Thursday, April 8, 2010

Memorial Day weekend for Anniversairy..hotel rec pls

I%26#39;ve been going back and forth between many Detroit hotels and cannot seem to make up my mind on what I want. :) I have been reading reviews but I%26#39;d really like another opinion overall.





Basically my husband and I will be in town for memorial day weekend for our 1st anniversary. We want to see the Star Trek exhibit at the science center and the Star Trek movie on the IMAX (yes we are geeks). We also want to visit the zoo too. So while both of those are not in downtown Detroit, I like the idea of a hotel with a city view and a luxury feel. I don%26#39;t really want to stay at one of the casinos though. So the Westin, Marriot and Atheheum seem like nice downtown options. But there are other hotels that are further out that might be nicer as well. I also considered the Inn on Ferry St but my husband thinks that is a little too bed and breakfast for him. lol





Any suggestions on which hotel would be nicest for what I want and easy access to the Science Center and Zoo (which i know neither are close to downtown). If i am going to be downtown i would love a view.





Also if any of the above hotels have a nice shuttle service that would be nice and comparative cost of parking since it is obvious we will need a car.





Thank you in advance!



Memorial Day weekend for Anniversairy..hotel rec pls


Any of these hotels would work and all three are only a short drive to the Science Center. The drive to the zoo isn%26#39;t too bad from any of the hotels (about 10 miles or so if you go straight up Woodward Avenue; a bit longer if you take the freeway. I don%26#39;t think it necessary to drive out of the city for someplace different. If you actually do want to wander farther afield, the Townsend Hotel in suburban Birmingham (about 15 miles north of downtown) would be a good choice.





All three hotels are near People Mover stops, a cheap and convenient way to get around in downtown Detroit without the hassle of parking. Each of the hotels has parking available, both valet and self-park. Not sure of the parking charges for any except the Marriott (valet with in/out privileges in $25 per day, plus tips).





Of the three hotels mentioned, the Marriott at the Renaissance Center has the best view. It is the tallest hotel in the city (by far) and is on the river, so expansive views of both Detroit and Windsor, Ontario are available. Be sure to ask for a room with your desired view.





The Westin Book Cadillac is a recently-opened, beautifully restored hotel in a downtown area struggling to make a come-back. The hotel public areas and rooms are very nice; the area surrounding the Westin is a little sketchy (but OK). Some of the rooms have nice, city views.





The Atheneum is an all-suites hotel in a downtown neighborhood called Greektown, the most active part of Detroit (restaurants, bars, people watching). It was recently renovated.



Memorial Day weekend for Anniversairy..hotel rec pls


If it%26#39;s strictly view you want it would be hard to beat the Marriott @ the RenCen.





One centrally located hotel that we like a lot (in fact staying there this weekend) is the Hilton Garden Inn on Brush St.





Within walking distance are Greektown %26amp; the Greektown Casino, Ford Field, Comerica Park, Cheli%26#39;s Chili, Fox Theatre, Detroit Opera House, Hockeytown Cafe and lots of bars, restuarants etc. The People Mover has a station within a short walk as well.





HGI Is relatively new and well appointed with a friendly staff.





You would have to drive to the Science Center, the DIA the Zoo etc but you would have to do that from all of the downtown hotels.








I just recently stayed at the Book Cadillac for a wedding. The hotel was beautiful and many amenities, however I felt like you paid for the amenities. If you want luxury and a first class staff at a little bit higher of a price then I would suggest the Book. I’m a big fan of the Marriot and I think that its priced reasonably well. There is a people mover stop located in the GM building along with some really great restaurants (andiamos %26amp; coach insignia). Another choice would be the Courtyard Marriot across from the Marriot.




FYI, no pool at the Marriott (we usually stay at Marriotts) so we stay at the Westin Book Cadillac. It%26#39;s as nice as any Marriott I%26#39;ve stayed inm if not nicer. Their bed is not as good though. IMO, you can%26#39;t go wrong with it...




Thanks for the Hilton Garden Inn on Brush St. hotel rec. I hadn%26#39;t even considered that one. No idea why. It seems like a great place. Another contender and more affordable! So now view or no view...that is the question!





Thanks to all replies! I will let everyone know where we decide!




I know that you stated that you wanted to steer away from the casino hotels, but I would seriously consider the new Greektown Casino Hotel. It is connected to the gaming area, but is actually across the street, and is right in the heart of Detroit%26#39;s busiest nightlife area - Greektown. The views from this brand new 30-story hotel are also wonderful, if you are able to get the side of the hotel which faces the rest of downtown.





They%26#39;ve been offering $99 a night specials, and today announced they are cutting the price of their buffet, which is pretty nice, from $19 to $9.99





The Marriott RenCen is a wonderful business hotel, though I do not think I would recommend it for an anniversary. I would certainly consider the Greektown Hotel, the Book-Cadillac, The Atheneum, Hilton Garden Inn, and the newly restored Fort Shelby.





The Fort Shelby is a bit out of the way of the rest of downtown, but is near a people mover station, and is a beautifully restored hotel at a cheaper price than the Book-Cadillac.





Enjoy Detroit!


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