The Quoin opens the doors on Delaware’s first luxury boutique hotel • Hotel Designs

Located in the heart of Wilmington, Delaware’s historic district, the reimagined The Quoin is housed in the former Security Trust & Safe Deposit Company Building, a four-story Victorian Romanesque brownstone dating back to 1885 that was designed by the renowned Philadelphia architect, Frank Furness (of Frank Furness & Evans Architects). The Quoin features 24 luxury guestrooms, a lobby café and bar with fireplace, a ground floor restaurant with courtyard dining, a lower-level cocktail lounge, the city’s first rooftop bar and event space, plus a gym, retail space, and bike share program featuring Solé bicycles, adding a new and lasting hospitality landmark to the fabric of downtown Wilmington.

The property derives its name from the old French word, Quoin (pronounced ‘coin’) meaning corner or angle, honouring the legacy of the original banking house which housed silver and gold coins throughout the 1900’s.

“When people ask, ‘Where is the best boutique hotel in Philadelphia?’, we’d like the answer to be Wilmington,” said Randall Cook, Co-Founder and CEO. “We hope this project becomes known throughout the region as a place to have on travellers’ short list for staycations, excursions as well as to meet what we perceive as unmet demand for a boutique project in the emerging scene in Wilmington. The hotel architecture and design, personalized service and several unique culinary experiences within the same project all add up to a compelling offering.”

The Quoin’s contemporary interior design was carefully considered by Method Studios, Method Co.’s in-house design firm, in partnership with Philadelphia-based Stokes Architecture + Design. Inspired by the aesthetic of the Brandywine Valley, Method Studios reimagined the building’s existing natural materials by layering in modern handmade décor, floral motifs in the fabrics and wallpapers, the clean lines of modern Shaker-influenced furniture, and an overall subdued, earthy colour palette influenced by original Victorian-era paints dating back to 1820.

“Our design inspiration came from a variety of sources, from psychedelic rock to 70’s furniture to shaker craftsmanship,” said Daniel Olsovsky, Creative Director at Method Co. “But, I would say our biggest inspiration would probably be the earthy colours and forms found in the nature of this region – which can be found throughout the floral motifs in our fabrics and wallpapers and the soft, organic lines of our furnishings.”

With an eye for detail across all touchpoints and a high level of quality in craft, the property shelters 24 luxury guestrooms and suites that pay homage to the building’s original architecture with restored details such as arched windows and mouldings, blended with a nature-inspired identity plus curated vintage furniture, and psychedelic hand-drawn floral illustrations. Each room has a unique layout, but all are furnished with luxurious bedding, walls draped in wallpaper by Farrow & Ball or Little Green, and dining and desk chairs designed by Gubi. Décor includes a mix of artwork featuring photography by David Burnett, pieces from House of Spoils along with curated Vintage works sourced from the Brandywine Valley, while vintage rugs from Old New House that tie each room together.

“So many great things have been happening in Wilmington in the past several years, Method Co. felt that it was the right time for an elevated hospitality project to open and contribute to this city’s progressive development,” said Olsovsky. “The Quoin’s location is unbeatable – only a few blocks from the Amtrak station and close to the world-class Longwood Gardens and the picturesque Brandywine Valley. We are strong believers that Wilmington is one of the greatest cities in the United States and look forward to bringing Method Co.’s unique hospitality philosophy to the city and region.”

The Quoin will also feature three distinct food & beverage concepts: The Quoin Restaurant & Bar, Rooftop at The Quoin, and Simmer Down, operated by Method Co., who are also behind the nationally acclaimed Philadelphia restaurants Wm. Mulherin’s Sons and HIROKI.

The Quoin Restaurant & Bar is a handsome, full-service neighbourhood restaurant and bar featuring an open kitchen framed by a spacious dining room outfitted with elegant custom mohair banquettes and spindle arm chairs. The restaurant is illuminated by two antique leaded glass skylights and shaded sconces dotted along its wallpapered walls. In the dining room, curving oxblood leather upholstered banquette is contrasted by white oak table tops and antiqued brass bases. Outside, the restaurant’s courtyard is lined with gas fixtures of old brass and connected directly to the Historical Society of Wilmington. The lobby café, an extension of the restaurant, features historically restored windows and hand-blown leaded glass partitions that flood the area with light, highlighting the antiqued La Bastille zinc bar and mirrored seating area which is draped in upholstery from Soane Britain.

The Rooftop at The Quoin is Wilmington’s first rooftop bar with an event space and one-of-a-kind views of the hotel’s adjoining courtyard, the steeple of the Old Town Hall and beautiful sunsets showing a new side of the city. During the day, The Rooftop operates as a lounge and workspace amenity to hotel guests. During evenings, The Rooftop will open up to the public for light fireside fare and exquisitely crafted cocktails. Inside, design details include custom corduroy banquettes, tufted leather sofas and Lawson Fenning barstools. Outside features B&B Italia sofas, Marset lighting and cane furniture.

Located in what was once known as ‘The Money Room’, The Simmer Down cocktail bar and lounge offers classic cocktails with a luxurious edge. Method is bringing opulence back to the space where furs, silks, excess money, gold bars and coins were once stored; the craft cocktail lounge features the original brick ceiling and a custom, room-spanning mural illustrated and hand painted by the Reverend Michael Alan.

Method Co. has crafted an end-to-end hospitality experience within The Quoin that leverages its storied urban location and lends itself to a country environment with a nature-inspired brand identity. The result is a luscious and intriguing hotel property contributing to a new, elevated level of distinction and boutique luxury to Wilmington’s hotel and restaurant scene, serving as an idyllic base for travellers and locals alike from which to explore the city’s nearby restaurants and bars, entertainment venues, and various outdoor attractions.

Main image credit: the Quoin/ Matthew Williams