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The Book Cadillac Hotel has always gone big. It was built in 1924 to dominate Detroit's high-end hotel scene, using 1,200 guest rooms and 33 stories of over-the-top opulence to do just that. During the 24 years it was shuttered, the hotel went through an unimaginable amount of vandalism and decay, becoming a world-famous ruin.
When it was finally restored in 2008, roughly $170M was spent to make it happen. It's now Detroit's best-known hotel, and the default lodging option for celebs staying in the city. Curbed took a peek inside.
Westin offered Curbed a free night in an Executive Suite. Rates are flexible and based on availability, but our room was asking $300 for a Friday night stay.
The hotel was completely gutted when it was renovated in 2008, so there's not too much evidence of its historic nature in the actual rooms. The decor is typical Westin, which is clean-cut and muted. Here's what we got:
By all standards, the Executive Suite was swanky. But certain aspects are a little bit underwhelming. The furniture was a little bit battered, the phones weren't working, and there were plenty of extra ways to burn cash. Internet access, for example, cost $15/day. Our room's strength was the bathroom, with a massive shower and a "Heavenly" shower head.
Would the room have been worth $300? It depends on what you're looking for in a hotel. If you're looking to wallow in luxury and keep your vacation inside the hotel, the Book Cadillac is money well spent. But maybe go with the standard room (which ranges closer to $120-$150) and spend the extra money on the hotel's great amenities. Don't forget, Michael Symon's Roast is just downstairs.
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