Where to Stay in Detroit
A regional guide to accommodation across the country
Find Hotels Across Detroit
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Regions of Detroit
Each region offers a distinct character and accommodation scene. Find the one that matches your travel plans.
The heart of Detroit's accommodation scene, featuring the highest concentration of hotels from budget to luxury. This area puts visitors within walking distance of sports venues, theaters, riverfront parks, and the city's most iconic architecture. The district has seen significant hotel development in recent years with both new construction and historic building conversions.
Home to Wayne State University, the Detroit Institute of Arts, and numerous museums, Midtown offers a more residential feel with boutique hotels and limited chain options. The area appeals to cultural travelers and those seeking proximity to the city's arts scene and diverse dining options along Woodward Avenue.
Detroit's oldest neighborhood has emerged as a trendy area with historic charm and new development centered around the restored Michigan Central Station. Accommodation options are limited but growing, offering unique stays in a walkable, restaurant-rich environment that showcases Detroit's revitalization.
Known for its historic public market and mid-century modern residential architecture, this area offers limited but distinctive accommodation options. The neighborhood provides an authentic local experience with proximity to the city's famous market, breweries, and emerging food scene.
Combining casino hotels with waterfront proximity, this area offers entertainment-focused accommodations alongside access to the Detroit RiverWalk and views of Windsor, Canada. The district blends gaming, dining, and riverfront recreation with easy access to downtown attractions.
Historically significant as Detroit's second downtown, this area features grand architecture and proximity to cultural institutions. Accommodation options are limited but include some historic properties, serving visitors to the Fisher Building, Motown Museum, and medical centers.
Home to the Henry Ford Museum and significant Arab-American community, Dearborn offers suburban-style accommodations with excellent Middle Eastern dining. This area suits visitors focused on automotive history and those seeking value-oriented stays outside the urban core.
The Detroit Metropolitan Airport area offers the highest concentration of budget and mid-range chain hotels, ideal for travelers with early flights or those seeking maximum value. Properties typically include airport shuttles and are positioned along major highways for easy metro Detroit access.
Upscale suburban communities north of Detroit offer refined accommodations in walkable downtown areas with boutique shopping and dining. These areas appeal to visitors seeking a quieter, more affluent setting while remaining accessible to Detroit attractions.
Historic lakefront communities east of Detroit offer limited but distinctive accommodation options with a residential, affluent character. The area provides access to Lake St. Clair, historic estates, and a quieter alternative to urban stays.
Accommodation Landscape
What to expect from accommodation options across Detroit
Detroit features strong representation from major American hotel chains including Marriott (with multiple brands from Courtyard to Renaissance), Hilton, Hyatt, and IHG properties. The downtown area hosts flagship properties from these chains, while suburban corridors and the airport area feature Hampton Inn, Holiday Inn Express, Comfort Inn, and other mid-tier brands. Luxury chains like Westin and Aloft have established presence in revitalized downtown buildings, while budget chains like La Quinta and Red Roof Inn concentrate near highways and the airport.
Independent and locally-owned accommodations include the iconic Book Cadillac (now Westin-managed but historically significant), boutique hotels in converted historic buildings, and emerging properties in neighborhoods like Corktown. Bed and breakfasts exist primarily in suburban areas like Grosse Pointe and Plymouth. The city has seen growth in vacation rental options, particularly in Midtown and downtown lofts, offering alternatives to traditional hotels with more space and local character.
Detroit offers unique accommodation experiences in converted historic buildings, including former office towers transformed into hotels that showcase the city's architectural heritage. Loft-style accommodations in renovated industrial buildings provide authentic urban experiences. Some properties occupy Art Deco masterpieces from Detroit's golden age, offering stays steeped in 1920s glamour. Casino hotels provide all-inclusive entertainment experiences. For automotive enthusiasts, some suburban properties near the Henry Ford Museum cater specifically to car culture with themed packages and proximity to automotive attractions.
Booking Tips for Detroit
Country-specific advice for finding the best accommodation
Detroit hotel rates fluctuate dramatically around major events including Lions and Red Wings games, concerts at Little Caesars Arena, and the North American International Auto Show. Book well in advance for these dates or consider staying in suburbs like Royal Oak or Birmingham with easy access via Woodward Avenue. Weekday rates downtown are often significantly lower than weekends, reversing typical leisure travel patterns.
Downtown Detroit hotels typically charge $15-$35 per night for parking, while suburban properties usually offer free parking. Factor this into your accommodation budget, especially for longer stays. If you don't plan to use a car during your visit, downtown properties with valet parking may offer better value than you'd find in cities with more developed public transit, as Detroit's walkable core has expanded significantly.
Detroit's restored historic hotels often provide exceptional value compared to similar properties in other major cities. Buildings like the Book Cadillac and others offer luxury amenities and architectural grandeur at prices 30-40% below comparable historic hotels in Chicago or New York. These properties frequently run promotions during slower winter months, offering premium experiences at mid-range prices.
Greektown Casino Hotel and MGM Grand Detroit often offer competitive room rates bundled with dining or gaming credits that can provide excellent overall value. These properties maintain high standards while competing on price, making them worth considering even for non-gamblers seeking well-located, full-service accommodations with multiple on-site dining options.
For visits longer than a few days, Detroit offers numerous extended-stay properties with kitchenettes, particularly in suburban areas and near the airport. These can provide significant savings over traditional hotels, and many are positioned near grocery stores. Downtown loft rentals also offer good value for longer stays, particularly for groups or families wanting more space and a local living experience.
When to Book
Timing matters for both price and availability across Detroit
For summer visits (June-August) and major events like the Auto Show or music festivals, book 2-3 months in advance to secure preferred properties and reasonable rates. Sports event weekends, especially playoff games, require even earlier booking—often 3-4 months ahead—as downtown properties sell out quickly and prices surge.
Spring (April-May) and fall (September-October) offer more booking flexibility, with 3-6 weeks advance reservation typically sufficient for good selection and pricing. These periods provide pleasant weather and lower rates while avoiding peak summer crowds and winter weather concerns.
Winter months (November-March, excluding holidays and Auto Show) offer the most flexibility and lowest rates, often with last-minute deals available. However, book at least 2 weeks ahead to ensure availability at preferred properties, as some hotels reduce capacity during slower periods. Holiday weekends still require advance booking despite being in the low season.
For Detroit, booking 4-6 weeks in advance typically provides the best balance of selection and pricing for standard visits. The city's accommodation market is less volatile than major coastal cities, making last-minute bookings more feasible outside major event dates. Monitor hotel websites and booking platforms for frequent promotions, as Detroit properties actively compete for visitors with special offers and package deals throughout the year.
Good to Know
Local customs and practical information for Detroit