Nestled in the heart of Wilmington, Delaware, stands the illustrious Hotel duPont, a timeless emblem of American hospitality and elegance. Originally conceived to rival the grandeur of Europe's finest establishments, this iconic hotel has etched its name into the annals of history since its grand opening in 1913.
Upon its inauguration, the Hotel duPont unveiled a majestic edifice comprising 150 meticulously designed guest rooms, each exuding opulence and comfort. Its grandeur extended beyond mere accommodation, boasting a plethora of amenities including a main dining room, rathskeller, men's café/bar, ballroom, club room, and ladies' sitting room, all meticulously crafted to indulge the most discerning guests.
The inaugural week witnessed a staggering influx of 25,000 visitors, drawn to the hotel's allure where no expense was spared. A testament to unparalleled craftsmanship, the ornate public spaces were meticulously adorned over two and a half years by nearly two dozen French and Italian artisans. Suites exuded warmth with cozy fireplaces, adorned with polished brass beds dressed in imported linen and sterling silver vanity sets gracing the dressing tables.
The pièce de résistance, the main Dining Room, now revered as the Green Room, enraptured guests with its soaring fumed oak paneling and exquisite décor in rich forest greens, browns, and ivories embellished with gold accents. Six handcrafted chandeliers cast a soft glow over the room, while a musicians' gallery serenaded patrons with melodies of opulence. The hotel's own Playhouse Theatre, later renamed the duPont Theatre, provided post-dinner entertainment, boasting a stage larger than most in New York City.
Early on, the Hotel duPont demonstrated its commitment to the arts by showcasing works from local artists, a tradition that continues to this day with a remarkable collection of Brandywine art, including masterpieces from three generations of the Wyeth family.
As the decades passed, the hotel evolved in step with the times. In 1918, an additional 118 guest rooms were added, and the elegant Rose Room transitioned into the new lobby, adorned with marble floors, travertine stone walls, and intricately sculpted ceilings.
The 1920s saw the hotel under the management of the Bowman-Biltmore Hotel Company, bearing the moniker duPont-Biltmore Hotel. Its guest list read like a who's who of the era, welcoming luminaries such as Charles Lindbergh, Amelia Earhart, and John F. Kennedy, among countless others.
However, the mid-20th century ushered in a period of misguided modernization, with the hotel's owners opting to replace its handcrafted furnishings with contemporary alternatives and its elegant iron and opal glass marquee with a more utilitarian design.
By the 1980s, the duPont's once-gilded reputation had dulled, and occupancy rates plummeted. In a bold move to reclaim its former glory, the owner, E. I. duPont de Nemours & Company, embarked on a $40 million renovation in 1991. The hotel emerged revitalized, with enlarged guest rooms, renovated dining spaces, and state-of-the-art conference facilities.
Today, the Hotel duPont stands as a beacon of luxury, once again adorned with AAA Four Diamond and Forbes Four Star accolades. Its halls echo with the footsteps of history, adorned with original paintings by world-renowned artists and cherished heirlooms, beckoning guests to immerse themselves in a timeless tapestry of hospitality and refinement. As a proud member of Historic Hotels of America and the National Trust for Historic Preservation, the Hotel duPont remains an enduring testament to the enduring allure of American hospitality.
