Any nifty hotels in the Wilmington area that we can use as a base on the July 1 weekend? We're driving to Philly on Friday for an art exhibit, and then will head to a Wilmington hotel Friday night. On Saturday, we're going up to the Brandywine area to The River Museum. On Sunday, we'll be going to the art museum in Wilmington, and then home to D.C. We're seeing Wyeth exhibits in each place -- love Wyeth! Listmates, any ideas?

While the surrounding neighborhood is unremarkable, the Sheraton Suites is quite nice. Gigantic rooms. Right on the road that leads you to Winterthur and the museum.

What about the Hotel Dupont?

http://www.dupont.com/hotel/index1.htm

Have you thought about visiting Longwood Gardens?

http://www.longwoodgardens.org/

It's one of my favorite places on the planet. Enjoy a great trip!

If you want to be in town, agree that the Hotel DuPont (old world elegance) and Sheraton (modern convenience) are your best bets. Advantage in Wilmington is that you're close to I-95 to get to Philly. If you want a more bucolic experience, look at the Inn at Montchanin. It's just down the road from Winterthur. It's pricey, but many of the rooms are nicley decorated former mill worker homes in what's known locally as "chateau country" - lots of former DuPont estates out here.

For dining near Brandywine River Museum- I take guests to Simon Pearce - it has a lovely restuarant over looking the river and you can check out the glass blowing downstairs as well. For a more casual meal go to Hank's Place for hearty Amish/diner type fare. For an afternoon treat - head to the center of Kennett Square and try the homemade mexican ice cream at La Michoacana.

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Is the Inn at Montchanin appropriate for a person traveling alone? Is it at a level comparable to Relais and Chateaux? Really nice, good service and all that?

It is a very nice place - a few miles outside of downtown Wilmington.
As for "appropriate" for someone traveling alone - I 'm not sure what you mean. It's in a "safe" area, but would say that the bar is not really known as a place for singles hanging out.

Just rated by Travel and Leisure survey as the "world best hotel for under $250 a night". http://www.delawareonline.com/apps/p...NESS/308160004


http://www.delawareonline.com/apps/p...NESS/308160004

We stayed in the Sheraton Suites many times, very nice rooms, great weekend rates. But not that crazy about the surrounding neighborhoods by the hotel so now we stay at the Hilton Homewood Suites on RT 202 in Wilmington DE which has suite type rooms, free breakfast and is in good location to see the local sights.