detroit or windsor?
Apr 11th, 2005, 04:56 AM
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detroit or windsor?
iam in the eary stages of putting a trip together for next years 2006 superbowl in detroit..i would appreciate some advice on were to stay...detroit downtown,or in windsos,canada... restaurants,nightlife,and first class accomations are my main questions..any advice would be most welcomed...
Apr 11th, 2005, 07:17 AM
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Max: The only five star hotel in the Detroit area is the Ritz-Carleton in Dearborn, a close-in suburb on the west side.
The Renaissance Marriott at the Detroit River and Woodward Avenue will be the media center for Super Bowl XL, so there will be a crown crush there 24 hours a day during Super Bowl Week. Still, if you can book there, now, it could be a blast. You'll be centrally located to most of the partying, and events, and can take the People Mover elevated train to Greektown and some other great restaurants close in. There are almost 30 restaurants on site in the Renaissance Center complex, and the hotel itself is 74 floors. Try to book a high floor riverview room.
The Inn On Ferry Street is supposed to be sumptuous, and will have a very active shuttle during SB festivities. Hilton Garden Inn also gets good reviews from Detroit visitors.
Windsor, Ontario is partnering with Detroit to accomodate visitors. There are a raft of great restaurants in that city, a casino, and what we locals lovingly refer to as the Windsor Ballet. Border crossings from Detroit to Windsor and vv can take up to 90 minutes because of increased Homeland Security checks. They may streamline that operation for the Super Bowl, but no one is acknowledging that yet. If you decide to bunk in Windsor, or even to visit for a meal or gambling, be sure to bring a notorized birth certificate, drivers license, and probably a passport to ease your way.
Restaurants:
Seldom Blues (American)
Sweet Georgia Brown (Fine Southern)
Andiamo (Italian)
Rattlesnake Club (American fusion)
Courthouse Brasserie
New Hellas (Greektown)
Pegasus Taverna (Greektown)
Roma Cafe (Italian)(Eastern Market)
Mexicantown
Bars:
The Deck at Hockeytown(will be party central--two blocks from Ford Field)
Old Shillelaugh
Town Pump
Nemo's
Honest John's? Bar & No Grill
Majestic Cafe
Casinos:
Greektown
MGM Grand
Motor City
Windsor Casino
This is just a list of places I know personally. And know that they will be involved in SB festivities.
Two websites that may help you are:
www.visitdetroit.com
www.windsorontario.worldweb.com
The Renaissance Marriott at the Detroit River and Woodward Avenue will be the media center for Super Bowl XL, so there will be a crown crush there 24 hours a day during Super Bowl Week. Still, if you can book there, now, it could be a blast. You'll be centrally located to most of the partying, and events, and can take the People Mover elevated train to Greektown and some other great restaurants close in. There are almost 30 restaurants on site in the Renaissance Center complex, and the hotel itself is 74 floors. Try to book a high floor riverview room.
The Inn On Ferry Street is supposed to be sumptuous, and will have a very active shuttle during SB festivities. Hilton Garden Inn also gets good reviews from Detroit visitors.
Windsor, Ontario is partnering with Detroit to accomodate visitors. There are a raft of great restaurants in that city, a casino, and what we locals lovingly refer to as the Windsor Ballet. Border crossings from Detroit to Windsor and vv can take up to 90 minutes because of increased Homeland Security checks. They may streamline that operation for the Super Bowl, but no one is acknowledging that yet. If you decide to bunk in Windsor, or even to visit for a meal or gambling, be sure to bring a notorized birth certificate, drivers license, and probably a passport to ease your way.
Restaurants:
Seldom Blues (American)
Sweet Georgia Brown (Fine Southern)
Andiamo (Italian)
Rattlesnake Club (American fusion)
Courthouse Brasserie
New Hellas (Greektown)
Pegasus Taverna (Greektown)
Roma Cafe (Italian)(Eastern Market)
Mexicantown
Bars:
The Deck at Hockeytown(will be party central--two blocks from Ford Field)
Old Shillelaugh
Town Pump
Nemo's
Honest John's? Bar & No Grill
Majestic Cafe
Casinos:
Greektown
MGM Grand
Motor City
Windsor Casino
This is just a list of places I know personally. And know that they will be involved in SB festivities.
Two websites that may help you are:
www.visitdetroit.com
www.windsorontario.worldweb.com
Apr 12th, 2005, 05:26 AM
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hi jim,nice info...as usual this sight comes through..F.Y.I. all the major hotels have blocks on all rooms for super bowl..N.F.L. demands they do this to accomadate high rollers,etc,etc..however your knowledge of the area will be a great help... max
Apr 12th, 2005, 05:29 AM
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anotehr good restaurant is Small Plates, near Harmony park.
The Hilton is new and looks pretty nice. I just drove by there the other day.
I would avoid Windsor as the backups in the tunnel/bridge. I would try for the Marriott Ren cen, or Marriott Courtyard.
The Hilton is new and looks pretty nice. I just drove by there the other day.
I would avoid Windsor as the backups in the tunnel/bridge. I would try for the Marriott Ren cen, or Marriott Courtyard.
Apr 12th, 2005, 08:06 AM
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I work in the Renaissance Center and I agree that the Renaissance Marriott would be a great choice. The Courtyard by Marriott is across the street (via skywalk).
If you are looking for first class accommodations in the suburbs, you might want to check out The Townsend in Birmingham, Somerset Inn in Troy, Royal Park Hotel in Auburn Hills and, as mentioned, The Ritz Carlton in Dearborn.
If you are looking for first class accommodations in the suburbs, you might want to check out The Townsend in Birmingham, Somerset Inn in Troy, Royal Park Hotel in Auburn Hills and, as mentioned, The Ritz Carlton in Dearborn.
Apr 12th, 2005, 08:26 AM
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More downtown restaurants: Opus One (gourmet), the Whitney (gourmet in a beautiful mansion), Coach Insignia (upscale steakhouse high up in the Ren Cent with amazing view of the city), Mario's (older Italian)...
And there are scores of excellent restaurants within a thirty minute drive from downtown in Birmingham, Troy, Southfield, etc.
The Athenium Hotel downtown is pretty nice too. The only hotels in the Detroit metropolitan area that I personally consider first class are the ones already mentioned: the Townsend (Birmingham), Royal Park Hotel (Rochester Hills), and The Ritz Carlton (Dearborn). But there are many other nice hotels..
And there are scores of excellent restaurants within a thirty minute drive from downtown in Birmingham, Troy, Southfield, etc.
The Athenium Hotel downtown is pretty nice too. The only hotels in the Detroit metropolitan area that I personally consider first class are the ones already mentioned: the Townsend (Birmingham), Royal Park Hotel (Rochester Hills), and The Ritz Carlton (Dearborn). But there are many other nice hotels..
May 10th, 2005, 06:37 PM
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Max,
Take a tour of Detroit. A compelling drive through Detroit's past, present and onto the brink of America's industrial dilemma. Tour in the safety and comfort of an H2 Hummer, consumer America's tour de force. Tour package includes a 1 1/2 hour narrated tour, free soft drinks and a rousing game of motrivia.
DetourXpress
A one way ticket to the madhouse.
Take a tour of Detroit. A compelling drive through Detroit's past, present and onto the brink of America's industrial dilemma. Tour in the safety and comfort of an H2 Hummer, consumer America's tour de force. Tour package includes a 1 1/2 hour narrated tour, free soft drinks and a rousing game of motrivia.
DetourXpress
A one way ticket to the madhouse.
May 10th, 2005, 08:15 PM
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More Detroit restaurants, newer and hipper than those mentioned: Agave (Southwestern), Atlas Global Bistro (global) and Oslo (Detroit's coolest secret - Sushi and beyond). A second for Small Plates (tapas).
Bar for Detroit's flourishing underground garage rock scene and international acts: The Magic Stick and the Majestic.
Bar for Detroit's flourishing underground garage rock scene and international acts: The Magic Stick and the Majestic.
May 22nd, 2005, 05:20 PM
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Hi,
I live in Windsor and travel regularly to Detroit on business. The back-ups have been reduced a lot and the most I've waited in the past 6 months is about 25 minutes. It's not as good as it was pre-9/11 but much better than it was a year ago.
I live in Windsor and travel regularly to Detroit on business. The back-ups have been reduced a lot and the most I've waited in the past 6 months is about 25 minutes. It's not as good as it was pre-9/11 but much better than it was a year ago.
May 22nd, 2005, 05:59 PM
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Windsor is a great place. A refreshing spot on the river. Used to Love Canada...
However if You're traveling from the USA to Canada: BRING A PASSPORT! We were detained and nearly strip searched last Easter at the Windsor border.
(I forgot I had a pocket knife and answered "no" to: "do you have any weapons".)
Sorry, I don't visit Canada any more: The Customs (kids) were extremely rude and it cost me over $200.00 CN in a fine. They threated to impound my vehicle! It took hours in a locked room....
Well I guess I looked really dangerous with my family and all!
However if You're traveling from the USA to Canada: BRING A PASSPORT! We were detained and nearly strip searched last Easter at the Windsor border.
(I forgot I had a pocket knife and answered "no" to: "do you have any weapons".)
Sorry, I don't visit Canada any more: The Customs (kids) were extremely rude and it cost me over $200.00 CN in a fine. They threated to impound my vehicle! It took hours in a locked room....
Well I guess I looked really dangerous with my family and all!
Jun 2nd, 2005, 09:38 AM
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Other good eats:
Traffic Jam and Snug (Detroit)
Vintage Bistro (Grosse Pointe)
The Mini (windsor) - great Vietnamese!
There's also The Dearborn Inn (run by Mariott) in Dearborn near the Ritz.
I would check with your rental car place about taking it across the border into another country. Some have exclusions. Don't know if they'll give you a harder time at customs either.
Traffic Jam and Snug (Detroit)
Vintage Bistro (Grosse Pointe)
The Mini (windsor) - great Vietnamese!
There's also The Dearborn Inn (run by Mariott) in Dearborn near the Ritz.
I would check with your rental car place about taking it across the border into another country. Some have exclusions. Don't know if they'll give you a harder time at customs either.
Jun 8th, 2005, 03:41 PM
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Restaurant recs: I was in both areas last week.
In Windsor: I really like Il Gabbiano in the italian area of Windsor. Very good food and very attentive service from Debbie. They have great wines, not always the case with Windsor restaurants.
The best Italian restaurant I've been to in the US or Italy for that matter resides in metro Detroit. Il Posto requires you to bring bags of money but you will be greatly compensated by a traditional dining room with top notch waiters, a maitre'd right out of Fellini casting, and the most awesome food, you will want to cry. Last weeks dinner was simple, beautiful perfect figs and proscuitto, a plate of three pastas with fabulous sauces (porcini sauce on orchiette, bolongese with sausage, and a fairly spicy red sauce on trad noodles.) This is usually i primi but I get it as an entree. A simple meal actually but perfect in execution. Chef is very hands on here. Fabulous.
I imagine the Townsend hotel in Birmingham is already sold out but you might try. It is the best Detroit has to offer. Ritz in Dearborn is very Marriott like imnsho. If looking in that area, I might save a few $ and look at the Dearborn Inn. LMF
In Windsor: I really like Il Gabbiano in the italian area of Windsor. Very good food and very attentive service from Debbie. They have great wines, not always the case with Windsor restaurants.
The best Italian restaurant I've been to in the US or Italy for that matter resides in metro Detroit. Il Posto requires you to bring bags of money but you will be greatly compensated by a traditional dining room with top notch waiters, a maitre'd right out of Fellini casting, and the most awesome food, you will want to cry. Last weeks dinner was simple, beautiful perfect figs and proscuitto, a plate of three pastas with fabulous sauces (porcini sauce on orchiette, bolongese with sausage, and a fairly spicy red sauce on trad noodles.) This is usually i primi but I get it as an entree. A simple meal actually but perfect in execution. Chef is very hands on here. Fabulous.
I imagine the Townsend hotel in Birmingham is already sold out but you might try. It is the best Detroit has to offer. Ritz in Dearborn is very Marriott like imnsho. If looking in that area, I might save a few $ and look at the Dearborn Inn. LMF
Jun 14th, 2005, 03:52 PM
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As a Detroit native, I recommend:
Hotels:
The Athenium (Greektown): Very Nice and good location.
Hilton Garden Inn: New and looks nice. Good location.
Marriot in Ren Cen: Good Location and new.
Restaurants:
Da Edoardo Fox Town Grill: Italian, my favorite and great view of Foxtown!
Shopping:
Somerset for sure!!
Bars:
Fifth Avenue Downtown, in Comerica Park.
Hotels:
The Athenium (Greektown): Very Nice and good location.
Hilton Garden Inn: New and looks nice. Good location.
Marriot in Ren Cen: Good Location and new.
Restaurants:
Da Edoardo Fox Town Grill: Italian, my favorite and great view of Foxtown!
Shopping:
Somerset for sure!!
Bars:
Fifth Avenue Downtown, in Comerica Park.
Jul 4th, 2005, 12:56 PM
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Lodge in Windsor in a room with a view of the Detroit sky line. Such as Travel Lodge or other on same river front strip. People spend a lot of time and money to get photos of views like this and then turn them into post cards and posters. You get it for a few extra bucks. You have to lodge somewhere anyway. Your "night life" then includes a great view! p.s. Henry Ford Museum is "world class" so ponder it also.
Jul 17th, 2005, 10:07 AM
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Just this morning I returned from an in-town getaway at the Inn on Ferry Street, and wrote a review for TripAdvisor.com. I can't push this place enough. Here's what I wrote:
The Inn on Ferry Street is a truly wonderful establishment. The historic group of homes have been masterfully restored and decorated, the staff is courteous, and the amenities are a-plenty. There are so many nice details, it's hard to even remember them all: great breakfast, complete with fresh fruit, make-for-yourself waffles, Starbucks coffee and Tazo tea; very comfortable beds and linens; a music selection in each room; and lots of extra local-info reading, magazines, and books. The grounds are well landscaped, and the parking was clean and well lit at night. I’m sure work is continuing, but it would be nice if the back alley behind the parking lot was better masked by trees and vines.
We stayed in the John R carriage house, which is simply designed in the Arts and Crafts style, and our room was quiet and comfortable. The night security fella made a not-so-tasteful comment about needing sunglasses to look at the bed covering in our particular room, but we thought the multi-colored velvet Pottery Barn comforter was wonderful. Next time I'll try to see if we can get the other carriage house, which looks incredibly charming! I especially like how the individual homes are decorated slightly differently, from Victorian to Arts and Crafts, depending on the architecture of the house—but all keeping with style of the era in which they were built.
For those not familiar with the area, this Midtown, Cultural Center of Detroit is experiencing a renaissance. This block of beautiful homes that is the Inn on Ferry is located just down the street from some of the most impressive mansions around. You must explore the area! (There are still a good number of vacant lots and dilapidated homes spotting the area as well, and I wouldn’t recommend walking too far north or east from this particular street late at night.) The restoration work and new projects transforming the area are exciting and inspiring.
Right now (summer 2005) there is much construction in the immediate vicinity, but overall the Inn is located in a terrific area--the cultural center of Detroit—and will be especially appreciated by lovers of culture and history! Within walking distance are the Detroit Institute of Arts, The Detroit Science Center, the Museum of African American History, Detroit Historical Museum, and the main branch of the Detroit Public Library. There are also a good number of nearby restaurants, bars, and activities for families. The Hard Rock Café and Comerica Park are also within a longer walk or short drive.
This place comes very highly recommended!
The Inn on Ferry Street is a truly wonderful establishment. The historic group of homes have been masterfully restored and decorated, the staff is courteous, and the amenities are a-plenty. There are so many nice details, it's hard to even remember them all: great breakfast, complete with fresh fruit, make-for-yourself waffles, Starbucks coffee and Tazo tea; very comfortable beds and linens; a music selection in each room; and lots of extra local-info reading, magazines, and books. The grounds are well landscaped, and the parking was clean and well lit at night. I’m sure work is continuing, but it would be nice if the back alley behind the parking lot was better masked by trees and vines.
We stayed in the John R carriage house, which is simply designed in the Arts and Crafts style, and our room was quiet and comfortable. The night security fella made a not-so-tasteful comment about needing sunglasses to look at the bed covering in our particular room, but we thought the multi-colored velvet Pottery Barn comforter was wonderful. Next time I'll try to see if we can get the other carriage house, which looks incredibly charming! I especially like how the individual homes are decorated slightly differently, from Victorian to Arts and Crafts, depending on the architecture of the house—but all keeping with style of the era in which they were built.
For those not familiar with the area, this Midtown, Cultural Center of Detroit is experiencing a renaissance. This block of beautiful homes that is the Inn on Ferry is located just down the street from some of the most impressive mansions around. You must explore the area! (There are still a good number of vacant lots and dilapidated homes spotting the area as well, and I wouldn’t recommend walking too far north or east from this particular street late at night.) The restoration work and new projects transforming the area are exciting and inspiring.
Right now (summer 2005) there is much construction in the immediate vicinity, but overall the Inn is located in a terrific area--the cultural center of Detroit—and will be especially appreciated by lovers of culture and history! Within walking distance are the Detroit Institute of Arts, The Detroit Science Center, the Museum of African American History, Detroit Historical Museum, and the main branch of the Detroit Public Library. There are also a good number of nearby restaurants, bars, and activities for families. The Hard Rock Café and Comerica Park are also within a longer walk or short drive.
This place comes very highly recommended!
Aug 28th, 2005, 06:53 PM
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Couldn't help but here of your upcoming trip. I know of a beautiful executive custom home that is in Windsor, only 20 minutes for the border. It has granite countertops throughout and has 4 bedrooms. Jacuzzi tub to unwind in the master ensuite would complete your stay. Having lived on both sides of the border, my advice is safety first. Windsor has its own Casino, horse races, and the best of Pizza. Catalanos is my favorite. It even has a conveniant outlet mall. For photos, etc, please e-mail me directly, [email protected]
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