Wilmington, Delaware, may not be the first choice for a weekend getaway, but one 24-room hotel is worth considering for a trip to the First State.
The Quoin, located in a historic 1880s brownstone that once stored gold and silver coins (a clever nod to its past), is situated on a prominent street in Wilmington. Designed by Method Studios, known for their work on hotels in nearby Philadelphia, the hotel offers unique spaces including a ground-floor coffee lounge, a rooftop bar with stunning city views, and Simmer Down, an intimate underground bar nestled in the original vault of the building. The cozy ambiance, with red brick ceilings and delicious martinis, gave me and my fellow traveler (a local Delaware resident) the feeling of exploring a whole city in just one day.
Matthew Williams/Courtesy of The Quoin
Having visited Wilmington before due to family connections, our experience at the Quoin was unlike any other. The hotel embodies a fresh vibe for the city, offering proximity to an independent bookstore, a 19th-century opera house built by Freemasons, and its own restaurant. We enjoyed indulging in post-dinner nightcaps and a delightful breakfast sandwich the next morning in a charming olive green velvet banquette corner.
Matthew Williams/Courtesy of The Quoin
Comparing the Quoin to boutique hotels in larger cities like New York or Washington, D.C., would not do justice to its unique character.
The hotel’s interior design draws inspiration from botanical art of the 1820s, with floral wallpaper and colonial-style wood furniture. The rooms feature dramatic arched windows overlooking a courtyard, offering views of the Delaware History Museum and Mitchell Center for African American Heritage, making it an ideal base for exploring Delaware’s rich heritage.
Our airy room, adorned with herringbone-patterned wood floors and a king-sized bed with a luxurious rust-colored velvet headboard, provided ample space for impromptu fashion shows and storage for our shopping finds. The attentive hotel staff ensured a seamless experience, going above and beyond to make our stay memorable, from offering insights on catching the Golden Hour on the rooftop to accommodating street closures during a parade.
As we savored cocktails by the fireplace at Simmer Down, my companion marveled at the evolving charm of Wilmington, noting the positive changes in the city.
Keep reading to discover more highlights of The Quoin, a hotel that truly shines in Wilmington.
The Quoin
The Unique Blend of Vintage and Modern
The hotel effortlessly blends vintage charm with contemporary aesthetics, featuring eclectic yet uncluttered decor. The spacious rooms, starting at nearly 300 square feet, boast crystal glassware and locally brewed beers, creating a distinctive ambiance. Located in the heart of Wilmington, The Quoin offers a less crowded but equally vibrant experience compared to nearby cities like Philadelphia.
Accommodations
Matthew Williams/Courtesy of The Quoin
Our stay in the Deluxe King room featured tall windows with wood shutters, ditsy floral wallpaper, and a luxurious bathroom with double console sinks and Aesop amenities. The suites offer more space, some with arched windows, ensuring ample natural light and separate living areas for a comfortable stay.
Matthew Williams/Courtesy of The Quoin
Food and Beverage Experience
Matthew Williams/Courtesy of The Quoin
The hotel’s restaurant, The Quoin, serves Mediterranean-inspired dishes for lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch, with an adjacent courtyard for al fresco dining. The rooftop bar offers a lively atmosphere, while the underground cocktail lounge, Simmer Down, serves expertly crafted drinks, including unique cocktails like the Gravy Train.
Most of the activities at The Quoin revolve around culinary delights, but exploring the neighborhood reveals its rich historical significance, with various historical societies nearby and the Winterthur Museum, Garden, and Library a short drive away.