Boardwalk Plaza Hotel

by Sara Uzer

For more than three decades, Boardwalk Plaza Hotel and Victoria’s Restaurant has welcomed visitors and locals with oceanfront accommodations, dining, and a tradition of hospitality.

For owners Jeff and Jennifer Zerby, the story began long before the hotel opened its doors.

Jeff’s family owned a small motel on the Rehoboth Beach boardwalk beginning in the late 1950s. Over the years, that evolved into what is now Boardwalk Plaza Hotel, which opened in May 1991.

Now celebrating 35 years, the hotel is rooted in the same community where Jeff and Jennifer grew up.

“We don’t think there’s any better place to be than Rehoboth Beach, Delaware,” Jennifer said.

From the beginning, creating a welcoming experience has been at the heart of the business.

“We just want people to feel a really warm welcome and a sense of peace being here,” Jennifer said. “All of our staff is like family. We have really great long-term staff that really cares about what they do.”

That family atmosphere extends beyond the owners and guests. Many employees have spent decades working at Boardwalk Plaza.

“Some of them even had children who are now working for us,” Jeff said.

“Being 35 years in, we’re even seeing grandkids now, which is really fun,” Jennifer added.

For Jeff, the motivation behind the business remains simple.

Jennifer and Jeff Zerby, owners of Boardwalk Plaza Hotel.

“Making our guests happy,” he said.

That commitment to hospitality is part of what keeps guests returning year after year.

“We’re just really focused on continuing to do what we do best,” Jennifer said.

“Being consistent,” Jeff added.

“That’s the perfect word because people know that they can expect a good experience from us when they come here,” Jennifer said. “Once we get you, you stay!”

While Boardwalk Plaza has long been a destination for visitors, the hotel and restaurant also play an important role in the local community.

“We do a lot of fundraising,” Jennifer said. “I served on the board of the Chamber of Commerce for 20 years, looking for input on what’s affecting our businesses. We really try to keep abreast of what’s going on in the city.”

Jeff said the hotel also serves community needs.




“We provide banquet rooms for government events and things of that nature,” he said.

For guests who choose to stay at Boardwalk Plaza or dine at Victoria’s, their support goes beyond a meal or overnight visit.

“Largely, it’s just being able to provide the solid jobs that we do,” Jennifer said. “Right now, our staff is about 125.”

As longtime locals, Jeff and Jennifer have watched Rehoboth Beach evolve over the years.

“We are very proud to be locals,” Jennifer said. “The area has changed a lot from when we were little, with all of the outside businesses coming in.”

Today, one of those changes is the growth of Rehoboth Beach as a year-round destination. Once the seasonal parking meters are removed each fall, Boardwalk Plaza and Victoria’s continue welcoming guests, including many local residents.

“Our locals are coming back now,” Jennifer said. “We have lots of friendly local faces.”

After 35 years, the Zerbys say the goal remains the same: creating a place where people feel welcome, cared for, and excited to return.