Where to Stay in Detroit → 4 AWESOME Areas and Hotels

Detroit is situated right in the middle of the Great Lakes in the Midwestern region of the US. Nicknamed ‘Motor City’ due to its role as the cradle of the automobile industry, Detroit is becoming an increasingly popular destination. However, many people who want to visit the city dwell on where to stay in Detroit. 

If you’re wondering where the best place to stay in Detroit is, you’re in the right place! I researched and compared all the neighborhoods and came up with the ultimate list of the top four spots in the city. 

The ultimate place to stay in the city, especially if you’re planning your first visit, is Downtown Detroit. This area hosts the top attractions, best restaurants, and most attractive hotels.

To make your choice even easier, I also went through all the Detroit hotels and carefully selected the best ones in each of the areas I’m recommending. Regardless of which area you choose, you’ll find options across all price categories, from luxury to budget. 

All you need to do is decide on an area, pick a hotel, and make reservations in advance to get the best deal on your stay! 

Let’s go! 

If you are in a hurry

Here’s a carefully selected list of the best hotels in Downtown Detroit: 

To help you get a clearer picture of where you’ll be staying, here’s a map of the Detroit neighborhoods featured in this post: 

1. Downtown – where to stay in Detroit for the first time

With its picturesque composition of historic buildings, parks, cool bars, and sports stadiums, Downtown Detroit is a lively hub that offers something for every type of traveler. The downtown area is comprised of several smaller neighborhoods with a different vibe and also serves as the city’s central business district. 

At the very heart of Detroit Downtown, you’ll find Campus Martius Park (map), a city square surrounded by trees and fountains. In summer, you can enjoy the man-made beach in the square and attend concerts and events. While in winter, you can go skating at the ice rink and admire the beautiful Christmas tree. 

Hart Plaza (map) also attracts plenty of visitors, especially during Jazz Fest, which usually takes place at the end of August/start of September. But even if there’s nothing going on at the plaza, you should still stop by and see the Dodge Fountain and The Fist, a monument dedicated to the renowned boxer Joe Louis. 

Another defining feature of this area is the Guardian Building (map), one of Detroit’s oldest buildings, as well as one of the most important historical landmarks. The building is one of the best examples of Art Deco architecture and is also one of the tallest brick buildings in the world! 

If you’re a foodie, the Greektown neighborhood will welcome you with its delicious restaurants and pastry shops. And, if you’re a sports enthusiast, you will love Ford Field (map), home to the Detroit Lions and Comerica Park (map), home to the Detroit Tigers.

Up in the Foxtown neighborhood, in the North portion of the downtown area, you can attend a performance at the Fox Theatre or see a concert at The Fillmore Detroit. But if you’re among those who just want to relax, go for a scenic stroll along the 3.5-mile-long (5.5 km) Riverfront or head to Beacon Park (map) to escape the city noise. 

Whether it’s your first time in Detroit or your 100th, Downtown Detroit has everything you need in one convenient location. Plus, the whole area is highly walkable, and there are plenty of public transportation options to get you around the city should you choose to explore further afield.

Other accommodation options in Downtown Detroit

Things to do in Detroit Downtown

• Spend a relaxing afternoon at Campus Martius Park
• Stop by Hart Plaza to see the monuments or catch a music performance
• Visit the Guardian Building to admire the Art Deco architecture
• Explore the Greektown neighborhood
• Unwind in Beacon Park or Grand Circus Park (map)
• See a game at Comerica Park or Ford Field
• Visit the Detroit Opera House
• See a play at the Fox Theatre or a concert at The Fillmore Detroit
• Check whether there’s a cool exhibition at the Huntington Place convention center

2. Midtown – where to stay in Detroit for art and culture

Directly North of the busy Detroit Downtown pulsates another energy field: Midtown Detroit. Midtown is a safe area teeming with cool cafes and brunch spots, indie shops, and art galleries. This part of the city also hosts a very active underground art scene, which only contributes to Midtown’s status as the city’s hub for cultural and artistic expression. 

Midtown is best known as the home of Wayne State University, a public research university that attracts tens of thousands of students. As a result, the Midtown area is full of young people, and there’s always something going on around the neighborhood. 

One of the first places you should visit during your stay here is the Detroit Institute of Arts, which features more than 100 art galleries displaying everything from ancient to contemporary art. There are also a couple of cool museums nearby, such as the Detroit Historical Museum and the Motown Museum. 

Hockey and basketball fans will be excited to hear that Midtown is home to Little Caesars Arena, the home stage of the NHL team, the Detroit Red Wings, as well as the Detroit Pistons basketball team. However, besides sports, the arena hosts a variety of events like concerts and comedy shows, so you should definitely check the schedule to see what’s on. 

The cradle of Detroit’s atypical art scene, Midtown is full of independent record stores and a vibrant palette of restaurants, brunch cafes, chic coffee bars, breweries, and nightclubs to satisfy everyone’s taste. I’d single out Grey Ghost Detroit (map) with its unique craft cocktails and The Whitney (map) for the best fine dining experience in the city. 

Other accommodation options in Midtown

Things to do in Midtown

• Explore the many galleries within the Detroit Institute of Arts
• Pay a visit to the Detroit Historical Museum and the Motown Museum
• Attend a live music show at The Majestic Theatre
• See what’s on the schedule at Little Caesars Arena
• Explore the nearby Eastern Market neighborhood
• Sample the craft cocktails at Grey Ghost Detroit and enjoy a meal at The Whitney
• Visit the Fisher Building (map) and admire its stunning architecture
• Spend a few hours at the Ford Piquette Avenue Plant Museum

3. Corktown – the most hip area in Detroit

If you’re really looking to dive deep into the city’s history, Corktown’s cobbled streets are the perfect choice. This is the oldest neighborhood in Detroit and is located directly West of Downtown, just a 5-minute drive to the center. The neighborhood has a very vibrant atmosphere and is the perfect choice if you’re looking for a cool spot for your stay. 

As an old industrial neighborhood (as much of the city is), Corktown has been transformed into a hipster haven. With some of the coolest cafes, bars, and restaurants in the town, It has become a destination in itself. 

Michigan Central (map) is the most prominent landmark in the neighborhood; dating back to 1913, the building used to serve as a train station, which was later abandoned. In recent years, this stunning building has been renovated and restored to its former glory, so it’s definitely worth a visit. 

The Michigan Central building is situated right in front of Roosevelt Park, so you can just find a bench, relax, and do some people-watching. If you happen to be there in the evening, you’ll see the building light up – it’s a truly amazing view! 

Named after the Irish town of Cork, you can imagine that this area knows a thing or two about a good drink. Many of the bars in Corktown even offer free shuttles to the large stadium events or casinos on weekends, so your designated driver is sorted! 

This is also one of the most diverse neighborhoods in the city, meaning you are sure to find some incredible international cuisines to try. Takoi (map) serves delicious Thai food, Ottava Via (map) is renowned for its great Italian cuisine, and Slows Bar BQ (map) offers the best slow-cooked barbecue in the area. 

Corktown is one of the most unique places to stay in Detroit and has a great offer of boutique hotels – check out my top picks below! 

Other accommodation options in Corktown

Things to do in Corktown

• Check out the cultural projects at Michigan Central Station
• Have a picnic in Roosevelt Park (map)
• Admire the architecture of the Basilica of Ste. Anne de Detroit (map)
• Try some international cuisine at Takoi (Thai) or Ottava Via (Italian)
• Enjoy the slow-cooked barbecues at Slows Bar BQ
• Go book shopping at John K. King Used & Rare Books (map)
• Stop by the historic baseball stadium, The Corner Ballpark (map)
• Grab a quick bite at Green Dot Stables (map)

4. Royal Oak and Surrounds – best place to stay with family

14 miles North of the city lies a little suburban neighborhood called Royal Oak, part of the Metro Detroit area. This trendy and peaceful neighborhood is surrounded by a magnitude of relaxed, safe areas, making it perfect for families.

If you want to spend your time with your family and friends in a quiet place away from the busy streets of downtown Detroit, Royal Oak will keep you entertained. With attractions such as the Detroit Zoo and the Red Oaks Waterpark, there are plenty of fun activities the whole family will love. 

If visiting on the weekend, make sure to visit the Royal Oak Farmers Market (map). There are different types of markets on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, so you can go every day and find something different! 

FUN FACT: This market also has some historic importance for the neighborhood. Started in 1925, the Royal Oak Farmers Market supplied the entire city with food during the population boom during the 1930s. Since then, it has grown to include great free entertainment and events such as monthly food truck rallies. 

The Royal Oak area is very safe and peaceful, but it’s quite far from the city center. However, if you’re visiting Detroit with a car, this won’t bother you at all since Downtown Detroit is just a 20-min drive away. But, in case you’re traveling without a car, you can always look into car rentals or take the Amtrak Wolverine train downtown. 

So, if you’re looking for safe areas in Detroit to stay with family, opt for Royal Oak or one of the surrounding neighborhoods. You’ll find my top hotel pick featured in the following section:

Other accommodation options in Royal Oak

Things to do in Royal Oak

• Meet the animals at the Detroit Zoo
• Spend a day at the Red Oaks Waterpark
• Grab a burger (and a beer!) at the Redcoat Tavern (map)
• Take your kids to Star Joycee Park (map) for a stroll and some fun times
• Wander through the Red Oaks Nature Center (map)
• Do some shopping at the Oakland Mall (map)
• Venture out to the Cranbrook Institute of Science 
• Drive out and visit the Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation

FAQs about where to stay in Detroit

💯 What is the best part of Detroit to stay in?

The best place to stay in Detroit is Downtown, seeing as this is where you’ll find all the major attractions like Campus Martius Park, Ford Field, and more. Plus, there are some amazing hotels, such as the Foundation Hotel and the Sonder Gabriel Richard. 

📅 How many days should I spend in Detroit?

To fully experience the city, you need to stay in Detroit for at least 3 days. This should be enough time to see the top downtown attractions, visit the cool Corktown neighborhood, and even drive to Royal Oak and visit the zoo. 

🛣️ Can you get around Detroit without a car?

Yes, you can get around Detroit without a car, but only if you’re based downtown or in a nearby neighborhood. However, if you’re staying in Royal Oak, you’ll need a car because it’s far from the center, and there’s only one train connecting the two. 

🚗 Can you take a day trip to Canada from Detroit?

Canada is about 4 hours away from Detroit, so you can take a long day trip. But it’s a better idea to plan a weekend getaway to Canada. 

🚶 Is Detroit walkable?

The downtown part of Detroit is very walkable, and centrally located neighborhoods like Midtown and Corktown can be navigated on foot, too. However, all the areas that are further out from downtown are not very walkable, and you’ll need to secure another mode of transportation. 

🪙 What are the best cheap hotels in Detroit?

Conclusion

Well, you’ve reached the end of my guide on where to stay in Detroit, and now you should have a clear idea of which neighborhood is the best fit for you and what Detroit hotel appeals to you the most. 

But if you’re not sure yet, here are my 2 favorite hotels in Downtown Detroit: 

• Foundation Hotel – an upscale hotel with amazing decor featuring a bar and a restaurant, and offering room service
• Sonder Gabriel Richard – a comfortable aparthotel in a great location, with free Wi-Fi and access to a fitness center

Regardless of which hotel you choose, make reservations in advance, as Detroit has a limited selection of good hotels – and they sell out super fast!

If you have any questions about your trip to Detroit, drop a comment below, and I’ll get back to you as soon as possible! 

Safe travels,

Hristina

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