What is your name and official title? How long have you been a concierge with the property? If elsewhere prior, where and for how long?

My name is Dennis Adiarte, and I’ve been the concierge at the Hotel Du Pont in Wilmington, Delaware, since 1997.

What do you love best about the city in which you work?

Wilmington’s central location in the Mid-Atlantic region makes it easily accessible to so many other places up and down the East Coast, including New York City (just over 2 hours), Philadelphia (45 minutes), Baltimore (90 minutes), Washington (2 hours), and our Delaware beaches (90 minutes). Each June, I look forward to the St. Anthony’s Italian festival, which features some of the most amazing Italian delicacies!

What are some hidden tips for visitors first coming to the city? What would you tell repeat visitors not to miss?

You don’t always think of the Great Outdoors when you think of city life, but Wilmington and the area around us offer opportunities and thrills, from biking our numerous trails to boating or kayaking our tributaries. Also, don’t miss the best seafood and fresh produce that comes from our immediate surroundings, including Chesapeake Bay blue crabs, Silver Queen corn and Kennett Square mushrooms.

Are there any activities, attractions, tours, sights or other experiences (i.e. a specific restaurant or shop) that you would call to the attention of visitors?

Wilmington’s thriving dining scene is getting some serious national attention … and giving our neighbors in Philadelphia a run for their money! I have to brag about one of the top-rated restaurants in the city, Le Cavalier at the Green Room. Those in the know call it “Le Cav” and it’s a modern French brasserie that’s located right here in the historic Hotel Du Pont.  

While you’re in town, be sure to explore the magnificent mansions and glorious gardens of Delaware’s beautiful chateau country. This is where the famous du Pont family made its mark, building American castles with extravagant gardens. Don’t miss Winterthur, Nemours Estate, Hagley Museum and Library, and Longwood Gardens.

Tell me one unique thing about the hotel/resort you work in that guests overlook or underutilize? What is something you would point out to guests that they should notice/experience while staying with you?

The Hotel Du Pont is home to Delaware’s longest continuously running (pre-Covid) theater! The newly renovated Playhouse on Rodney Square is a great place to catch a Broadway production right here in Delaware.