Most accommodations in Rehoboth and Dewey are moderately priced. In July and August, however, you may encounter difficulty finding any room (single or double occupancy) near the beach for under $200 a night. Even though Rehoboth and Dewey are seasonal destinations, don't expect dramatic off-season discounts like those you'll find in Ocean City. The outlets are a huge attraction for holiday shoppers, so the shoulder season extends through December (but ask your hotel about weekday packages). There are sometimes significant discounts in January, February, and March. In any case, reservations are always necessary in summer and strongly recommended through the holiday shopping season.
House rentals are popular, so they can be tough to get. But for families, they can be a good idea: lots of space, kitchens, and maybe two bathrooms for about $1,000 per week and up -- way up. Larger houses go for up to $5,000 a week, but a condo is considerably more reasonable. Crowley Associates (tel. 800/242-4213 or 302/227-6131) is a popular rental agent in the Rehoboth/Dewey area. Reservations should be made as early as possible -- there's so much return business here, families often put in their request when they return the keys at the end of their vacation. If you'd like to rent a house or condo, be sure to call soon after Labor Day. Then again, something, probably older or farther from the beach, could be available in spring. As with other beach resorts, most condos come well equipped, except for linens, towels, and paper products; plan to bring those.
You could "rough it" and rent a cottage at the Indian River Inlet Marina, at the Delaware State Seashore Park. There are only 12 available -- and with the amenities they offer, they're popular. Each has two bedrooms and a loft (sleeping a total of six people comfortably), full kitchen, fireplace, satellite TV, washer/dryer, and screened porch. Who called this camping? In summer, they can be rented only by the week, at rates of about $1,750. Off-season rates run about $175 a night, but 2- and 3-night minimums are required on weekends and holidays. Reserve online at www.delaware.reserveworld.com or call tel. 877/98-PARKS.
