort and Hilton Diplomat. Which of these hotels would you recommend based on location, hotel quality, and ease of getting to Fort Lauderdale airport the following morning? Thank you.

Answer

For a one-night stay in Fort Lauderdale with a very early flight, both the Hilton Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort and the Hilton Diplomat offer high-quality accommodations, but there are differences in location and convenience that may influence your choice.

Hilton Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort is located right on Fort Lauderdale Beach, giving you direct access to the sand and ocean views. The property is modern, recently renovated, and has upscale amenities including pools, restaurants, and a beachside vibe. If your priority is enjoying the beach, a short walk to local dining, and a more central Fort Lauderdale location, this is an excellent choice. However, the hotel is about 8–10 miles from Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL), which is roughly a 20–25 minute drive without heavy traffic. Early morning traffic is typically lighter, so getting to your flight should not be an issue.

Hilton Diplomat Resort & Spa is located in Hollywood, between Fort Lauderdale and Miami. It’s a larger resort with extensive amenities, including pools, dining, and direct access to a quieter stretch of beach. It is slightly farther from the Fort Lauderdale airport (roughly 12–14 miles), but still within a 25–30 minute drive. The location is less central if you want to explore Fort Lauderdale city proper, but convenient if your main goal is a resort experience and easy highway access to start your trip north or south.

Summary comparison:

Hilton Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort: Central Fort Lauderdale, walkable to restaurants, closer to city attractions, slightly shorter drive to airport, beach vibe.
Hilton Diplomat Resort & Spa: Large resort with more amenities, quieter beach, slightly longer drive to FLL, good highway access, less walkable to central Fort Lauderdale.

Given you only have one full day and a very early morning flight, if you want to enjoy Fort Lauderdale’s downtown/beach area and minimize travel stress to the airport, the Hilton Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort is likely the better choice. If you prefer a resort-focused experience and don’t mind a bit more driving in the morning, the Hilton Diplomat is excellent.