As I walked into the Hotel Rehoboth, I was impressed to see a sweeping staircase, a baby grand piano and pretty, pale yellow furnishings. I also smiled when I saw a family trip-tropping down the staircase with a little boy whining that he didn’t want to leave. So while the place is elegant, the Hotel Rehoboth is very much a family stay.
Located in the heart of the happening, Rehoboth Avenue is just a two-block walk to the beach. I love that the hotel provides complimentary beach chairs, beach towels and an open-air shuttle if you don’t feel like carrying the gear and the kids down to the shore. A small outdoor pool is available when you’re tired of the sand, and is open during the warm months.
Guest rooms and suites with sitting areas are large, filled with natural light and decked in Pottery Barn-like decor. Many have patios and some have fireplaces. All come with a small–empty!–refrigerator, an iPod docking station and a DVD player attached to the flat-screen TV. The amenities also include a turndown service, an evening wine and cheese reception, a cookie reception later for the kids and free Wi-Fi. I wasn’t crazy about the $25 one-time fee for the Pack ‘N Play, but to the hotel’s credit, it does arrive dressed in blankets and sheets. Still, I contend that the crib should be compensated.
The complimentary continental breakfast is a lavish spread that will keep you full for hours with fresh fruit, ham, sausage, quiche, French toast and cereals. Because a microwave isn’t in the guest room, the Hotel Rehoboth keeps a microwave available in the breakfast room 24 hours a day for guest use. Best of all (in my book) is a coin-operated washer and dryer on the third floor.
I love that on your last day–even with an 11 a.m. checkout–you can leave your car in the Hotel Rehoboth lot until 3 p.m. And the hotel encourages you to stay and play. Beach chairs, beach towels, the pool, the beach – it’s all yours to enjoy. Plan to tidy up in their restroom before you head home, but note that a shower isn’t available.
The fine Italian dining spot located inside the Hotel Rehoboth isn’t owned by the hotel, and is quite upscale for most children. But just a stone’s throw away, on the same side of the street, is a Starbucks, Grubs, a tiny grocery store and Rehoboth’s Variety, a convenience store with meds, food and more. For a full meal, the Rehoboth Hotel staff raves about the close by Summerhouse, which is open for breakfast and lunch seven days a week, year-round.
