Detroit's Renaissance: Historic Hotels, Vibrant Food Scene, and Cultural Revival Await
Detroit may not immediately evoke images of boutique hotels, gourmet dining, and dynamic culture—but recent transformations are changing that narrative. The New York Times dubbed it America's most exciting city, while Lonely Planet ranked it the second-best destination for 2018, just behind Seville, Spain. Whether you're returning or visiting for the first time, here's why Detroit captivates today, with five compelling reasons to explore.
Historic Buildings Reimagined as Boutique Hotels
Downtown Detroit's iconic structures are being reborn as stylish boutique hotels, blending rich history with modern luxury.
The Detroit Foundation Hotel occupies the former fire department headquarters—a Neoclassical gem featuring fire-engine red doors, charred wood accents in its restaurant, and a Commissioner's Suite in the original chief's office.
Nearby, the Renaissance Revival Wurlitzer Building shines as The Siren Hotel, with restored terra cotta details, a rooftop bar offering panoramic views and craft cocktails. Around the corner, the Gothic Revival Metropolitan Building is becoming the Element Hotel, set to open with its own stunning rooftop bar. The Shinola Hotel, from the watchmakers behind Shinola Detroit, transforms two historic buildings nearby.
Pioneers include the Neo-Renaissance Book Cadillac, once the world's tallest hotel in 1924, now a Westin, and the David Whitney Building as Aloft Detroit since 2014.
For architecture enthusiasts, history buffs, or luxury seekers, selecting Detroit accommodations is a delightful challenge—with no wrong choices.
Suburban Stays and Attractions Shine
Prefer a serene escape? Detroit's suburbs deliver: Birmingham's AAA Four-Diamond Townsend Hotel earns accolades from Travel + Leisure, Condé Nast Traveler, and Wine Spectator for its Rugby Grille wine list. Rochester's Royal Park Hotel, another AAA Four-Diamond property, charms with its English manor-style library.
Suburbs host major draws like Dearborn's Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation (featuring Rosa Parks' bus) and family favorites: Sea Life Michigan Aquarium in Auburn Hills and Detroit Zoo in Royal Oak, home to king penguins.
Belle Isle State Park, designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, offers lush landscapes on a 2.5-mile island between Detroit and Canada.
Award-Winning Culinary Scene Heats Up
Anthony Bourdain's affinity for Detroit underscores its food prowess, with a forthcoming documentary highlighting it. In 2018, James Beard semifinalists included Thomas Lents (Apparatus Room at Detroit Foundation Hotel), Kate Williams (Lady of the House in Corktown), Lena Sareini (Selden Standard pastries), and Lisa Ludwinski (Sister Pie).
Iconic spots like rival coney islands—Lafayette and American—demand loyalty. Middle Eastern delights abound: Phoenicia in Birmingham (Detroit Free Press favorite) and Shatila Bakery's baklava in Dearborn (Bon Appétit praise). Thirsty? Food & Wine named Detroit America's Next Great Beer City, spotlighting Founders, Jolly Pumpkin, Batch Brewing, and Motor City Brewing Works.
Innovative Ways to Explore the Motor City
Drive a classic GM or Ford, or try modern options: The QLine light rail ($1.50) runs Woodward Avenue from downtown to New Center, passing Midtown's Third Man Records, HopCat (famous crack fries), and Whitney mansion.
Downtown's People Mover (75¢) loops to Comerica Park (Tigers games), Greektown Casino, and Caucus Club. MoGo bike share offers $8 daily passes across 43 stations, with the 26-mile Joe Louis Greenway underway.
Art, Music, and Culture Thrive
The QLine stops at the Detroit Institute of Arts—don't miss Diego Rivera's Ford murals. Street art dazzles: Joe Louis fist, Whale Tower, Shepard Fairey works, and Grand River Corridor murals.
Motown Museum is essential; the city rocks with garage (White Stripes origins), electronic (Movement festival), and jazz (world's largest free Detroit Jazz Festival).
Plan Your Detroit Adventure
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