REHOBOTH BEACH, April 19, 2011 — Rehoboth Beach, the free-spirited community along the Atlantic coast in Delaware is one of the East Coast’s most popular warm weather destinations. 

A walkable downtown replete with boutiques, galleries, restaurants and bars is the essence of the city by the shore’s indie spirit.  Its boardwalk fringed with fun classics like candy stores, surf shops, arcade games and an amusement park is the emblem of feel-good tradition. 

While there are many hotels and inns in Rehoboth, The Boardwalk Plaza Hotel, with its priceless location on the beach and its charming Victorian-era atmosphere, is one of the town’s gems.  Here are ten reasons to book a room now:

Boardwalk Location: The Boardwalk Hotel, as its name suggests, is right on the boardwalk.  Tucked at the quiet end, it’s a peaceful perch in the heart of the action from which to watch the great parade of humanity stroll by.

Beachfront:  Grab your beach blanket and flip-flops and head out the front door to the sand.  This area is a busy stretch of beach with lots of activity and daytime lifeguards.  A beach-front room is well worth the extra charge as the world-class Atlantic Ocean view will draw you to your private balcony at sunrise, sunset and every time in between. 

Keep your eyes trained on the water and you may be rewarded with a dolphin sighting.
 

Décor: Among a slew of generic hotels, the Boardwalk is something very different.  Inspired by a bygone Victorian era, the pink façade is dandied up with frilly white gingerbread and wrought iron lamps while the interior is swathed in Victoriana, much of it antique like camel back sofas and a working 19th century viewfinder. 

Peanut:

Many first time visitors are lured to the hotel by tales of the fabled grey African parrot named Peanut.  Not only is he handsome, but this bird is also a charmer.  Peanut is frequently out of his cage, hopping about, chatting up guests. 

Food & Drink: The restaurant, Victoria, has an outdoor terrace that overlooks the boardwalk and makes for a breezy place for people watching well into the evening.  Indoors, a traditional dining room serves favorites like meaty crab cakes and aged beef. Reserve a spot on the romantic galley that overlooks the main dining room where you can order dessert or drinks at the antique marble tables

Warm Up:  This is the beach after all, so it occasionally gets cool.  Settle in front of the fireplace in the lobby or to tuck into the afternoon tea, a formal English affair served daily in the hotel restaurant.  Another refuge is the cozy bar, which features an old-fashion machine that makes fresh warm popcorn.

Pool: This swim-in/swim out pool is notable for its indoor rock-walled grotto.  During the day, it’s a haven for families looking to escape the sun. After 8 p.m. the grotto reverts to an oasis for adults who can often be found soaking with a cocktail in hand.

Off Street Parking:  Parking may not sound as exciting as other features, but those who know Rehoboth know just how important this is.  In summer time when streets are packed and parking meters are in full swing, snagging off-street parking is akin to manna.  The Boardwalk Hotel provides all day off-street parking for overnight guests right at the boardwalk.

Family Amenities:  Every room has its own DVD player, which means you can bring a stash of your favorites or rent from the hotel’s selection at the front desk.  Some rooms have microwaves and refrigerators.  Guests are given pails and shovels for the sand and kids can dig through large bin of loaner beach toys.  On weekday afternoons the hotel host one hour of children’s activities or crafts.

Friendly Staff:  This family-owned hotel has employees who love the beach and the unusual hotel as much as the guests.  Whether carrying your bags to your room, checking you in or cleaning your room, they are warm and welcoming, and quick with advice on the best stretches of beach, shopping bargains, and their favorite foodie destinations.

Read more of Andrea’s journeys in Travel the World, or her journey as an adoptive parent in The Red Thread, both in The Communities at the Washington Times. 

She is also owner of Media Branding International, a public relations/media consulting firm. 

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