Help with a [City of Detroit] Hotel Selection

**detroitpride313** · August-31-11, 12:52 PM

I need help finding a hotel for someone I know that is coming to Detroit for business reasons. This person is extremely negative about Detroit [[to the point where it raises my blood pressure just talking with him because he always has something bad to say about Detroit). I have made some progress with him, however, because I convinced him to stay in the City this time [[he usually stays in the suburbs when he comes here). Basically, I need help finding the nicest hotel in Detroit because I want to convince him that there are some nice things in Detroit and that there is more to Detroit than the garbage that you read in the newspapers. I was thinking about recommending the Book Cadillac or the Inn on Ferry street, but I wanted to get some other opinions first [[personal experiences are very helpful too!). Thank you!

**gthomas** · August-31-11, 12:54 PM

Book Cadillac and/or MGM Grand..?

**Downtown Lady** · August-31-11, 01:07 PM

I would suggest that he stay at the Marriott at the RenCen, and spend some time on the Riverwalk behind the RenCen. The Riverwalk, to me, is the most relaxing and beautiful place in the city. He could have a drink or a meal at Coach Insignia [[top floor of the RenCen) and enjoy the beautiful view.

There is a People Mover station in the RenCen, so he could have a quick ride to Greektown or Comerica Park if he wanted to.

http://www.marriott.com/hotels/trave...issance-center
http://www.mattprenticerg.com/coachinsignia.html

**MidTownMs** · August-31-11, 02:40 PM

I always recommend the Atheneum Hotel in Greektown when someone is looking for a downtown hotel.

http://www.atheneumsuites.com/

**detroithealth** · August-31-11, 03:10 PM

Westin Book Cadillac

**401don** · August-31-11, 03:23 PM

Corktown Inn. If he bitches about Detroit anyway, the hell with him!
On a more serious note, the Greektown Hotel definitely is the best value weekdays. For 99-129 you get excellent service, a great 10 dollar breakfast buffet and he can walk around, enjoy the casino, etc. in the evening as this guy sounds like someone who would be leary of going for a stroll at night.

**animatedmartian** · August-31-11, 06:08 PM

I imagine this guy is going to complain no matter what the way you're painting him. I'd definitely go with the Book, Ren Cen, or Greektown. I mean those have to be better than any suburban hotels at least...

**detroitpride313** · August-31-11, 07:07 PM

Thanks everyone for the input. As far as prices go I'm not really too concerned because the guy said that the price doesn't matter. He basically wants to stay in the most upscale hotel in Detroit. On that note, I was wondering how does the Atheneum compare to the Book Cadillac [[regarding luxury)? Also, I wanted opinions on upscale/trendy restaurants that he could go to. I am going to make sure that he goes the Whitney, but I wanted some opinions about other restaurants as well [[and they all need not be formal).

**Downriviera** · August-31-11, 07:18 PM

The towels were so thick there I could hardly close my suitcase.

Yogi Berra

**MidTownMs** · August-31-11, 07:46 PM

Originally Posted by Downriviera

The towels were so thick there I could hardly close my suitcase.

Yogi Berra

That's a good one...

**MidTownMs** · August-31-11, 07:52 PM

Originally Posted by detroitpride313

Thanks everyone for the input. As far as prices go I'm not really too concerned because the guy said that the price doesn't matter. He basically wants to stay in the most upscale hotel in Detroit. On that note, I was wondering how does the Atheneum compare to the Book Cadillac [[regarding luxury)? Also, I wanted opinions on upscale/trendy restaurants that he could go to. I am going to make sure that he goes the Whitney, but I wanted some opinions about other restaurants as well [[and they all need not be formal).

I think the Antheneum is in a better location than the Book Cadillac...There really isn't that much happening on Washington Blvd. except the Book. If your friend is paranoid about walking around it probably would be better if he stayed in Greektown.; The Greektown Casino Hotel is really nice with beautiful views plus you get a lot of additional perks. From Greektown he could still get on the People Mover and ride over to the Ren Cen and check out the Riverwalk and whatever else is going on at Hart Plaza.

**stromberg2** · September-01-11, 01:19 PM

The Atheneum looks real nice. I'm kinda surprised at how nice.

Stromberg2

bartock · September-01-11, 01:51 PM

Originally Posted by animatedmartian

I imagine this guy is going to complain no matter what the way you're painting him. I'd definitely go with the Book, Ren Cen, or Greektown. I mean those have to be better than any suburban hotels at least...

I'm not sure that folks who have been to the Townsend or the Royal Park Hotel would agree with you.

**MidTownMs** · September-01-11, 02:11 PM

Originally Posted by stromberg2

The Atheneum looks real nice. I'm kinda surprised at how nice.

Stromberg2

Why are you surprised?

**preserve** · September-01-11, 02:20 PM

I'm surprised that you are defending and selling Detroit and have no idea of the hotels or restaurants.

**drjeff** · September-01-11, 03:26 PM

Originally Posted by MidTownMs

I think the Antheneum is in a better location than the Book Cadillac...There really isn't that much happening on Washington Blvd. except the Book. If your friend is paranoid about walking around it probably would be better if he stayed in Greektown.; The Greektown Casino Hotel is really nice with beautiful views plus you get a lot of additional perks. From Greektown he could still get on the People Mover and ride over to the Ren Cen and check out the Riverwalk and whatever else is going on at Hart Plaza.

The BC is a 2 minute walk to Campus Martius, or a two minute walk to a people mover stop [[Michigan Ave). Or you could walk all the way to Greektown in maybe 10 minutes. Its location is pretty damn good. Plus Lafayette Coney Island is across the street and there are two excellent restaurants in the hotel.

**iheartthed** · September-01-11, 03:43 PM

Originally Posted by drjeff

The BC is a 2 minute walk to Campus Martius, or a two minute walk to a people mover stop [[Michigan Ave). Or you could walk all the way to Greektown in maybe 10 minutes. Its location is pretty damn good. Plus Lafayette Coney Island is across the street and there are two excellent restaurants in the hotel.

But it's still surrounded by abandoned buildings, which would probably reinforce the negative opinions that the o/p's friend has about Detroit. Greektown Hotel, to the contrary, isn't surrounded by abandoned buildings, and has a fairly active streetlife right outside of the hotel doors.

**MidTownMs** · September-01-11, 04:19 PM

Originally Posted by iheartthed

But it's still surrounded by abandoned buildings, which would probably reinforce the negative opinions that the o/p's friend has about Detroit. Greektown Hotel, to the contrary, isn't surrounded by abandoned buildings, and has a fairly active streetlife right outside of the hotel doors.

That is exactly why I recommended Greektown.

**detroitpride313** · September-01-11, 04:22 PM

Originally Posted by preserve

I'm surprised that you are defending and selling Detroit and have no idea of the hotels or restaurants.

preserve,

I have plenty of ideas, but I want to hear what others say because I want to make sure that I make the best decision possible. I have not been to all of the hotels in the city because I live in the city so there's no point for me to stay in a hotel. Thus, I am looking for someone who happens to have personal experience with some of the hotels I have not been to which would assist me in making a decision. Also, I have not been to every restaurant in the city and that is why I want to hear other opinions because I don't want to overlook anything.

I like to consider all my options before making a decision so that I can make the best one. Do you really think that I would try to defend something I have little knowledge of? That would be setting myself up for failure and would be stupid.

**stromberg2** · September-01-11, 05:01 PM

I'm surprised because I never realized just how fancy the Atheneum is. You never hear much about it. It's a real beauty!

Stromberg2

**Rocko** · September-01-11, 10:14 PM

Has anyone been to the new Robert's Riverwalk Hotel [[the former Omni) at the River Place? It's in a unique little corner of the East Riverfront that is very lively and doesn't have much in the way of "Scary" Detroit - plus it's right on the Riverwalk!

The Inn of Ferry Street is excellent too and I highly recommend that!

**corktownyuppie** · September-01-11, 11:42 PM

Book Cadillac is still the swankiest of the swank. With the 3 restaurants, spa, etc...gorgeous. Greektown Casino probably gives you the most walkable action...short walk to Comerica Park and you have all of Greektown there. But the MGM has the nicest of the hotel rooms, IMHO.

No matter how you sell it, Detroit is still a city in progress. Downtown is still in progress. It's walkable-ish, but not quite ready for prime time. The Westin is my favorite of them all because it's truly a first class experience. And the concierge and the bellhops will easily tell them where they want to go.

Either way, I'm sure it'll be a better experience than they're imagining Detroit to be in their minds.

**Hamtragedy** · September-02-11, 11:31 PM

Your friend sounds worthy of the University Motel on Second and Antoinette. Hourly rates are available. Ask Laz for the condoms that glow in the dark.

**Gsgeorge** · September-03-11, 12:19 AM

C'mon guys, the obvious choice is INN ON FERRY STREET... with access to all the Midtown & the Cultural Center have to offer, your visitor will not be put-off here. It's comfortable, uniquely Detroit, and well managed.