Hotel Rodney

142 2nd St., Lewes, Del.
302-645-6466
http://www.hotelrodneydelaware.com

Ice cream, that’s what brought us to lewes,” laughs Rachel O’Hare, co-owner of Hotel Rodney with her husband, Jim, and business partner Christine Becker. The story is simple, as Rachel tells it: While vacationing at their summer house in Rehoboth Beach, the Annapolis-based O’Hares would drive their three children to visit King’s Homemade Ice Cream Shop in Lewes and daydream about owning the handsome 1926 building, then the Zwaanendael Inn, across the street. When they got the call from Becker telling them it was for sale, they jumped on it, not knowing exactly what they would do with it.

After deciding to maintain the property as a hotel, the O’Hares dedicated themselves to preserving its stately lines while adding a slew of sophisticated touches. Renaming the hotel, once known as the Caesar Rodney Hotel after the Delaware statesman and signer of the Declaration of Independence, seemed “a nice homage to an historical town,” says Rachel. (“Plus, it’s hard to Google ‘Zwaanendael,’” jokes Jim.)

Entering the hotel’s sleek lobby, it’s hard to believe that in former lives the building functioned as both a bus depot and a flophouse, often with black leather-clad bikers and their motorcycles as “guests.” Today, the only leather visible is the white leather settees that flank a contemporary ribbon-flame fireplace and a few comfy brown leather club chairs arranged around a zebra skin rug. Above the settees, a brushed-chrome chandelier gives off soft light. The O’Hares want the lobby to be a gathering space for guests, and, although contemporary design can leave some folks cold, this space does just the opposite; it feels welcoming. If Caesar Rodney were still alive, he might hunker down in front of one of the flat- screen televisions for a CNN news update.

Innkeeper
The O’Hares strike the same chord as their hotel—hip, fashionable, and very warm. High school sweethearts who grew up in Washington, D.C., they have a long list of accomplishments for (and look far younger than) their forty-two years. She’s a former journalist, now stay-at-home mom to three children; he’s a lawyer, who’s also involved in real estate development projects such as the newly opened Lemongrass and Tsunami restaurants in Baltimore. The hotel is their first project together.

The Rooms
The O’Hares wanted the Hotel Rodney to embody all of the sophistication of an urban hotel, and they used their experiences in upscale hotels in New York and elsewhere as inspiration for the clean lines and geometric patterns found throughout the rooms. “In its day, it was modern,” Rachel says of the hotel. It’s modern now, too.

My east-facing suite is a careful, elegant study in coffee-themed neutrals. Square rugs with chessboard-like blocks that alternate in chocolate and deep espresso complement honey-blonde wood floors.

The recessed lighting (instead of lamps), the handmade bed throws, the complete lack of typical hotel detritus, all makes me feel like I’m staying in someone’s very well-appointed spare bedroom rather than in a hotel. To me, this is a good thing.

As I poke my head into the area to the left of the black marble vanity, my momentary disappointment in the lack of a bathtub is assuaged with the discovery of a luxury, two-person rain shower.

Special Touches
The rooms boast mod conveniences like rain shower showerheads (yes, you do feel like you’re showering in a gentle downpour) and ipod chargers, but it’s the small, flower-filled rooftop garden, non-accessible at this time, but viewable from the hotel staircase, that charms. The lobby is also wired for wi-fi.

What’s For Breakfast
Although coffee and tea are available in a small public space in the hotel’s basement (the rest of the space is occupied by offices), the hotel encourages patrons to have their breakfast at Besemé, the small restaurant just off of the hotel lobby.

Billing itself as “an eclectic bistro,” the restaurant is heavy on omelettes and crépes, though it’s possible to get raisin brioche, French toast or an amalgam of sides, including locally made scrapple. Note: Breakfast is not included in the price of the room.

Diversions
Sand and surf is a draw in Lewes, of course, and beachcombers can stroll the town beach or explore the hiking paths of nearby Cape Henlopen State Park. Prime Hook Wildlife Refuge beckons several miles away, and die-hard shoppers can get their fix browsing the small shops of Second Street or sniffing out bargains at the many outlet centers along Route 1. Gourmet pizza and a glass of wine at Half Full are a must.

Romance Factor
Like getting away for a chic weekend in the big city, without the noise or the traffic.

What It’s Going to Cost
In season: $140-$225 weeknights; $190-$325 weekends.