Historic Hotels in Delaware

Delaware is a state with history that spans pre-Colonial times to the present day. The First State has hundreds of attractions, including museums, monuments and parks. Historic hotels, with a unique character, include The Inn at Montchanin Village and Hotel du Pont in Wilmington.

The Inn at Montchanin Village

The Inn at Montchanin Village is a restored 19th century hamlet, with 28 guest rooms in 11 restored buildings, arranged in a maze of ornate gardens. The buildings date from 1799 to 1910. This historic hamlet is one of the few remaining villages of its kind.

Montchanin Village was named for Alexandrine de Montchanin, the grandmother of the founder of DuPont Gunpowder Company. The village. listed on the National Historic Register, was once part of the Winterthur Estate. The homes in the settlement were the residences of laborers who worked at the DuPont powder mills.

Each of the 28 guest rooms are unique in character and features. Many have private landscaped courtyards and gas fireplaces. The Inn at Montchanin Village is a member of Historic Hotels of America.

The Inn at Montchanin Village, Route 100 & Kirk Road, Montchanin, DE 19710. 1-302-888-2133.

Hotel Du Pont in Wilmington

Hotel du Pont is a grand hotel dating back to 1913, an era of fine craftsmanship and gracious courtesy. The 20 story, Italian Renaissance hotel was built to match the international prestige of the Du Pont Company. The hotel was envisioned by Du Pont company president Pierre S. du Pont, and `designed to rival the finest hotels in Europe.

Construction of the grand hotel was an ambitious undertaking, that called for 150 guest rooms, a main dining room, men's cafe/bar, rathskeller, club room, ladies' sitting room and more. Opening night ceremonies, in 1913, brought 295 guests in horse-drawn carriages to be greeted in the red carpet at the hotel entry.

In 1918, the elegant Gold Ballroom, a masterpiece in gilded beauty, was added. The Gold Ballroom was appointed with 12 foot high walnut doors, ornate hand carved stonework from France and walls decorated in an scratching method employed during the Italian Renaissance.