Best Hotel Bets

The Addy Sea Bed & Breakfast (Bethany Beach, Del.; tel. 800/418-6764): In a resort filled with condos and rental houses, this B&B offers cozy charm surrounded by beach and surf. It's quiet enough for romance but close enough to beach fun.

Hotel du Pont (Wilmington, Del.; tel. 800/441-9019): Not only is this a showcase of marble, carved paneling, and DuPont's latest fibers, but it also offers its lucky guests palatial surroundings, terrific amenities, and some of the best dining in town.

The Inn at Montchanin Village (Montchanin, Del.; tel. 800/269-2473): This cluster of buildings was once home for workers of the DuPont powder mills. Now they're charming guest rooms and suites, set in beautiful gardens, located just a few miles from the du Pont homes and gardens.