Going to the Joe: Detroit Hotels Help, Please!
Nov 1st, 2007, 06:03 PM
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Going to the Joe: Detroit Hotels Help, Please!
I am just beginning to plan a trip to Detroit in January (I know, BRRR!) to see the Redwings play at the Joe. I know nothing about the city, so please tell me, which part of town should we stay in, and which hotels would you recommend? We like medium-sized boutique hotels, ideally. Normally we're hearty walkers, but because it will be so cold, should we plan to rent a car to do some sightseeing? Should we even try to stay near the Joe, or would another neighborhood be nicer? Thanks for any light you can shed!
Nov 1st, 2007, 06:37 PM
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How long will you be in the city? By far the biggest attraction is The Henry Ford, an indoor/outdoor museum complex. The outdoor portion closes for winter, but the indoor museum is open 9:30 to 5:30 daily.
In addition to decorative arts, machinery and household implements, the centerpiece of their collection is transportation collection which includes all the Presidential limos.
The Henry Ford is in Dearborn, about midway between downtown and the airport. There are several hotels nearby ranging from the Ritz to the Red Roof.
If you want a boutique-type hotel, try the Dearborn Inn Marriott. It's a historic hotel built in 1929. Behind the main building are replicas of famous Americans' houses that are divided into suites.
If you opt for downtown, there's a new Sheraton that's only a couple blocks from the Joe. The other choices are the Marriott, the Courtyard or the Hilton Garden Inn.
Unfortunately, there isn't much along the lines of public transit in the area so you'll need a car.
For other things to see, you can go to the Motown Museum in the original recording studio or head to one of the auto barons' estates. Meadowbrook Hall is about 20 miles north of the city in Rochester or the Edsel Ford Estate which is in Grosse Pointe about 9 miles east of downtown.
The Institute of Arts is known for its murals by Diego Rivera. They're completing a major renovation now and will reopen at the end of November.
If you'll be in Detroit between Jan 19 and 27, you could go to the auto show. It's at Cobo Center next to Joe Louis and is one of the premier industry events.
In addition to decorative arts, machinery and household implements, the centerpiece of their collection is transportation collection which includes all the Presidential limos.
The Henry Ford is in Dearborn, about midway between downtown and the airport. There are several hotels nearby ranging from the Ritz to the Red Roof.
If you want a boutique-type hotel, try the Dearborn Inn Marriott. It's a historic hotel built in 1929. Behind the main building are replicas of famous Americans' houses that are divided into suites.
If you opt for downtown, there's a new Sheraton that's only a couple blocks from the Joe. The other choices are the Marriott, the Courtyard or the Hilton Garden Inn.
Unfortunately, there isn't much along the lines of public transit in the area so you'll need a car.
For other things to see, you can go to the Motown Museum in the original recording studio or head to one of the auto barons' estates. Meadowbrook Hall is about 20 miles north of the city in Rochester or the Edsel Ford Estate which is in Grosse Pointe about 9 miles east of downtown.
The Institute of Arts is known for its murals by Diego Rivera. They're completing a major renovation now and will reopen at the end of November.
If you'll be in Detroit between Jan 19 and 27, you could go to the auto show. It's at Cobo Center next to Joe Louis and is one of the premier industry events.
Nov 1st, 2007, 06:42 PM
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I forgot about the New MGM hotel and casino on the west edge of downtown. The Motor City hotel will open at the end of November adjacent to that casino and the Atheneum Hotel is conected to the Greektown Casino.
Nov 1st, 2007, 07:29 PM
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Thanks for the quick replies! I think we're looking at the week before the auto show-too bad, that would have been fun. So you're saying we should base ourselves in Dearborn--how far from downtown is Dearborn? Is there a good restaurant scene there?
Nov 1st, 2007, 08:04 PM
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Either downtown or Dearborn would be fine depending on what else you want to do. Dearborn is about 8-10 miles west of downtown.
If you stay downtown, there are plenty of restaurants in Greektown and Bricktown, the Hockeytown Cafe or Roma Cafe, which has been on the same corner since about 1890. Most of the downtown restaurants have shuttles to and from games so, you'd only need to park once.
Dearborn has a great selection of Arabic restaurants. Other options around there would include Guilio's in the Hyatt or Buddy's Pizza.
If you stay downtown, there are plenty of restaurants in Greektown and Bricktown, the Hockeytown Cafe or Roma Cafe, which has been on the same corner since about 1890. Most of the downtown restaurants have shuttles to and from games so, you'd only need to park once.
Dearborn has a great selection of Arabic restaurants. Other options around there would include Guilio's in the Hyatt or Buddy's Pizza.
Nov 1st, 2007, 08:10 PM
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First of all, what part of January? You may have problems getting a hotel during the first two weeks since the auto show is going on then.
Detroit is still trying to make a comeback. There really isn't much to do around the Joe except bars (I think the MGM and Motor City casino will both be open by then)- and this is the "Motor City," so we don't have a ton of public transportation. Even cabs can be pretty hard to come by, so you will need to rent a car.
The Townsend in Birmingham may be close to what you're looking for. It is expensive. Birmingham is about 25-30 minutes from the Joe.
I posted a book on the Cranbrook thread about how the city is laid out.
What sights do you want to see?
Detroit is still trying to make a comeback. There really isn't much to do around the Joe except bars (I think the MGM and Motor City casino will both be open by then)- and this is the "Motor City," so we don't have a ton of public transportation. Even cabs can be pretty hard to come by, so you will need to rent a car.
The Townsend in Birmingham may be close to what you're looking for. It is expensive. Birmingham is about 25-30 minutes from the Joe.
I posted a book on the Cranbrook thread about how the city is laid out.
What sights do you want to see?
Nov 1st, 2007, 08:16 PM
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Well, so far I know we'll want to see Greenfield Village, the Henry Ford Museum (these are not the same thing, right?), maybe tour the Rouge plant, maybe tour some of the auto barons' houses (got that idea from another thread here!), eat in Greektown (yes?)...
Is it possible to tour the Joe, behind-the-scenes, does anyone know?
I'm open to suggestions; we'll have two full days plus two halves.
Is it possible to tour the Joe, behind-the-scenes, does anyone know?
I'm open to suggestions; we'll have two full days plus two halves.
Nov 2nd, 2007, 05:36 AM
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No advice to offer ... but just wanted to say Have fun at the Joe!!!! Even during non playoff games the atmosphere is awesome! There's nothing quite like seeing the Wings in action!!! 
Signed,
Jealous.
Signed,
Jealous.
Nov 2nd, 2007, 06:36 AM
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Yes, Greenfield Village and the Henry Ford Museum are different parts of the larger complex known as The Henry Ford. You won't be able to visit the village as it closes for the season January 1-April 14.
I forgot about press week before the public auto show. It's the busiest time for hotels in the area, so start planning as soon as you can.
Not sure where you're coming from, but you could also take a trip "south of the border" to Canada. There are some great Italian restaurants and the casino. It's not as much of a bargain as it used to be since the exchange rate flipped, but fun to be able to eat lunch in a foreign country and be home for dinner.
I forgot about press week before the public auto show. It's the busiest time for hotels in the area, so start planning as soon as you can.
Not sure where you're coming from, but you could also take a trip "south of the border" to Canada. There are some great Italian restaurants and the casino. It's not as much of a bargain as it used to be since the exchange rate flipped, but fun to be able to eat lunch in a foreign country and be home for dinner.
Nov 2nd, 2007, 07:09 AM
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Hi NewBE -
You might want to consider going to the Fisher Theather when you're in town. They have a new Andrew Lloyd Weber musical playing in January. I would also encourage you to go to the Detroit Institute of Arts - it is one of the 5 best art museums in North America. (During the 20's and 30's all of the auto barons went on Grand Tours of Europe and bought all of the art work they could lay their hands on.)
I can't suggest that you stay in Birmingham; it is 20 miles from Downtown Detroit, and generally extremely expensive. You might want to consider the Detroit Marriot at the Ren Cen - spectacular views of the Detroit River from this high-rise hotel. Also, plenty of places to eat there. The Milner Hotel is an older hotel downtown (near Comerica Park) but highly rated. If you want lodging that is a bit different, try the "Inn on Ferry Street". This Inn (near the Art Museum) consists of 6 historic houses and carriage houses that have been totally refurbished in the last few years and operate as a B and B (they have a web site).
If you stay downtown you are only 5 minutes from downtown Windsor, Canada, which would make for an interesting side trip.
You might want to consider going to the Fisher Theather when you're in town. They have a new Andrew Lloyd Weber musical playing in January. I would also encourage you to go to the Detroit Institute of Arts - it is one of the 5 best art museums in North America. (During the 20's and 30's all of the auto barons went on Grand Tours of Europe and bought all of the art work they could lay their hands on.)
I can't suggest that you stay in Birmingham; it is 20 miles from Downtown Detroit, and generally extremely expensive. You might want to consider the Detroit Marriot at the Ren Cen - spectacular views of the Detroit River from this high-rise hotel. Also, plenty of places to eat there. The Milner Hotel is an older hotel downtown (near Comerica Park) but highly rated. If you want lodging that is a bit different, try the "Inn on Ferry Street". This Inn (near the Art Museum) consists of 6 historic houses and carriage houses that have been totally refurbished in the last few years and operate as a B and B (they have a web site).
If you stay downtown you are only 5 minutes from downtown Windsor, Canada, which would make for an interesting side trip.
Nov 2nd, 2007, 08:15 AM
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NewbE,
Greenfield Village and the Henry Ford Museum are all part of the same complex. The Ford Rouge factory tour also departs from there - I've been; it's very interesting. The Village closes for the season on Dec. 31 so you will be out of luck on that portion. You could easily spend the 9:30-5:00 open hours at the museum itself one day and then dine in Dearborn. I LOVE the Dearborn Inn (I live about 20 min away but have stayed there twice). The Sunday brunch in the Early American Room is wonderful, albeit pricey. There is some very good middle eastern food available at various places in Dearborn. Henry and Clara Ford's home (auto baron) is in Dearborn also and open for tours. You could easily stay downtown Detroit at one of hotels mentioned earlier and drive over to Dearborn for the day. If you stayed at the Townsend in Birmingham, you might like Cranbrook for a day. For something a little different, you could visit the Pewabic Pottery Museum/Gallery (http://www.pewabic.org/) to see their Arts and Crafts style tile. Pewabic is only 3 or 4 miles from the Joe. I also agree to eat in Greektown.
As others have said, you will need a car. The public transportation situation is about nil.
Greenfield Village and the Henry Ford Museum are all part of the same complex. The Ford Rouge factory tour also departs from there - I've been; it's very interesting. The Village closes for the season on Dec. 31 so you will be out of luck on that portion. You could easily spend the 9:30-5:00 open hours at the museum itself one day and then dine in Dearborn. I LOVE the Dearborn Inn (I live about 20 min away but have stayed there twice). The Sunday brunch in the Early American Room is wonderful, albeit pricey. There is some very good middle eastern food available at various places in Dearborn. Henry and Clara Ford's home (auto baron) is in Dearborn also and open for tours. You could easily stay downtown Detroit at one of hotels mentioned earlier and drive over to Dearborn for the day. If you stayed at the Townsend in Birmingham, you might like Cranbrook for a day. For something a little different, you could visit the Pewabic Pottery Museum/Gallery (http://www.pewabic.org/) to see their Arts and Crafts style tile. Pewabic is only 3 or 4 miles from the Joe. I also agree to eat in Greektown.
As others have said, you will need a car. The public transportation situation is about nil.
Nov 5th, 2007, 05:38 AM
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Bring your passports and head to Canada for a bit. You can even stay at the casino over there if you'd like. They have amazing Italian food all along Erie Street. The view from that side of Detroit is wonderful.
And another great food treat is Mexican Town in Detroit. It is right around the Ambassador Bridge. Excellent, cheap, Mexican food. And the new Asian Village is open by the RenCen.
For a fun time, ride the Old Shalleleigh (sp) bus from their bar in Greektown to the game and back. If the wings win you might convince them to do a victory lap which takes you the wrong way around an intersection.
And Sloe's bbq is wonderful bbq, but packed. Nemo's famous sports bar has a bus to the game too. They let you bring your beers on the bus!
And you should check to see if the river boat is running.
http://www.detroitprincess.com/
Go Wings!!!
And another great food treat is Mexican Town in Detroit. It is right around the Ambassador Bridge. Excellent, cheap, Mexican food. And the new Asian Village is open by the RenCen.
For a fun time, ride the Old Shalleleigh (sp) bus from their bar in Greektown to the game and back. If the wings win you might convince them to do a victory lap which takes you the wrong way around an intersection.
And Sloe's bbq is wonderful bbq, but packed. Nemo's famous sports bar has a bus to the game too. They let you bring your beers on the bus!
And you should check to see if the river boat is running.
http://www.detroitprincess.com/
Go Wings!!!
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