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The Updated List of Detroit's 18 Most Essential Hotels

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Visiting the Motor City? Unsure where to book a room? We've got your back. Behold, the latest edition of Curbed's Hotel 18, in which we seek to answer the perennial question, "Where do I stay in Detroit?" Our list includes a mashup of lodging options, from century-old flagship hotels to memorable boutiques of character. This time, we even spiced up the mix with a few highlights from the suburbs. Keep in mind, hotels are listed in no particular order.

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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.

Aloft Detroit

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The chic Aloft brand opens its doors in the restored David Whitney building in December. The hotel will include 136 rooms, a bar, and its own stop on the People Mover. (NOTE: Aloft Detroit officially opens its doors on December 11, though it won't accept reservations for dates earlier than Jan. 22)

MGM Grand Detroit

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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 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.

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 and easy access to downtown Detroit.

The Townsend Hotel

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A favorite of visiting celebrities, the Townsend Hotel is the king of formal, old money luxury. It's the ideal place to make extravagant demands of the concierge and attend high tea, which is served everyday between noon and 5pm.

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.

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.

Royal Park Hotel

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Think of the Royal Park Hotel as the country getaway of metro Detroit lodging. Located along Paint Creek next to downtown Rochester, the hotel offers 5 different room layouts and 8 different luxurious suites.

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.

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.

The Dearborn Inn

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Opened in 1931, the Dearborn Inn was commissioned by Henry Ford and designed by Albert Kahn. It's historic without being stuffy, and luxurious without going over the top.

The Henry

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The Henry is known for its sleek decor and abundance of artwork. If you can overlook its not-so-interesting location outside a Dearborn shopping mall, the Henry is consistently voted one of Metro Detroit's best hotel experiences.

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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.

Aloft Detroit

The chic Aloft brand opens its doors in the restored David Whitney building in December. The hotel will include 136 rooms, a bar, and its own stop on the People Mover. (NOTE: Aloft Detroit officially opens its doors on December 11, though it won't accept reservations for dates earlier than Jan. 22)

MGM Grand Detroit

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 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.

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 and easy access to downtown Detroit.

The Townsend Hotel

A favorite of visiting celebrities, the Townsend Hotel is the king of formal, old money luxury. It's the ideal place to make extravagant demands of the concierge and attend high tea, which is served everyday between noon and 5pm.

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.

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.

Royal Park Hotel

Think of the Royal Park Hotel as the country getaway of metro Detroit lodging. Located along Paint Creek next to downtown Rochester, the hotel offers 5 different room layouts and 8 different luxurious suites.

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.

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.

The Dearborn Inn

Opened in 1931, the Dearborn Inn was commissioned by Henry Ford and designed by Albert Kahn. It's historic without being stuffy, and luxurious without going over the top.

The Henry

The Henry is known for its sleek decor and abundance of artwork. If you can overlook its not-so-interesting location outside a Dearborn shopping mall, the Henry is consistently voted one of Metro Detroit's best hotel experiences.