Hotel Du Pont: Staying A Century Ago

On June 10, 2026, Business Insider profiled Wilmington's Hotel Du Pont, which opened its doors in 1913. Located in downtown Wilmington, the hotel was built by Pierre S. du Pont, an executive at the Du Pont Company, to cater to and impress wealthy business leaders traveling through Delaware. The property, with its opulent Italian Renaissance Revival furnishings, remains a symbol of wealth and power, according to Business Insider's reporting.

Business Insider's Talia Lakritz described the Hotel Du Pont as a reflection of a "new Gilded Age," offering modern accommodations within a historic shell. Lakritz recounted her stay, highlighting the hotel's luxurious perks without delving into specifics.

Our take: The Hotel Du Pont stands as a time capsule, a rare breed of American grand hotel that retains its original architectural and interior design integrity. While many historic properties chase modernity, this hotel understands that its history and unique heritage are its greatest assets. We find the reference to a "new Gilded Age" apt, underscoring a societal return to overt displays of wealth that properties like the Hotel Du Pont are uniquely positioned to serve with authenticity.