Bethany Beach Ocean Suites Residence Inn by Marriott

The handsome Residence Inn has an airy, two-story lobby and beach-y decor, with striking, aqua carpet and comfy furniture in similar hues. Tropical plants in large and colorful planters add to the laid-back beach vibe. A gas fireplace framed by decorative tile beckons on cold and rainy days, and 99 Sea Level’s neon-lit bar at the far end of lobby entices thirsty guests in any season. The restaurant’s covered outdoor seating provides the perfect place to enjoy the beach while avoiding the sun. Expect to see lots of vacationing families here and couples who spend days at the beach in warm weather, and groups on golf and other getaway weekend trips. 

Bethany Beach Boardwalk, lined with restaurants and shops, is the only thing that separates the two buildings that make up this Residence Inn from a beautiful and quiet beach. Lots of other dining and entertainment options are just across the street, making it possible to enjoy a seaside vacation at this hotel without using your car. For those who want to take a drive, Delaware Seashore State Park is 12 minutes away. It’s approximately a 70-minute drive to Dover, and two hours by car to Wilmington. 

These modern, cheerful, and stylish suites are still fresh from their 2015 debut. Aqua is the primary accent color, appearing on walls behind beds, rugs, and bed skirts. Bright orange sleeper sofas and striking, ocean-themed artwork introduce splashes of color. Light-wood laminate floors and dark-wood furniture with beige accents add touches of class, and spaces are bright, with large windows and white duvets. All units feature balconies, many with full or partial ocean views. Other balconies offer “city views” of the adjacent building and street.

Units are also spacious -- even the smallest (Studio) suites encompass 504 square feet -- enough room to include dining tables with two chairs and fully equipped kitchens, with full-size fridges, cooktops, dishwashers, microwaves, coffeemakers, and utensils. The suites also come with a free grocery shopping service, and standard amenities include flat-screen TVs, safes, and free Wi-Fi. Standard One-Bedroom Suites come in King or Double Queen options, and even larger suites are available.

Bathrooms also are bright and spacious, with roomy white vanities. Most have walk-in showers with distinctive white tiling, but some Double Queen Suites have shower/tub combos. Like the quaint beachside community that surrounds them, the suites are generally peaceful. 

This handsome property on the beach has all the amenities that define the popular Residence Inn brand, plus several more. The chain’s signature free hot breakfast includes egg dishes and breakfast meats. Free coffee and fruit-infused water also is offered all day in the lobby, and the pantry sells snacks, sundries, soft drinks, and frozen entrees. The 99 Sea Level Restaurant serves lunch and dinner with a focus on fresh seafood, and it has a large bar and covered outdoor seating as well. Room service is available. 

Wellness features include the full-service Oceanova Spa, which has a sauna, shower facilities, and private rooms for body wraps, couples massages, and other treatments. The fitness center has lots of space for its cardio machines and free weights. There's also heated pool enclosed in a lovely deck with a retractable roof for year-round swimming, but no whirlpool.

The hotel’s business center has two computers and a printer, and five meeting spaces are available, with the largest capable of hosting events for up to 324 people. Other amenities include free grocery shopping service, valet dry cleaning and laundry, a guest laundry room with two washer/dryers, and free covered parking, but it’s limited to one space per room. Wi-Fi throughout also is free, and pets are welcome with a surcharge and certain restrictions.