Fenwick Shores: Hilton's Hidden Gem? (Unbelievable Photos Inside!)
Fenwick Shores: A Hilton's Hidden Gem? (Unbelievable Photos Inside!) - A Brutally Honest Review, Because Let's Be Real
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because I'm about to spill the beans on Fenwick Shores. I've been staring at those "unbelievable photos" and, frankly, I'm skeptical of anything that claims to be "unbelievable." But, armed with a notepad, a healthy dose of cynicism, and a thirst for a decent cocktail, I checked into this Hilton property. Here's the raw, the real, and the hopefully helpful breakdown.
First Impressions (and a Quick Word About Accessibility - Because It Matters)
Finding Fenwick Shores is easy - the location is great, right on the Delaware coastline. Getting there? Smooth sailing thanks to their airport transfer service, which I wholeheartedly recommend. Now, let's talk accessibility because, let’s be real, it's not just a buzzword. It's a necessity. They claim to be accessible, with facilities for disabled guests, and elevators making things simpler. I didn't personally need them, but I did see ramps and what looked like proper accessibility to the pool and restaurant - a huge plus. Though, I'll say, sometimes the ramps felt a tad steep. More testing there would be appreciated.
The Room: Cozy, Clean, and That WiFi…Bless It.
Okay, I'm a sucker for a good room. And this one, overall, delivered. I had a non-smoking room, thank the heavens, and appreciated the blackout curtains (essential for a good lie-in). The air conditioning blasted glorious, icy air, which was a godsend. They packed in the usual comforts: a desk, a coffee/tea maker (thank GOD for complimentary tea), hair dryer, in-room safe box, and a mini bar (which, naturally, I raided). The Wi-Fi? Praise be! Free Wi-Fi in the rooms meant I could actually get some work done. And look, they even had Internet access – wireless and Internet access – LAN for those old-school wired-in types. Seriously, the internet situation was on point. And I’m not saying it just because of the work I needed to get done- it was a lifesaver for streaming.
Room Service & Food Glorious Food (and a Rant About Buffets)
Room service? 24-hour, yes! I indulged. The burgers were delicious, and the speed of delivery was amazing. Speaking of food, let's dive in. There are restaurants, a bar, and a coffee shop on-site. They also boasted a poolside bar – perfect for watching the sun go down. But, and this is a BIG BUT… I am not a buffet person. Fenwick Shores has a breakfast [buffet]. It's fine, but I’d prefer a la carte. The Asian breakfast, International cuisine, Western breakfast, and Vegetarian restaurant options were a nice touch. Food was average, but certainly not worth the risk of a buffet disaster.
Relax & Recharge: Beyond the Beach
I was really excited about the pool with a view, and it didn’t disappoint. Seriously, stunning. They have a swimming pool [outdoor], which is where I spent most of my time. It's gorgeous, the perfect temperature. It’s the life. And if I’m still not sold on the food, I’ll take it. The fitness center… well, it’s a gym. But, it's a decent gym, and they have a sauna and a spa. They had a massage, which I highly recommend.
Safety, Cleanliness & the Current State of Things (and the Sanitizing)
Okay, let's talk about the elephant in the room: COVID. Fenwick Shores did a pretty good job of reassuring me. They had Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, and Rooms sanitized between stays. There were Hand sanitizers everywhere. Cashless payment service was available, and the staff were masked up and clearly trained in safety protocol. I appreciate the effort. I did still see areas where folks weren’t quite following the rules, but that's not the hotel's fault.
Things to Do & See (and the Annoying Things Too!)
Fenwick Shores is all about location, location, location. Obviously, the beach is right there. The convenience store was nice for quick snacks. The gift/souvenir shop was… well, it was there. I wouldn't go so far as to call it a "treasure trove," but it had some good stuff. The concierge service was spot on, helping me with reservations and recommendations. However, one minor detail: the smoke alarms seemed a little sensitive. Maybe it was just me, or a particularly strong perfume, but they went off a couple of times. Minor, but worth noting.
The Extras: The Good, the Bad, and the Questionable
- Check-in/out: Express Check-in/out was a breeze.
- Family/child friendly: They have Babysitting service and Kids facilities, which is great for families.
- Business facilities: They have all the usual things, including meetings and meeting/banquet facilities.
- Services and conveniences: the daily housekeeping was excellent. the dry cleaning and laundry service were a lifesaver.
- Getting around: The car park [free of charge] was a blessing.
The Quirks, the Imperfections, and the Overall Verdict
Look, Fenwick Shores isn't perfect. No hotel is. It’s a solid choice, especially if you are looking for a quality ocean front location. There are the obligatory minor hiccups, the slightly-less-than-amazing buffet, and the overly-sensitive smoke alarms. But the location, the Wi-Fi, the pool view, and the general pleasantness of the staff more than made up for it.
My Final Recommendation (and a Killer Offer for You!)
Is Fenwick Shores a "Hidden Gem"? Maybe. But I'm definitely not cynical about it. It's definitely a good hotel. If you're looking for a relaxing beach getaway with solid amenities, awesome views, and a location that can’t be beat, then absolutely book it. You'll enjoy it, and they were even nice enough to give me a code to share with you.
Here's the deal: Book through [website/booking link with your code - insert a real booking link here] using code [Your Exclusive Code] and get [Specific offer, e.g., 15% off your stay, a free upgrade to a room with a balcony, a complimentary cocktail at the bar].
Go. Enjoy. And let me know what you think. I’m always up for a good travel story (and a decent cocktail).
Indonesian Paradise: Your Private Pool Villa Awaits! (Breakfast Included)
Alright, alright, settle in, buttercups! You're about to get a peek into my attempted vacation at Fenwick Shores, Tapestry Collection by Hilton. Let's see if I actually managed to relax, or if I just turned into a stressed-out, sunscreen-smeared gremlin. Buckle up, it's gonna be a wild ride (and probably involve me forgetting to pack something important).
Day 1: Arrival and Initial Optimism (Slightly Delusional)
- 1:00 PM: Arrived! Fenwick Shores gleams in the sun like a… well, like a fancy hotel. The lobby smells like lemon and money (which is an odd combo, but I’m here for it). Check-in was smooth. Maybe, just maybe, this won't be a total catastrophe. My room is… okay. Ocean view, as promised (thank god), but the pillows look suspiciously like they’ve been through a pillow fight with a small army of orphans.
- 2:00 PM: Wandered the beach. First impression: sand. Sand everywhere. I immediately got a grain in my eye. This is going swimmingly. Decided to reward myself with a VERY overpriced cocktail at the hotel bar. It was called "Sunset Serenade". It tasted mostly of regret (and a hint of pineapple).
- 3:00 PM: Okay, I need food. Found a little cafe and ordered a seafood basket. The fries were amazing! The shrimp was… well, it was there. Ate it anyway because I’d walked an entire mile on the beach and was practically skeletal.
- 4:00 PM: Contemplating the ocean, the vastness, the meaning of life, and whether I remembered to pack my good sandals. Spoiler: I didn't. This is the beginning of the end, I can feel it.
- 6:00 PM: Sunset! Actually beautiful. I even managed a decent photo (after about 50 tries). Took a deep breath, felt the salty air, and thought, "This… this might be okay." Famous last words.
- 7:00 PM: Dinner at the hotel restaurant, "Oceana." My server, bless his heart, had the energy of a golden retriever puppy. The scallops were… perfectly cooked! Even this cynical old grump was impressed. Maybe a little too impressed. I'm starting to suspect this whole vacation is a conspiracy to make me feel good… before they inevitably snatch it all away.
Day 2: The Double-Down on the Beach & The Existential Crisis
- 8:00 AM: Woke up. Immediately remembered I didn't pack my good sandals. Panic. Okay, deep breaths. The world will keep spinning. Swallowed my pride and my disappointment, and headed down to the beach without them.
- 9:00 AM: I was convinced I could recreate last night's sunset on my own. Set up my beach chair (with the grace of a newborn giraffe). The sun was already blazing hard, but I was sure this would be the best day EVER.
- 9:30 AM: Sunscreen, check. Book, check. Water bottle (essential!), check. "Perfect vacation" vibe, check.
- 10:00 AM: Reading. Or, attempting to read. A toddler with a plastic shovel decided that my area of sand was the perfect spot to build a dam. I love children. I really do.
- 11:00 AM: Abandoned reading attempt. Embraced my inner child and built a sandcastle. It looked like a lopsided pile of brown mush, but I didn’t care. My joy!
- 12:00 PM: Sand, sand, everywhere! Had lunch at the beach bar. The sandwich was… unmemorable. The ocean view, though, was phenomenal. I'm getting a serious obsession with the ocean right now. It's all-encompassing, it's everything and nothing all at once. I was so close to a complete existential meltdown, but managed to hold on.
- 1:00 PM: Doubled down on my commitment to the beach. Walked. Found a piece of sea glass. Felt like a treasure hunter. This is the content of my life now: Walking and treasure hunting while everyone else is in a meeting.
- 2:00 PM: More walking. Found more sea glass AND an even more lopsided sandcastle.
- 3:00 PM: Walked on the beach, AGAIN.
- 4:00 PM: Walked…
- 5:00 PM: Back at the beach bar. Ordered a drink that was supposedly a miracle cure for sunburn (the one I was definitely getting despite all my applications of sunscreen). The name escaped me but it tasted of disappointment.
- 6:00 PM: Sunset. Another gorgeous sunset! Even the most grizzled cynic would be moved by it. I took another hundred photos. Who am I kidding? I love this.
- 7:00 PM: Back to Oceana for dinner. Got a seat right by the window. The scallops were even better than last night. Actually, I think I’m in love with the scallops. They’re perfect, and I’m going to go eat them all.
Day 3: The Great Escape (and a Little Panic)
- 9:00 AM: Breakfast at the cafe. Ordered a waffle. The texture was weird, I skipped the syrup.
- 9:30 AM: Panic. I’d lost my room key! Searched my purse, the beach bag, the laundry bag of dirty clothes…nothing. This meant I had to talk to a person.
- 9:45 AM: Found my key! Found it in my shoe. This is called “being disorganized.”
- 10:00 AM: Decided to take a break from the beach. Maybe a bit much beach-obsessed.
- 11:00 AM: Decided to rent a bike and explore. Found a charming little bike path.
- 12:00 PM: Stumbled upon a quaint little ice cream shop. Vanilla bean ice cream. Best ice cream ever!
- 1:00 PM: Stumbled upon a cute little coffee shop. This town has a lot of "cute" and "little". Ordered coffee.
- 2:00 PM: More beach. Okay, I confess. I can’t stay away.
- 3:00 PM: Found the beach. Had to avoid the sandcastle toddler.
- 4:00 PM: Back to the bar. (I’m developing a drinking problem).
- 5:00 PM: I really should go home.
- 6:00 PM: Sunset, almost missed it due to my inability to stop myself from walking on the beach.
- 7:00 PM: Okay, one last dinner at Oceana. One last order of scallops.
Day 4: The Departure (and a Sudden Realisation)
- 9:00 AM: Packing. Did I mention I'm terrible at packing? Somehow, I now have more clothes than when I got here. Where did these extra things come from?
- 10:00 AM: One last beach walk. I'm going to miss this, the salty air, the sand between my toes, the questionable food.
- 11:00 AM: Check-out. Gave my room key back and was on my way.
- 12:00 PM: Sitting in the car, about to leave. Realization: I still don't have my good sandals. That's the problem with life!
- 1:00 PM: Driving, smiling.
- 2:00 PM: More driving.
- 3:00 PM. I loved my vacation. I needed this vacation. My scallops were the best thing, ever.
- 4:00 PM: Thinking how much I'll miss the ocean.
- 5:00 PM: Actually, I'll come back.
- 6:00 PM: Done.
So, there you have it. Fenwick Shores, a little bit of beach, a whole lot of sand, and enough scallops to make me believe in miracles. Would I go back? Absolutely. Would I remember my sandals next time? Probably not. But hey, that's the beauty of a vacation, right? It doesn't have to be perfect to be perfectly wonderful. Just… remember the sunscreen. And maybe pack some good sandals. Seriously, learn from my mistakes! Haha!
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Fenwick Shores: Hilton's Hidden Gem? Let's Get Real...
Okay, so is Fenwick Shores *really* hidden? Like, *actually*?
Haha, "hidden gem." It's marketing, folks. Let's be honest. It's on Coastal Highway in Fenwick Island. Not exactly a secret squirrel society's clubhouse. But! I’ll give 'em this: compared to the mega-hotels further up the beach, it *feels* more tucked away. The location itself allows for some serious peace and quiet. You’re close enough to the action, but you're not crammed in with a million screaming kids at the pool. Unless, you know, you *are* a screaming kid yourself, in which case, by all means, go for it. Personally, I prefer a little less... *chaos.*
The photos... are they *real*? Because they look AMAZING. Like, magazine-cover AMAZING.
Ugh, the photos. Look, I'm a cynic. I *always* assume heavily-Photoshopped perfection. And yes, some of the shots are probably touched up. But... the views from the rooms? Yeah, they're pretty spectacular. I remember dragging my tired, post-travel self into my room (jet lag is a beast, people!), and I just stared out the window. The ocean. The sunrise. The sheer, unadulterated *blue-ness* of it all. Okay, *maybe* the photos aren't ENTIRELY a fabrication of some slick marketing team's dream. There is beauty to behold!
What's the deal with the rooms? Are they actually as "eco-friendly" as they claim? Because, let's face it, "eco-friendly" can be a load of hot air.
Alright, let's talk eco-friendliness. It's a HUGE selling point, and I went in skeptical. Do I think they're saving the planet single-handedly? No. Do I think they're doing *some* good? Probably. The fact that they use refillable toiletries is a win. (And, bonus, the shampoo smelled amazing!) Are the rooms sleek and modern? Absolutely. You get those crisp, clean lines and minimalist decor that are so Instagrammable. I am one of those and I couldn't help but snapping some pics. The beds were ridiculously comfortable. But, and this is a big but, I wish they were a little more transparent about *exactly* how "eco" they're being. I'm talking specific details! Give me the lowdown!
The Pool: Friend or Foe? (Because a bad hotel pool experience can ruin a vacation!)
The pool... the eternal question mark. I'm happy to report: it's a friend. It's a BEAUTIFUL pool. It's the picture-perfect, Instagrammable pool. It's got that infinity edge with perfect views of the ocean. And, here’s the thing: it wasn’t crammed with people. That's HUGE. I love a good pool day, but I *despise* competitive pool-lounger hogging. The pool gets a serious thumbs up. It's clean, well-maintained, and it felt like a proper oasis. The only down-side? (and this is the true tell-it-like-it-is side of me) the drinks at the pool bar are a little pricey. Bring your sense of humor and your pocketbook!
Food and Drink: How's the dining at Fenwick Shores? Is it worth eating there, or should I just go down the street?
Okay, food. This is where things get a LITTLE… complicated. There *is* a restaurant, and a bar. The food? Not bad. Not mind-blowing. The breakfast buffet was decent, the eggs were cooked perfectly, the fruit was fresh. But I wouldn't say it was a *destination* dining experience. The cocktails at the bar were pretty good, though! The view makes everything taste better, right? I'd say, eat there for convenience. If you're feeling adventurous and want some serious culinary fireworks, explore the local restaurants. I had some phenomenal seafood down the road.
Beach Access: Easy peasy, or a major hassle?
EASYYY PEASY! Access is RIGHT THERE. It's steps from the hotel, and super convenient. They even have beach chairs and umbrellas available. Now, I'm a beach person, and the proximity to the beach is a MAJOR selling point for Fenwick Shores. I spent hours just walking along the sand, collecting shells, and just breathing in the ocean air. It's an easy walk to all the shops and restaurants so you have a full experience. It’s beautiful and it’s *convenient*.
The "Hidden Gem" thing. Let's come back to it. After having been there, is it a *gem*?
Okay, "Hidden Gem"... I'm still not sold. It's a nice hotel, it truly is. I had a lovely time. But "hidden gem" implies some kind of miraculous discovery, a secret treasure. It's a perfectly good, well-run Hilton. It's a *solid* choice, especially if you're a fan of modern designs, those incredible views, or just want some serious chill time by the ocean. And, honestly, that's more than enough. So, no, not a "hidden gem" in the strictest sense of the word, but definitely a good option for a relaxing beach getaway. Would I go back? Yeah, probably. Might even try and snag the same room. And I'd definitely try those cocktails again.
Tell me about that view. MORE. I need *details*.
Okay, the view. Fine. I'll indulge you. The view… I had a corner room. A CORNER ROOM. Pure dumb luck, honestly. Best upgrade ever! And the window… it was *massive*. Imagine, if you will, waking up to the sun... a *blaze* of color... just exploding across the sky. The ocean down below wasn't just blue. It was every shade of blue imaginable: turquoise, sapphire, cobaltHotel Safari
