Where to stay in Rehoboth Beach, DE in the winter?

November 15, 2010 10:27 AM

The BF and I are planning a 1 or 2 night trip from Philly to Rehoboth Beach in December or January as a holiday getaway (and to visit the Dogfish Head Brewery). We're looking for somewhere to stay that would be both affordable and cozy for a winter weekend, and preferably something within walking distance of the boardwalk. We like inns and B&Bs over hotel/motel chains, and have searched google but would love some more personal recommendations. Anyone have advice for somewhere nice, with character, for under $150 per night? Also, any suggestions for other activities to do in the area? Will the boardwalk still be active that time of year?
posted by moshimosh to Travel & Transportation around Rehoboth Beach, DE (8 answers total)

The boardwalk is (relatively) quiet by October and should be very quiet in December/January, and some places shutter up for the winter. That having been said, there's some fantastic food (SaltAir is not as well known as many other places, but is truly fantastic and buys as many ingredients as possible from small, local farms) and pretty views. The parks nearby (Cape Henlopen, etc.) are nice as long as it's not too cold. The only place we've stayed in Rehoboth is the Atlantic Sands, which is fine but nothing really special. (We've only actually stayed AT Rehoboth beach when we've done Bike to the Bay (an MS-150 ride), so we needed someplace convenient (Atlantic Sands is on the boardwalk) that didn't have a 2 night minimum.
posted by JMOZ at 10:31 AM on November 15, 2010

The Henlopen Hotel is beach facing and on the boardwalk -- it's not bad but not overly fancy. On the plus side, the Henlopen has a parking garage though parking shouldn't be an issue off-season.

Also definitely check out Betty's which is up rt 1 next to the movie theater -- super awesome food and well worth the odd location.

Dogfish also distills their own spirits at the brew pub. Definitely worth it for blood orange vodka & jin (straight non-flavored jin). The pub is fun but the food can be hit or miss (sorry Sam) -- definitely check out beer flights and all the unusual stuff on tap. Also be sure to get your cases early as the window at DFH doesn't open until noon and sometimes (not often) they're out of the classics.

And Louis sub/grinder shop is fiercely excellent.

Very nice walk/bike ride out in Cape Henlopen. If you hit a nice day you can walk the groomed trail to the bird stand and then from the bird stand on a smaller trail around the pond to the ocean.
posted by countrymod at 10:43 AM on November 15, 2010

I have 2 restaurant recommendations after you tour the Dogfish Head brewery in Milton. Both are reviewed at rehobothfoodie.com and urbanspoon. They are Po'Boys (seafood) and Miltonian Pizzeria and Wing House. Anything at Po'Boys is good. I stick to the Italian food at Miltonian Pizzeria.
posted by MichelleinMD at 11:51 AM on November 15, 2010

The boardwalk will be basically dead that time of year, and many restaurants will be closed. I live just down the road, near Ocean City, MD, and I was shocked my first year here at the way the resort towns board everything up in the winter.

The places that are open may have good deals, though.

If you feel like taking a little detour, there's another craft brewery down in Delmar, DE:

http://www.evolutioncraftbrewing.com/home.htm

I like their stuff. YMMV.
posted by missrachael at 11:56 AM on November 15, 2010

We stayed here for a couple days, and it was really nice. It might be a shade above what you want to pay, but you might take a look anyway.
posted by Blazecock Pileon at 12:23 PM on November 15, 2010

Seconding a walk on the beach or on one of the trails at Henlopen if the weather allows - Lewes, DE which is nearby, has some beautiful old buildings and sites associated with the War of 1812 and is worth a visit.
posted by ryanshepard at 12:35 PM on November 15, 2010

Response by poster: Thanks for all the activity and restaurant suggestions. We're looking into them.

Blazecock- Saw At Melissa's on the Rehoboth tourism site. We're considering it, so thanks for the recommendation.

countrymod- Sadly Henlopen Hotel isn't open in December. It looks lovely.

missrachael- love the idea of checking out Evolution Craft Brewing. Thanks for sending that my way.

Eveyone else, keep the ideas flowing!
posted by moshimosh at 2:18 PM on November 15, 2010

Try AirBnB!
posted by nosila at 7:13 PM on November 15, 2010