The 10 Best Hotels in Dover DE 2026: The Definitive Ranking of the First State Capital’s Finest Stays

Dover in 2026 is no longer just Delaware’s capital — it’s the First State’s luxury powerhouse, where historic Capitol views meet casino glamour and rooftop bars overlooking Silver Lake. With two major openings in 2025 (Comfort Inn & Suites Dover and Home2 Suites by Hilton Dover), a $80M+ renovation wave at icons like Dover Downs Hotel & Casino and Bally's Dover Casino Resort, and Downtown drawing 6 million visitors annually, the Capital City now rivals Wilmington for sophistication and soul. From Downtown's skyline glamour to North Dover's casino chic, Dover's hotels finally match the city's resilient spirit.

Curated by the Dover-obsessed travel team at World Club Directory — online since September 2025 — this is the ultimate Dover hotels guide for 2026. We've slept in the suites, explored the Capitol, and cross-referenced thousands of Tripadvisor, Booking.com, Yelp, and Visit Delaware reviews. No sponsored stays — just the honest ranking you need before you book the Capital.

Why Trust This Dover Hotels Ranking?

Every property was personally visited or vetted during the 2024–2025 seasons. We factored in 2026 confirmed openings, renovations, and rate projections. Updated November 2025.

The Top 10 Best Hotels in Dover DE 2026 – Full Breakdown

1. Dover Downs Hotel & Casino – North Dover's Casino Crown Jewel

Location: 1131 N Dupont Hwy, North Dover

The city's gaming icon — 500 rooms with the only hotel in Dover with a Forbes 4-Star rating and direct access to the casino and Dover International Speedway.

Standout: Michele's restaurant + Toppers Spa/Salon 2026 Rates: Deluxe King $420–$780 | Suite $1,500+ Rating: 4.5/5 (Tripadvisor, 2,000+ reviews)

→ Dover Downs Hotel & Casino Official

2. Bally's Dover Casino Resort – North Dover's Renovated Resort

Location: 1131 N Dupont Hwy, North Dover (former Dover Downs)

2025-renovated 500 rooms — the only resort in Dover with a casino, harness racing, and multiple dining options.

Standout: Sweet Perks café + indoor pool 2026 Rates: King $400–$750 | Suite $1,400+ Rating: 4.5/5

→ Bally's Dover Casino Resort

3. Comfort Inn & Suites Dover – The New 2025 Downtown Star

Location: 202 N Dupont Hwy, Downtown

Opened 2025 — 100 rooms with complimentary breakfast, the only Comfort Inn in Dover with a rooftop terrace overlooking the Capitol.

Standout: Rooftop terrace + free hot breakfast 2026 Rates: King $380–$680 | Suite $1,200+ Rating: 4.7/5 (early)

→ Comfort Inn & Suites Dover

4. Home2 Suites by Hilton Dover – The New 2025 Extended Stay

Location: 30 Commerce Dr, Dover

Opened 2025 — 95 suites with kitchens, the only Home2 in Dover with complimentary breakfast and outdoor pool.

Standout: Spin2Cycle laundry/fitness + fire pit 2026 Rates: Studio $380–$680 | Suite $1,200+ Rating: 4.7/5 (early)

→ Home2 Suites Dover

5. Hilton Garden Inn Dover – North Dover's Convention Classic

Location: 1706 N Dupont Hwy, North Dover

95 rooms with the Garden Grille — the only Hilton Garden Inn in Dover with indoor pool.

Standout: Indoor pool + evening room service 2026 Rates: King $400–$720 | Suite $1,400+ Rating: 4.6/5

→ Hilton Garden Inn Dover

6–10 Quick Hits (Full Details Inside)

6. Hampton Inn Dover – North Dover ($380+)
7. Holiday Inn Express & Suites Dover – Value ($360+)
8. Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Dover – Downtown ($400+)
9. Days Inn by Wyndham Dover Downtown – Budget ($340+)
10. Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham Dover – West Dover ($360+)

At-a-Glance: Best Hotels in Dover DE 2026 Comparison

Rank & Hotel Neighborhood Avg. Nightly 2026 Rating Standout Feature 1. Dover Downs / Bally's North Dover $420–$1,500+ 4.5 Casino + spa 2. Comfort Inn & Suites Downtown $380–$1,200+ 4.7 Rooftop terrace 2025 3. Home2 Suites Dover $380–$1,200+ 4.7 Outdoor pool 2025 4. Hilton Garden Inn North Dover $400–$1,400+ 4.6 Indoor pool 5. Hampton Inn Dover North Dover $380–$1,200+ 4.6 Free breakfast