A Historic Hotel Where Famous Faces Meet in Delaware

The Hotel du Pont in Wilmington, Delaware, has long been a magnet for high-profile visitors, from presidents to sports stars. Built in 1913, this elegant hotel holds Delaware’s only four-star diamond rating from AAA, making it a rare luxury spot in the state. Its reputation attracts everyone from soccer teams preparing for big matches to golfers competing in PGA tournaments. But the hotel’s guestbook reads like a who’s who of history, entertainment, and politics. Sports teams have relied on the Hotel du Pont during chaotic moments. In 2008, the Tampa Bay Rays found themselves stranded in the city after their World Series game against the Phillies was rained out. Struggling to find a last-minute hotel room in Philadelphia, the team turned to Wilmington’s finest—only to face skepticism when they called. The staff, expecting a joke, quickly changed their tune when they realized the Rays were serious. Though they lost the game, their stay became part of the hotel’s lore.Beyond sports, the hotel has hosted leaders and legends. U. S. presidents like John F. Kennedy, Richard Nixon, and Joe Biden have walked its halls, with Biden even launching his first Senate campaign there in 1972. Entertainers like Billie Clinton, Demi Moore, and Bruce Willis have dined in its dining rooms, while chefs once flew in Swedish and Japanese culinary teams to impress a visiting Swedish royal family. Julia Child even filmed a segment in its Green Room, leaving behind a legacy of starstruck kitchen envy. Even Tiger Woods made headlines here in 2022, using the hotel as a base for a high-profile meeting during a major golf tournament. But the hotel’s charm isn’t just about fame—it’s about creating a home away from home. The Ivory Coast soccer team chose it as their base during the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, blending international prestige with local hospitality. Whether for war-time strategy sessions or World Series chaos, the Hotel du Pont has quietly proven that luxury and legacy go hand in hand.