Boardwalk Plaza Hotel Review: My Rehoboth Beach Stay

The Boardwalk Plaza Hotel in Rehoboth Beach had me at the birds. Real birds, in birdcages, right in the lobby.

But the birds were only the beginning. I stayed in an ocean-view suite on the adults-only concierge level, and I loved my room, including the view, the old-fashioned extras, and, of all things, the carpet.

So, what was it actually like to stay there, and would I choose it again for a future Rehoboth Beach trip? Here’s what I think.

My stay was complimentary as part of a hosted press trip. All opinions are my own.

My First Look Around the Lobby

The birds got my attention first, but then I started noticing everything else.

The hotel went full throttle with the Victorian theme. There was a lot going on, and I think that’s exactly why I loved it: patterned fabrics, ornate furniture, antiques, and Victorian artwork everywhere. It felt old-timey and definitely quirky. Every time I walked through the lobby, I noticed something new.

How My Ocean-View Suite Was Set Up

My suite was basically three spaces arranged in a row. The sleeping area was near the door, followed by the vanity and bathroom, then a sitting room and balcony with an ocean view.

The Sleeping Area

I had two queen beds, and the decor was so pretty and feminine with dreamy pastel colors and the best carpet. It was low-pile, but it had plenty of padding underneath. It felt soft under my feet and made the room feel warm and cozy. Believe it or not, that carpet was one of my favorite things about the room!

The fun Victorian furnishings, like an old-fashioned telephone on the nightstand, blended seamlessly with modern amenities like a charging station and a flat-screen television.

Being on the adults-only concierge level meant things stayed nice and quiet, and I slept like a rock on the comfy bed and pillows. I was also very happy to find central air conditioning. The room stayed cool without a window unit blasting cold air into my face every few minutes.

The Vanity and Bathroom

Between the bedroom and sitting room was a large vanity and sink, with the shower and toilet in a separate bathroom across from it.

Even with a makeup mirror, Keurig, and microwave on the counter, I still had plenty of room to spread out my stuff. The shower had strong water pressure, and the temperature stayed put, two hotel-bathroom wins I never take for granted.

The Sitting Room and Ocean View

I get downright giddy when a hotel room has oodles of natural light, so I loved the sitting room. It had a sofa, table, armchair, desk, and a second flat-screen TV, with plenty of space to work or simply sit and enjoy the view. Sliding doors opened onto a balcony with two chairs. It wasn’t oceanfront, but I still got a good slice of the beach and ocean.

The hotel offers both ocean-view and oceanfront rooms. Ocean-view rooms like mine look toward the water from the side of the hotel, while oceanfront rooms face the beach directly. Both give you an ocean view, just from different angles.

One of the oceanfront rooms was open for guests to view during my stay, so I got to look inside and compare the two. I loved my ocean-view suite, but after seeing that straight-on view, I’d probably splurge on oceanfront next time. The thought of sitting on the balcony with a glass of wine and watching the waves roll in sounds pretty good.

Concierge-Level Extras

I especially liked the evening turndown service. When I returned to my room, the beds had been turned down and chocolates were waiting for me. One night, I left the “Do Not Disturb” sign on the door, but my chocolates were hanging in a bag on the doorknob instead. I didn’t miss out!

Each morning, a newspaper was also waiting outside my door. I can’t remember the last time that happened at a hotel, and it fit right in with the Boardwalk Plaza’s old-world feel.

The concierge level also comes with access to a private rooftop with two hot tubs. I went up to check it out, and although the weather didn’t cooperate, I could easily picture myself enjoying it on a sunny day.

Breakfast at Victoria’s Restaurant

On my last morning, I had breakfast at Victoria’s Restaurant inside the Boardwalk Plaza Hotel. The dining room looked upscale and elegant, but I felt perfectly comfortable in jeans and a T-shirt.

Much to my delight, each table received a basket of lemon-blueberry pound cake. It was incredible and ended up being one of my favorite parts of breakfast. Honestly, I could have stopped there and been happy, but what fun would that be?

I ordered an açaí bowl with bananas, strawberries, blueberries, granola, chia seeds, and honey, and I absolutely loved it. It was super pretty too, with a flower on top. And, of course, I added bacon. The side came with about six strips, which was more than I needed, but I do love a challenge!

Would I Stay at the Boardwalk Plaza Hotel Again?

In. A. Heartbeat.

I won’t deny it’s a splurge, but staying right on the boardwalk with the ocean just steps away was worth it to me.

Once I parked, I didn’t need to move my car again. Rehoboth Avenue was a short walk away, so I could easily reach the shops, restaurants, beach, and all the boardwalk snacks my heart desired. My suite also gave me plenty of room to spread out, including a separate sitting area where I could work or relax.

Then there were all the fun little things that made me love the hotel even more: the birds, the Victorian decor, the turndown chocolates, and yes, that wonderfully padded carpet.

I had no notes. Well, except that checkout came much too soon. It broke my heart to leave.