Overview
Detroit blends automotive heritage, world-class culture, and a fast-evolving food scene. Visitors can explore the renowned The Henry Ford and Detroit Institute of Arts, tour automotive landmarks, enjoy award-winning restaurants, and experience vibrant neighborhoods, waterfront parks, sports, music, and architecture that showcase the city’s remarkable revival and enduring industrial legacy.
1. Shinola Hotel
Conde Nast Traveler writes, “The first hotel from Detroit-based Shinola gives a great initial impression with a fiber installation that looks like wallpaper in the lobby. Woven panels by local artist Margo Wolowiec feature pictorial snippets, dyed into the weft, from Detroit’s storied past and present: the Kern’s clock, graffiti, Martin Luther King’s raised hand during his freedom march in 1963. Rooms have palatial space with mid-century modern furniture, loft-style windows, and quietly impressive details—custom-made wallpaper lined wardrobes, Frette linens on the bed, faucet handles that match Shinola watch backs—that let the architecture shine. Runwell desk clocks, striped alpaca throws, and turntables are all made by Shinola (of course) and can be bought from the shop downstairs. When the shades go down and the blackout drapes close, all city noise is completely shut out.”
Runwell Penthouse
A wall of French doors opens onto a shared terrace overlooking Woodward Avenue. Enjoy views through Detroit’s city center to the riverfront, and up Woodward’s historic corridor toward Midtown. Step into an open concept dining and living space with a spacious foyer and half bath stationed near the entry in this 980-sq.ft. suite. A large oak desk makes for the ideal workspace, and a Shinola turntable and Bluetooth speakers set the mood.
More suites at Shinola Hotel.
2. Detroit Foundation Hotel
Top-ranked by U.S. News & World Report, it writes, “The Detroit Foundation Hotel’s unique design blends the Motor City’s industrial past with its promising future. The historic Detroit Fire Department headquarters houses this hotel, which puts a modern twist on many of the building’s original features. Guest rooms come stocked with flat-screen TVs and free Wi-Fi access and showcase goods from the city’s leather shops, blacksmith shops and more. Despite the elegant digs, guests say they can hear occasional hotel and street noise from inside their accommodations. The hotel provides an ideal choice for visitors in town on business. The property offers a variety of meeting and event spaces, complete with complimentary Wi-Fi access and audiovisual services to accommodate visitors’ professional needs. The hotel also puts travelers within walking distance of the famous Guardian Building, Comerica Park and Fox Theatre.”
Top-ranked by U.S. News & World Report, it writes, “The Detroit Foundation Hotel’s unique design blends the Motor City’s industrial past with its promising future. The historic Detroit Fire Department headquarters houses this hotel, which puts a modern twist on many of the building’s original features. Guest rooms come stocked with flat-screen TVs and free Wi-Fi access and showcase goods from the city’s leather shops, blacksmith shops and more. Despite the elegant digs, guests say they can hear occasional hotel and street noise from inside their accommodations. The hotel provides an ideal choice for visitors in town on business. The property offers a variety of meeting and event spaces, complete with complimentary Wi-Fi access and audiovisual services to accommodate visitors’ professional needs. The hotel also puts travelers within walking distance of the famous Guardian Building, Comerica Park and Fox Theatre.”
Commisioner’s Suite
In what once was the palatial office of Detroit’s Fire Commissioner, this 967-sq.ft. suite features include a card table, pool table (pictured at the top of the story), and spacious seating area. Have a drink at your own wet bar before heading out to enjoy the nightlife in downtown Detroit. Featuring a sleeper sofa, a Flat-screen TV, locally-curated private bar, individual climate control, full-length mirror, Detroit-inspired literature, and custom local artwork.
More suites at Detroit Foundation Hotel.
3. Hotel David Whitney
Michelin Guide says, “Overlooking Grand Circus Park, David Whitney occupies one of Detroit’s most storied skyscrapers, originally opened in 1915 and restored in full a century later. The soaring atrium, framed by original terra cotta and a massive skylight, leads to rooms with tall windows, high ceilings, and a restrained, classic finish. Once home to doctors’ offices and luxury shops, the building has been carefully reimagined for today, keeping its architectural backbone intact. Located where downtown meets Midtown, the hotel is within walking distance of Detroit’s major theaters, stadiums, galleries, and nightlife.”
Signature Suite
The 1,273-sq.ft. suite features separate living and dining areas, and a full king bedroom.
More suites at Hotel David Whitney.
4. MGM Grand Detroit
U.S. News writes, “Bringing a little bit of Las Vegas to downtown Detroit, this MGM outpost doubles as a luxury hotel and a mammoth casino. Take your pick between almost 160 table games or nearly 3,500 slots and a multi-table poker room. Or skip the slots and indulge in the hotel’s other amenities, like the plethora of restaurants, entertainment options and a resort-style spa with an indoor infinity pool.”
Executive Corner Suites
The 1,000-sq.ft. Grand View Executive Corner Suites are located on a higher floor and includes panoramic views of Detroit’s spirited skyline. The guest room also includes a living room and dining area equipped with 55″ HD TV and wet-bar, half bath, separate bedroom area with 55″ HD TV, upgraded full bath with deep-soaking whirl pool tub, dual rain-head with triple body wash shower.
More suites at MGM Grand Detroit.
5. The Siren
The Telegraph says, “A hip boutique hotel now occupies the once abandoned Wurlitzer building. Though the no-frills rooms could stand some perks, this property drips with charm and reflects Detroit’s rich history. Albena, an intimate eight-seat chef’s counter, and Candy Bar, a pink-ceilinged speakeasy, are destinations in their own right. The Siren, a creature in Greek mythology, intends to call people back to Detroit as the city experiences a rebirth. In the glam lobby, imagine that you’ve stepped back in time to a 1940s or 1950s film set. Funky antique furniture, fringed table lamps, and sheer balloon shades decorate two seating areas flanking the hotel entrance. Thankfully, the original travertine floors, terra cotta signs, and plaster ceilings have all been restored.”
The Penthouse
The 450-sq.ft. Penthouse is a duplex with a living area on the main floor and bedroom via a spiral staircase.
More suites at The Siren.
6. The Townsend Hotel
Michelin Guide writes, “Much of the buzz about Detroit is focused on its inner-city renewal, but that’s far from the only story in town. There’s plenty worth knowing about in the outlying suburbs as well — and this includes the lovely town of Birmingham, Michigan, home of the Townsend Hotel. The building dates back only to the 1980s, but in hotels, as in so many other areas of life, it’s what’s inside that counts. In the case of the Townsend what’s inside is an absolutely classic luxury hotel, one that you’d swear had existed in its present form for half a century or more. This means swanky guest rooms with marble bathrooms and all the high-end fixings, public spaces that are straight out of a prewar English country house, and an award-winning fine-dining restaurant, the Rugby Grille.”
Birmingham Penthouse
The 2,200-sq.ft. penthouse offers a full kitchen, fireplace and two connecting bedrooms one offering two king sized beds and one more king. The round dining room table seating up to six with views in every direction through your panoramic window
More suites at The Townsend Hotel.
7. The Westin Book Cadillac Detroit
U.S. News says, “After a $200 million renovation in 2008, The Westin Book Cadillac Detroit (now included on the National Register of Historic Places) is back to its distinguished glory. Built in 1924 in the Italian Renaissance style, this hotel was – at the time – the world’s tallest hotel. Now, it’s fitted with Westin’s signature Heavenly beds and baths, as well as ample meeting space and several dining options, including celebrity chef Michael Symon’s ROAST restaurant. Recent guests praised the spacious rooms and said you can see the renovations represented throughout the entire property. Guests also appreciate the Westin’s downtown Detroit location on Washington Boulevard.”
Grand Suite
The 1,250-sq.ft. Grand Suite can add a connecting bedroom, and includes a living/dining area for entertaining.
More suites at The Westin Book Cadillac Detroit.
8. ROOST Detroit
Michelin Guide writes, “Plenty of hotels like to say they encourage you to live like a local, but ROOST really does. This boutique property’s studios and one- or two-bedroom apartments are designed for residential-style living, no matter how long you’re staying. Full kitchens, artwork and live plants, even a washer/dryer unit will make you feel right at home—minus the chores. Bring your dog, borrow a bike, it’s all very friendly here. And, while the kitchens come fully stocked, ROOST’s location inside the Book Tower means direct access to a slew of top restaurants.”
Two-Bedroom Apartment
9. The Henry
U.S. News says, “The Henry, Autograph Collection is located in Dearborn, Michigan, just about 12 miles west of central Detroit. Guests frequently praise the hotel’s prime setting, characterizing it as both safe and convenient to downtown. Along with the hotel’s location, guests applaud the clean, comfortable rooms, which boast comfy linens, marble bathrooms and free Wi-Fi access. If you’re not in the mood to venture beyond the hotel for meals, there’s TRIA, the on-site restaurant that serves seasonal and organic American fare. Recent guests said the restaurant’s dishes are delicious and well-priced. When it’s time to burn off the calories, there’s a fitness center and an indoor pool.”
Surrealist Suite
The 1,500-sq.ft. suite features a living/sitting area, dining area and separate king bedroom.
More suites at The Henry.
10. Dearborn Inn
U.S. News reports, “Originally built in 1931, this Dearborn, Michigan, hotel once occupied the grounds of Ford Motor Company. After undergoing a multimillion-dollar renovation, Dearborn Inn, Autograph Collection has managed to maintain its historic past while providing the creature comforts of the Marriott brand. You’ll find Dearborn Inn about 13 miles west of downtown Detroit, but it’s just a quick walk from the Ford Museum (though you’ll have to cross a busy street). Guests call it a gorgeous hotel for either a low-key vacation or an event: Its well-maintained grounds are lined with a picturesque jogging trail, and a seasonal outdoor pool. Dearborn Inn’s four floors contain 153 rooms, each boasting a marble bathroom, a flat-screen TV and high ceilings.”
Presidential Suite
The one-bedroom Presidential Suite spans 898-sq.ft. and including a dining table seating eight.
More suites at The Dearborn Inn.
