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Introducing Curbed Detroit's 18 Essential Hotels for 2014

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Visiting Detroit but at a loss for where to stay? Look no further. We bring you Curbed Detroit's inaugural Hotel 18, an annual round-up of the city's 18 most essential hotels. The city's hotel industry is still rebuilding, and the local lodging selection much more meat-and-potatoes than the boutique establishments found on, say, Chicago's enviable Hotel 18. But with several confirmed hotel projects and renovations in the pipeline right now, expect newer, more diverse hotels to dominate 2014's development news. Here's where to stay right now.

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The Inn on Ferry Street

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Combining four victorian homes and two carriage houses into a 40-room hotel, The Inn is a trendy choice for visitors looking for something authentic and walkable. The Detroit Institute of Arts is just a few blocks away.

MGM Grand Detroit Casino & Hotel

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Opened in 2008, MGM Grand reigns supreme atop Detroit's casino resort scene. Expect Vegas-style luxury and be prepared to spend accordingly.

The Westin Book Cadillac

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In case the architecture didn't give it away, this luxurious goliath dates back to the roaring twenties. It was nearly demolished after closing in 1984, when vandals and scrappers ravaged the interior. After a $200M restoration in 2008, the Book Cadillac has a sleek, modern interior and serves as an anchor for downtown's resurgence.

Marriott - Renaissance Center

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This Marriott rises 73 stories and claims to be the tallest all-hotel skyscraper in the western hemisphere. Marriott recently began some much-needed renovations, spending $30M to upgrade its 1,000+ rooms. Be sure you're in one of them when making reservations.

The Crowne Plaza Ponchartrain

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Closed in 2009 amidst declining business and mismanagement, the Pontch finally reopened in 2013 after millions in renovations. A beacon to 60s-era architecture, the Pontch's angular windows make for extra-bright rooms and expansive views. There isn't a hotel closer to Cobo Center than this one.

Honor & Folly

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Honor and Folly was created in the tradition of old-style inns, which typically featured a restaurant/bar downstairs and a few rooms providing lodging upstairs. Just above Slows BBQ, this one has a perfect location in Corktown. Be sure to reserve in advance--only two rooms are available.

Atheneum Suite Hotel

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The Antheneum is an all-suite hotel, meaning every room has a distinct living room area with seating and a TV. It's a favorite pick for larger groups looking to enjoy Greektown's nightlife and casino.

MotorCity Casino Hotel

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Lined with blinking neon lights, MotorCity is visible for miles and leans heavily on auto-themed decor. The hotel is one of Detroit's most luxurious, but its location outside of downtown might feel a bit isolated.

Roberts Riverwalk Hotel

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Mere feet from the Detroit RIver, Roberts is a solid choice during the summer, when guests can enjoy the RIverWalk without losing fingers.

Greektown Casino-Hotel

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Greektown Casino's hotel is a (long) half-star behind Detroit's other two gambling resorts, but that's okay. The glassy tower's prime location in bustling Greektown offers excitement outside the front doors--something the other casinos can't offer.

DoubleTree Suites Fort Shelby

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Originally opened in 1916, the Fort Shelby's strength is in its room size. The all-suite hotel averages 650 square feet per room. The downtown location or first-floor restaurant, Finn & Porter, are also perks.

Hotel St. Regis

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New Center's only hotel offers mid-range accommodations. The beauty however, is in the rates, which can be half of what is charged downtown. Look for rooms to appear on deep discounting services like Priceline or Hotel Tonight, the last-minute booking app.

Hostel Detroit

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Want to experience Detroit beyond the normal tourist trappings? The city's only hostel will gladly link guests up with a volunteer "ambassador" to the local favorites.

Inn at 97 Winder

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Revel in the luxurious glamour of 1870s Detroit at 97 Winder, which was restored from a near-ruined state. The location in Brush Park is a short walk from Ford Field, Comerica Park, or the Fox Theater.

234 Winder Street Inn

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This tiny inn usually rents just single rooms, but the entire house is actually available if booked in advance. Built in the late-1800s, the house is a block from Comerica Park, Ford Field, or the Fox Theater.

Hilton Garden Inn

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The Hilton Garden Inn might be one of the more boring hotels downtown, but its location is walkable to just about everything. The Chrome Bar offers on-site refreshments.

Courtyard Detroit Downtown

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The Courtyard is the cheaper alternative to the RenCen Marriott, since guests are able to access the Renaissance via heated skywalk. It's also one of the few hotels directly connected to the People Mover and has a pretty decent indoor pool.

Holiday Inn Express and Suites

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The Holiday Inn has long relied on a good location to bring in customers, even if its rooms were past due for a remod. With new owners and increasing competition downtown, the hotel is finally getting around to freshening up. Ask for an updated room and enjoy the indoor pool on the top floor.

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The Inn on Ferry Street

Combining four victorian homes and two carriage houses into a 40-room hotel, The Inn is a trendy choice for visitors looking for something authentic and walkable. The Detroit Institute of Arts is just a few blocks away.

MGM Grand Detroit Casino & Hotel

Opened in 2008, MGM Grand reigns supreme atop Detroit's casino resort scene. Expect Vegas-style luxury and be prepared to spend accordingly.

The Westin Book Cadillac

In case the architecture didn't give it away, this luxurious goliath dates back to the roaring twenties. It was nearly demolished after closing in 1984, when vandals and scrappers ravaged the interior. After a $200M restoration in 2008, the Book Cadillac has a sleek, modern interior and serves as an anchor for downtown's resurgence.

Marriott - Renaissance Center

This Marriott rises 73 stories and claims to be the tallest all-hotel skyscraper in the western hemisphere. Marriott recently began some much-needed renovations, spending $30M to upgrade its 1,000+ rooms. Be sure you're in one of them when making reservations.

The Crowne Plaza Ponchartrain

Closed in 2009 amidst declining business and mismanagement, the Pontch finally reopened in 2013 after millions in renovations. A beacon to 60s-era architecture, the Pontch's angular windows make for extra-bright rooms and expansive views. There isn't a hotel closer to Cobo Center than this one.

Honor & Folly

Honor and Folly was created in the tradition of old-style inns, which typically featured a restaurant/bar downstairs and a few rooms providing lodging upstairs. Just above Slows BBQ, this one has a perfect location in Corktown. Be sure to reserve in advance--only two rooms are available.

Atheneum Suite Hotel

The Antheneum is an all-suite hotel, meaning every room has a distinct living room area with seating and a TV. It's a favorite pick for larger groups looking to enjoy Greektown's nightlife and casino.

MotorCity Casino Hotel

Lined with blinking neon lights, MotorCity is visible for miles and leans heavily on auto-themed decor. The hotel is one of Detroit's most luxurious, but its location outside of downtown might feel a bit isolated.

Roberts Riverwalk Hotel

Mere feet from the Detroit RIver, Roberts is a solid choice during the summer, when guests can enjoy the RIverWalk without losing fingers.

Greektown Casino-Hotel

Greektown Casino's hotel is a (long) half-star behind Detroit's other two gambling resorts, but that's okay. The glassy tower's prime location in bustling Greektown offers excitement outside the front doors--something the other casinos can't offer.

DoubleTree Suites Fort Shelby

Originally opened in 1916, the Fort Shelby's strength is in its room size. The all-suite hotel averages 650 square feet per room. The downtown location or first-floor restaurant, Finn & Porter, are also perks.

Hotel St. Regis

New Center's only hotel offers mid-range accommodations. The beauty however, is in the rates, which can be half of what is charged downtown. Look for rooms to appear on deep discounting services like Priceline or Hotel Tonight, the last-minute booking app.

Hostel Detroit

Want to experience Detroit beyond the normal tourist trappings? The city's only hostel will gladly link guests up with a volunteer "ambassador" to the local favorites.

Inn at 97 Winder

Revel in the luxurious glamour of 1870s Detroit at 97 Winder, which was restored from a near-ruined state. The location in Brush Park is a short walk from Ford Field, Comerica Park, or the Fox Theater.

234 Winder Street Inn

This tiny inn usually rents just single rooms, but the entire house is actually available if booked in advance. Built in the late-1800s, the house is a block from Comerica Park, Ford Field, or the Fox Theater.

Hilton Garden Inn

The Hilton Garden Inn might be one of the more boring hotels downtown, but its location is walkable to just about everything. The Chrome Bar offers on-site refreshments.

Courtyard Detroit Downtown

The Courtyard is the cheaper alternative to the RenCen Marriott, since guests are able to access the Renaissance via heated skywalk. It's also one of the few hotels directly connected to the People Mover and has a pretty decent indoor pool.

Holiday Inn Express and Suites

The Holiday Inn has long relied on a good location to bring in customers, even if its rooms were past due for a remod. With new owners and increasing competition downtown, the hotel is finally getting around to freshening up. Ask for an updated room and enjoy the indoor pool on the top floor.