The Best Hotels to Book in Delaware

This Historic Hotel of America, in the heart of the Brandywine Valley, is just outside Wilmington and moments from the city’s cultural attractions, including Winterthur Museum, Longwood Gardens and Brandywine River Art Museum. The rooms and suites blend rustic charm with modern comforts, and are furnished with both original and reproduced 19th-century antiques. One of the highlights here is the spa, which offers luxurious signature treatments such as the shea butter scrub and oatmeal body wrap, and a relaxing healing massage ritual that incorporates reflexology, hot stone and Swedish massage techniques.

Stay in a slice of Delawarean history at this hotel at the intersection of 11th and Market in downtown Wilmington. Originally the headquarters for the DuPont Company, the building is an impressive example of Italian Renaissance architecture – and the hotel interiors are designed to transport guests back to the glamor of a bygone era. There are 217 rooms and suites with elegant mahogany timberwork, deep-soaking tubs and leather upholstery. Planning a weekend of romance? Book the Reset Romance package, which includes a bottle of prosecco, chocolates, petits fours and chocolate-dipped almond macaroons from hotel bakery Spark’d Creative Pastry. Then, enjoy a meal inspired by the flavors of Provence at the Le Cavalier brasserie – the duck breast with grilled scallions and sauce chorón is a favorite.

With 95 guest rooms, two meeting rooms and a 17,222sqft (1,600sqm) event space, Hilton Garden Inn Dover is ideal for business travelers and conferences; and the junior suite also has a spacious work desk. The leisure facilities are just as impressive, with an indoor pool and hot tub, lobby bar and a restaurant that serves a made-to-order buffet breakfast, which includes freshly cooked eggs and pancakes. If you want to explore further afield, the hotel is five minutes from Dover Downs Casino, Delaware State University and the Dover Mall, and a 20-minute drive from Pickering Beach and Woodland Beach.

Dover, the capital of Delaware, is known for its vibrant entertainment scene and the beauty of the surrounding wilderness – and the Hampton Inn Dover is ideally located to explore both sides of the city. Just 3mi (5km) from downtown, it offers easy access to the Dover Downs Hotel & Casino, home to some of the most exciting performances in the state. It’s also a 15-minute drive from the Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge, which is an important stop on the Delaware Bay for thousands of migrating shorebirds every spring. Alternatively, just spend your time relaxing by the outdoor pool.

Business travel can often feel a bit lonely – but not at this hotel on the Christina River in downtown Wilmington. It’s just 10 minutes from central Wilmington, with Fortune 500 companies such as Navient, Chemours and Comcast all within easy reach via a free local shuttle. The highlight is the complimentary evening social that runs from Monday to Thursday, where guests get the opportunity to mingle over drinks and snacks. For an apartment-style room that feels more like home than a hotel, book a one-bedroom water-view suite, which has separate living and sleeping areas, and unbeatable water views.

Looking for a business hotel with plenty of character? The Residence Inn Wilmington Downtown is housed in a former bank building and many of the original features are showcased in the interior – such as the impressive vault doors. As you might expect from a former bank building, the hotel is located in the legal and financial district, just moments from the Federal Courthouse, Delaware State Superior Courthouse and the most prominent company headquarters in the city. Start the day with a CrossFit class at the hotel gym, and finish with a craft cocktail at 1300 Restaurant and Bar.

On the corner of Grace and Second streets – in the heart of downtown Wilmington – this upscale hotel is the ideal base if you want to discover everything Wilmington has to offer, from beautiful beaches to historic monuments. There are three room types – king, double queen, and king with an additional sofa bed – and each includes a mini-fridge, smart TV and free wifi. The hotel also features a fitness center and a stylish bistro which serves breakfast, dinner, and cocktails in the evenings.

Guests are welcomed to this hotel with a warm chocolate chip cookie – setting the tone for what promises to be an inviting stay. The hotel is next to Concord Mall on Concord Pike, offering easy access to the many city attractions – not to mention the free shuttle service to shopping outlets and restaurants within 3mi (5km). You might not want to leave, however. Palettes Restaurant serves a delicious daily breakfast buffet, while Palettes Lounge offers drinks and meals, including fresh salads and signature seafood dishes. There’s also a convenience store for snacks and ready meals.

There’s more to Delaware than Dover and Wilmington. Take Middletown, a picturesque town just 4mi (6.5km) from Odessa that’s known for golfing, hiking and its extensive history – and the Hampton Inn is the ideal base from which to explore the area. Discover delicious local delights at the Dutch Country Farmers Market, or head to Lums Pond State Park for a day of hiking. Back at the hotel, enjoy a few laps of the indoor pool and then retreat to your comfortable room. Each room features a work desk with an ergonomic chair, a king-sized bed and a plush armchair to relax in while you watch a film on the television.