Source: HOTEL DU PONT

Reported By: Matthew Kennedy

Since opening its doors in 1913, HOTEL DU PONT has stood as a symbol of craftsmanship and cultural sophistication in Wilmington, Delaware. This fall, the storied property enters a new era with the debut of reimagined guestrooms and revitalized meeting spaces, ushering in a transformation that honors its grand past while anticipating the expectations of modern travelers.

The phased renovation, designed to minimize disruption for guests, was guided by a singular vision: to preserve the hotel’s Old World grandeur while introducing refined details, updated technology, and elevated comfort.

At the heart of the redesign is the introduction of The Signature Suites, a new room category conceived by Wimberly Interiors and inspired by the understated elegance of European salons. The design balances heritage and innovation through thoughtful architectural detailing—classic moldings, custom built-ins, and richly layered materials like marble and onyx—all rendered in a warm neutral palette enhanced by burnished gold accents.

Each suite feels like a private retreat, with curated artwork in gilded frames and tactile finishes that evoke the intimacy of a well-appointed residence. Plush furnishings, intuitive touch-controlled lighting, and tailored technology complete the experience, illustrating the hotel’s ability to bridge historic sensibility with contemporary sophistication.

Beyond the new Signature category, select Legacy rooms have also been refreshed. These spaces maintain their original architectural character but feature updated furnishings, wall treatments, and textiles, infusing renewed comfort and timeless charm into the hotel’s classic framework.

Across all accommodations, HOTEL DU PONT has redefined its sleep experience with upgraded mattresses, oversized king pillows, premium linens, and monogrammed duvets. Newly modernized heating and cooling systems ensure enhanced climate control and year-round comfort, reinforcing the hotel’s commitment to both elegance and functionality.

This attention to detail extends beyond the guestrooms. The Mezzanine-level Conference Center now features new paint and carpeting, while the Christina and Brandywine Rooms have been revitalized with updated décor, soft finishes, and the meticulous restoration of the original 1913 mosaic tile floor entryway—a thoughtful tribute to the property’s architectural legacy.

Behind the scenes, infrastructure upgrades, including modernized elevator systems, further elevate the guest experience, blending seamless accessibility with the property’s historic integrity.

Complementing the physical transformation, HOTEL DU PONT continues to expand its portfolio of signature guest experiences, designed to reflect the property’s enduring sense of hospitality. Offerings include in-room tea service, romantic turndown packages, picnics for two, and the Canine Comforts program, ensuring every guest—two-legged or four—feels at home.

For dining, guests can indulge in Le Cavalier at the Green Room, a contemporary French brasserie that reinvents one of Wilmington’s most storied dining rooms. The property also houses Currie Day Spa for moments of relaxation and DE.CO, an innovative food hall featuring a curated collection of chef-driven culinary concepts.

Owned by The Buccini/Pollin Group and managed by PM Hotel Group, HOTEL DU PONT remains a proud member of Preferred Hotels & Resorts Worldwide and Historic Hotels of America. Its revitalization reinforces its enduring role as both a cultural landmark and a modern sanctuary.