More Woes for Hotel Pontchartrain

**unclefrank** · June-25-09, 01:38 PM

I worked there twenty years ago and it was a dump then.

MIRepublic · June-25-09, 08:53 PM

Originally Posted by softailrider

Hotel business is TERRIBLE in and around Detroit. Even new and newer properties are suffering. Obviously, if the area was thriving, hotels would be renting out more rooms on a nightly basis......right?

You indicted the entire local business community, when I actually think that you made my point in painting the long-time poor hotel market in the city. Most of the other major hotels have survived in spite of one of the worst downtown hotel markets in the country for years on end. That the Pontchartrain has been a disaster is a testament not to the market, but to those that thought that because it's attached to a convention center that they could get away with treating and neglecting the place like crap and making out with some quick money.

Lorax · June-25-09, 09:04 PM

The Pontchartrain Hotel is really a super example of an accordion pleated glass curtain wall structure, and perhaps one of the largest examples of this late modernist style architecture in existence.

Those advocating for it's demolition need to realize people once advocated for demolishing old city hall, and it really happened in 1961. It wouldn't even be a bare consideration today.

Let's push for taking the Pontch back to it's original look, bring back the antiques for the lobby, the portrait of Count Pontchartrain, update the rooms, open a super restaurant on the top.

Now feel free to start sniping away at this positive notion. Come on, you can do it!

MIRepublic · June-25-09, 09:09 PM

Who has been serious about demolishing it?

**detroitbob** · June-25-09, 09:09 PM

Spent many wonderful times at the Top of the Pontch and the Raw Bar and at the summer P'Jazz concerts on the pool deck...Chuck Muer and Chef Larry had a great run down there...that was the beginning of the C A Muer Corp. inspite of a major faux pax on opening night...the slaw went bad and made a number of people ill. Based on that, Chef Larry banned creamy cole slaw dressing and went to a vinegar and oil base, which was doctored Wishbone Italian. You'd be surprised the number of Chuck Muer kitchen graduates who have used that recipe... Sheila, the long time bartender/shucker at the raw bar was one of the best in town! Back then the hotel was privately owned, made enough money, and was more personal that Sheraton at the Cadillac or Hilton at the Statler.

**softailrider** · June-25-09, 09:49 PM

Originally Posted by MIRepublic

You indicted the entire local business community, when I actually think that you made my point in painting the long-time poor hotel market in the city. Most of the other major hotels have survived in spite of one of the worst downtown hotel markets in the country for years on end. That the Pontchartrain has been a disaster is a testament not to the market, but to those that thought that because it's attached to a convention center that they could get away with treating and neglecting the place like crap and making out with some quick money.

The place certainly was a dump for the past 15 years or so. However, the hotel just went through a major renovation: lobby , rooms updated, new pool and exercise room and other stuff. The fact that the air went out on a 90 degree day was very unfortunate for the Baptists who booked rooms there, i'm sure they had the best of intentions, wanting to be close to Cobo. The entire hotel industry in this area is in a state of flux. Business is way down, in some areas the properties have been over built and there are too many rooms available and sitting empty night after night. There's a lot of hotel- motel owners/ investors chewing on their fingernails these days.

**Detroitej72** · June-25-09, 10:33 PM

Originally Posted by MIRepublic

When was the last time the hotel was locally-owned and/or operated?

I think it was during the Crown Plaza Pontch days, when Art Van Elslander, of Art Van Furniture fame lead a group of investors who purchased and ran it.

crawford · June-25-09, 10:45 PM

Originally Posted by MIRepublic

Who has been serious about demolishing it?

I would bet that it's demolished within 10 years. It's an absolutely worthless property.

It would be worth more as surface parking, or it maybe will be part of a Cobo expansion. The last thing downtown needs is more hotel rooms.

**Trumpeteer** · June-25-09, 10:48 PM

Originally Posted by crawford

I would bet that it's demolished within 10 years. It's an absolutely worthless property.

It would be worth more as surface parking, or it maybe will be part of a Cobo expansion. The last thing downtown needs is more hotel rooms.

ANOTHER brilliant idea Crawford.

crawford · June-25-09, 10:52 PM

Why, thank-you. At least someone else knows that downtown hotel occupany is at 30%, and that every lodging property downtown is a money pit. Thank-you MI State Legislature for the casino hotel requirements.

If you want the Book Cadillac to survive [[to say nothing of thrive), you're going to have to take some inventory out of the market. These selective subsidies create musical chairs of crap properties. Ponch is the weakest link and will be first to go, but not the last. The Athenium Suites will go under too; I guarantee it [[but the taxpayers who have supported it all these years will NOT be reimbursed by millionaire Gatzaros).

Lorax · June-25-09, 11:34 PM

Originally Posted by crawford

I would bet that it's demolished within 10 years. It's an absolutely worthless property.

It would be worth more as surface parking, or it maybe will be part of a Cobo expansion. The last thing downtown needs is more hotel rooms.

Love the forward thinking here.

Maybe your house should also be demolished so your neighbors can legally park one of their three trailer homes.

**Gsgeorge** · June-26-09, 01:07 AM

Originally Posted by crawford

I would bet that it's demolished within 10 years. It's an absolutely worthless property.

It would be worth more as surface parking, or it maybe will be part of a Cobo expansion. The last thing downtown needs is more hotel rooms.

Well the PROPERTY is definitely worth quite a bit, the BUILDING is what needs to go...

crawford · June-26-09, 01:21 AM

Originally Posted by Lorax

Love the forward thinking here.

Maybe your house should also be demolished so your neighbors can legally park one of their three trailer homes.

Actually, I would venture that my condo may be worth more than the Ponch, at least if it's restricted to hotel use.

And not too many trailer homes in Park Slope, but nice try.

**Lombaowski** · June-26-09, 01:39 AM

I stayed there last year and it was much better than the hotel I stayed at in 2006. Isn't this owned by Sheraton? What the hell happened?

MIRepublic · June-26-09, 02:09 AM

It's owned by Shubh Hotels of Boca Raton. I don't think Starwood [[Sheraton) ever owned it. They say that they replaced the entire HVAC system as part of the renovation. In fact, I think it was one of the things they most advertised about the renovation. I'd be asking for my money back if I was Shubh, then. lol

croweblack · June-26-09, 06:49 AM

[quote=crawford;37396]Why, thank-you. At least someone else knows that downtown hotel occupany is at 30%, and that every lodging property downtown is a money pit.

I would venture that 30% may be on the higher end of the actual occupancy rate but I disagree with the Casino hotels being the problem. Without them I think the rate would be maybe 35%-40%

the problem is Detroit is a ghost town during the week and you can't put "heads in beds" only on the weekend and make any money

**One Shot** · June-26-09, 08:38 AM

Was the "you people" blowup really necessary? Even though the guy is an idiot he did not mean it like she wanted it to be meant. You people as in the group that was there for the convention maybe...Who's the racist there?
The Ponc is one of those places that you forget is even there most of the time. What does that tell ya?

**raptor56** · June-26-09, 09:11 AM

Originally Posted by One Shot

Was the "you people" blowup really necessary? Even though the guy is an idiot he did not mean it like she wanted it to be meant. You people as in the group that was there for the convention maybe...Who's the racist there?

If there's one thing I learned over the past few years, it's never call a black person [[especially female) "you people." Even if you are referring to them as a generic group of people, and obviously not in racist terms, they will immediately take offense, and you will have all holy hell on your hands. "You People" seems to be an invitation to go off on someone.

Lorax · June-26-09, 11:17 AM

Originally Posted by crawford

Actually, I would venture that my condo may be worth more than the Ponch, at least if it's restricted to hotel use.

And not too many trailer homes in Park Slope, but nice try.

That must be one helluva condo. I'll be happy to stop by and claim a wing for myself on my next trip up- being so large, and with such a super staff to cater to my every need, you probably wouldn't even know I'm there.

I'm sure I can return the favor when you visit Florida.

I live in the same building featured on CNN yesterday about the couple being foreclosed on in the duplex penthouse. They happen to be friends of mine.

I'm sure you wouldn't object to a trailer or two parked out in front of your prestigious Park Slope address, then.

**softailrider** · June-26-09, 08:42 PM

Originally Posted by MIRepublic

It's owned by Shubh Hotels of Boca Raton. I don't think Starwood [[Sheraton) ever owned it. They say that they replaced the entire HVAC system as part of the renovation. In fact, I think it was one of the things they most advertised about the renovation. I'd be asking for my money back if I was Shubh, then. lol

You ain't kidding, I'd find a different heating and cooling guy. Maybe they should try Bill Heany over on Gratiot.

**Patrick** · June-26-09, 08:44 PM

Shubh Hotels?? Sounds like a party store owner to me. Fucking place should be condemned. As a matter of fact, the city should be knocking that thing down and NOT the Lafayette Building.

**John** · June-26-09, 10:19 PM

The Pontch was discussed here back in April. According to this, the hotel will come under the Crowne Plaza flag in July.

The Ponchatrain Hotel To Become Crowne Plaza [[again)

croweblack · June-27-09, 10:09 AM

From Crains through Google NEWS

The Pontchartrain becomes Crowne Plaza
The former Pontchartrain Hotel in Detroit has picked up the Crowne Plaza flag.
Ownership spent $35 million in renovations before reopening the 367-room property in 2007 under the Sheraton flag.

â€” Daniel Duggan

35 million? yeah right--nice investigative reporting Crain's!

what's the difference between model D and crain's again?

**pkbroch** · June-27-09, 10:18 AM

There is no mention of Crowne Plaza Having a Hotel or planning to manage a hotel in Detroit on thier website. I heard plans for any new management, i.e other hotel chains, were put on hold due to the current financial market nationwide. Intercontinental hotels also manages the Holiday Inn in downtown Detroit.

croweblack · June-27-09, 10:32 AM

Originally Posted by pkbroch

There is no mention of Crowne Plaza Having a Hotel or planning to manage a hotel in Detroit on thier website. I heard plans for any new management, i.e other hotel chains, were put on hold due to the current financial market nationwide. Intercontinental hotels also manages the Holiday Inn in downtown Detroit.

Intercontinental hotels is the parent company of holiday inn
they do not manage anything they are just the franchise