Winter Getaway: Boardwalk Plaza Hotel in Rehoboth Beach

The Boardwalk Plaza Hotel in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, has old world Victorian charm with all the conveniences and luxuries of a modern resort. As its name implies, the hotel is located directly on the boardwalk and many of the rooms have ocean views with private balconies. It is a fabulous retreat for lovers of any age.

Imagine spending Christmas, New Year's or Valentine's Day at this AAA Four Diamond Award-Winning hotel, or coming for a winter week-end getaway or mid-week vacation. Couples without children can stay on the adults only concierge level which offers accommodations enhanced with pampering extras like evening turn-down service, comfortable bathrobes, the daily newspaper and a later checkout time.

But even before you reach your room, the stress of modern day living melts away as the doorman ushers you into the main lobby. It may be cold outside but the parlor like sitting area to the left of the front desk has a fireplace that helps warm you up and the friendly staff make you feel right at home.

A delightful Victorian custom and pastime was having tea in the late afternoon. This pastime is re-enacted every Monday through Saturday between 3 and 5 p.m. in the Boardwalk Plaza Hotel dining room known as Victoria's Restaurant. Reservations are required and guests can choose from a variety of fine teas, nibble on sweets and tea sandwiches and enjoy quiet conversations by the sea.

In addition to serving afternoon tea, Victoria's Restaurant offers fine dining for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The dining room has a three-tiered design with floor to ceiling windows along the full length of the room so that guests sitting in any level can look out on a stunning view of the Atlantic Ocean. Victoria's is open 7 days a week from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Guests looking for lighter fare and cocktails can visit the Plaza Pub which is adjacent to Victoria's and has a cozy walnut bar, leather chairs and more views of the ocean.

Jeff Irwin plays live piano music in the tradition of "the great American songbook" on a baby grand piano in Victoria's restaurant and he is sometimes joined by Dr. Robert Thomas or Bryan Irwin who provide a bass accompaniment. Jeff's piano playing has been a year round weekly event since 1992.

Guests can exit and enter the hotel from the boardwalk. The boardwalk entrance has a Victorian gift shop and large decorated foyer which is pictured below.

Accommodations range from standard non-ocean view rooms brimming with Victorian charm for the more budget minded to ocean front suites with sitting rooms that overlook private balconies and stunning views of the sea. Some suites have whirlpool bathtubs.

The hotel offers special packages for weekends, weekdays and holidays. Rates vary based on accommodation and dates selected and advance reservations are required. For more information about specific rates and deals go to the hotel website at:

Rehoboth Beach, Delaware is within a 2 to 3 hour drive from Washington, DC, Philadelphia, PA and New York City which makes it easy for millions of people who live in these cities to get away for a few days of mid-winter pampering, romance and love without the additional cost, time and hassle of flying to a romantic location.

Even if you can't afford the most luxurious oceanfront suite, your love will appreciate staying in one of the more economical yet still beautiful, standard rooms especially if you enhance your stay by bringing scented candles, a personalized play-list of his/her favorite romantic music, massage oil and bath oils.

A short get away to the Boardwalk Plaza Hotel may be just the thing to ignite and/or revive a burning passion in the middle of a long cold winter.

It traveling this year is out of the question, surprise your love with a romantic evening at home by converting your own bedroom into a luxurious retreat with the scent of the ocean, the sound of the sea in a medley of instrumental music, a turned down bed made up with your finest linens and a chocolate rose splayed across the pillow. You get the idea. Let your imagination and love for each other take the two of you to a place that's private, special and meaningful.