Still looking for that perfect summer getaway? If you want ocean waves, clean beaches, clean air, great food and family friendly destinations; Southern Delaware should be on your radar.
For a short refresher course:
- Top 15 ways to play in Southern Delaware
- Food adventure in Southern Delaware – one of my favorite new sports
- Southern Delaware Lighthouse Trail
- East Coast Maritime Attractions
- Antiquing – year round opportunities
After doing those first couple articles, I got a number of requests for more information, especially regarding where to stay. With that in mind, here are three places I can recommend without hesitation – having stayed at all three:
- Hotel Blue – Lewes
- Hyatt Place – Dewey Beach
- Boardwalk Plaza Hotel – Rehoboth Beach
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Hotel Blue – Lewes, Delaware
With gently glowing lights from the most unsuspecting places, Hotel Blue welcomes you to a new standard in luxury in beach accommodations. Right across from the harbor and just minutes from the beach, Hotel Blue is located near to most of Lewes, Delaware’s most popular attractions.
The hotel suite (100) that I stayed in was very spacious with ample room to spread out all my gear. It was chilly while I was there in April and the fireplace was a very welcome amenity.
The bed was extremely comfy and the covers very luxurious. In the hall, around the corner from the bedroom area, was a coffee center with 4-cup coffee pot and delicious Wolfgang Puck coffee packets. Above the mini frig and next to the microwave was a soft cylinder light that changed color continuously. In the closet were two fluffy terrycloth robes.
The bathroom was larger than expected with separate large shower and good-sized soaking tub. The shower was equipped with a multi-spray head from Speakman. The crown jewel however were the two clear sink bowls that glowed blue.
Outside the patio doors were a pair of iron chairs next to my own private Koi pond with a small Buddha.
Up on the third floor is access to the rooftop pool and a small workout room.
Hotel Blue; 110 Anglers Rd, Lewes, DE 19958 (302) 645-4880 http://www.hotelblue.info/
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Hyatt Place – Dewey Beach
The Hyatt Place Dewy Beach has great rooms with lots of space to relax, or to get some work done – whichever you prefer. A large seating area and wide screen TV make for nice relaxation at the end of the day. The seating is separated from the bedroom area by a partial partition for visual privacy. Roll down window shades add blackout quality privacy at the outside windows. No more of those curtains that just don’t seem to stay closed.
I’ve been through Dewey Beach many times before but never stayed here. Turns out to be a great location – close to so many great restaurants and attractions.
Situated between the bay and the ocean, it’s just a couple minutes at most to walk to the water’s edge. Boat rides await from piers on the bay and miles of beautiful beach await at the ocean’s edge across the highway.
This Hyatt location has a great set of advantages based on their location. I love having free parking below the building in their parking garage. Keeps your car nice and cool in the summer months.
Internet connectivity is good and free (as it should be). No problems uploading my photos or downloading and printing a boarding pass. They also have three wide-screen Lenovo computers in their business center if you need to use them. A small printer is hooked up for guest usage as well.
Breakfast is included with the room and it is quite nice – a step up from the usual “same old-same old” breakfast you get from many other chain hotels. Each morning there are three different hot entrees to pick from, along with a great selection of cereals, breads, fruits, juices, etc. More food is available 24/7 from their Gallery Menu & Market.
The pool is something I wish I had had time to try – it’s a salt-water pool that sounded and looked quite refreshing.
I did use the workout room and the machines were all top notch LifeFitness machines with individual video monitors.
Hyatt Place Dewey Beach; 1301 Coastal Hwy, Dewey Beach, DE 19971 (302) 864-9100 http://deweybeach.place.hyatt.com
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Boardwalk Plaza Hotel – Rehoboth Beach
We stayed at the historic and beautiful 4-star Boardwalk Plaza Hotel in 2013. Open 365 days a year, this place is a classic. You’ll appreciate its Victorian charm the instant you enter the reception area. They offer a range of rooms to fit most budgets and the staff is super friendly and attentive. Prices in 2014 range from $74 to $679 depending on room and season.
Despite the historic nature and antique furnishings, you might be surprised to discover modern-day amenities such as whirlpool bathtubs, ultra-fast T1 Internet access and a heated indoor-outdoor spa.
If you have a chance, wander up to the rooftop for fabulous views of the boardwalk, beach and ocean. Oh yeah, if you fall in love with the open-air hot tub or Adirondack rockers and never want to leave, don’t say we never warned you.
Victoria’s is their in-house restaurant that offers a nice selection of meals right alongside the boardwalk. Afternoon high tea is available from 3 to 5 pm. Room service is also available.
The hotel is right around the corner from the town square where there is always something going on in the Bandstand. A local music group performed while we were there and drew a huge crowd of beach-goers. While on the boardwalk, be sure to buy a big bucket of Bricker’s fries – greasy but great
Boardwalk Plaza Hotel; 2 Olive Ave, Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971 (302) 227-7169 http://www.boardwalkplaza.com/
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