Lodging near Detroit
 

I'm planning a weekend trip to the Ann Arbor Street Fair, and a visit to Cranbrook. Any recommendations on places to stay?

Thanks.

If you were not aware, the Ann Arbor art fairs are only open till 5 (I think) on Saturday and are not open on Sunday. So if you are just in the area for the 2-day weekend you'll only have whatever time you're here on Saturday for the art fairs. They're huge. You could walk through them all in one day, but if you go slowly and really like to peruse the booths, you'll never make it in a day.

If you want to stay in Ann Arbor you have lots of choices of hotels - downtown and further from town. Also, lots of great restaurant suggestions. But it may be more expensive art fair week.

What is your budget, and do you have a preference for staying in Ann Arbor, nearer Cranbrook or in between? When will you be at Cranbrook, and do you have specific activities in mind there?

We're going to the Ann Arbor fair on Friday, and now it looks like we'd like to make it to Cranbrook Friday evening, so I guess we'd prefer to stay someplace closer to Cranbrook.

Probably won't want to spend more than $150 or so for the hotel room. I was hoping to find a place with an outdoor pool, but that's looking bleak. Any thoughts on the Hamilton Hotel or the Hotel Baronette? We tend to like boutique hotels also.

Restaurant suggestions are also appreciated.

Thanks so much!

The two hotels you mentioned are both decent but basic. Check out the Townsend Hotel. It may be out of your budget, but it's a fabulous hotel right in downtown Birmingham.

I used to plan the gardens at the Cranbrook house. The gardens are magnificent and planned and maintained by a volunteer auxillary. The sculpture throughout the extensive grounds is primarily Milles, who lived there for a while along with Saarinen and other scandanavian artists and architects.

The art museum is wonderful as well. There is nothing there at night however unless they have a play in the outdoor theatre in the round. Not sure if they do that anymore.

The Townsend is very expensive. There is the Kingsley Inn which is very close to Cranbrook but I don't know much about it these days. LMF

If I had the choice while going to Cranbrook, I would stay in Birmingham (there are several hotels there) and lots of shops and restaurants. Close to Cranbrook too. If you want more economic places to stay, I have stayed at the Hilton Suites in Auburn Hills and liked it and know others who have stayed at the Marriott and Courtyard by Marriot in Pontiac and they liked that. You just drive straight down Opdyke Rd to Bloomfield Hills and Birmingham - not far at all. There are also hotels which are more reasonable on the other side of Bloomfield and Birmingham in Farmington and Novi but they are farther away. Have a good trip.

Thanks to everyone for the replies.

We were thinking of heading to Cranbrook for a Friday evening concert, and I understand that the house and museum are open that evening for tours.

LilMsFoodie, planning the gardens at Cranbrook sounds incredible. I'm so excited about seeing the gardens and the house.

I think maybe we are planning too much for Friday and will consider spending the Friday in Ann Arbor, and then visit Cranbrook on Saturday.

Birmingham sounds like a good location to stay.

Thanks again.

Syd, another option is to stay at the Westin Southfield Detroit at 1500 Town Center. This is not a boutique hotel, but is very nice and does have an indoor pool. It has very comfortable rooms with heavenly beds and baths - the kind with the bowed shower curtain rods that make for roomier showering. I've stayed at this hotel twice; the last time was about a year ago. The Westin is further from Cranbrook - about 10 miles depending on the route you take. It is a Priceline hotel; the only 4 star in Southfield, at the times I've bid. I've paid $44 and $65 + taxes/fees for the times I've stayed there. The lowest rate on the web starts at $109.

Another possibility is the Troy Marriott or the Somerset Inn. Both near Somerset Mall and a nice location. Not too far from Birmingham - maybe 15 minutes max.

I considered the Somerset Inn however saw some poor ratings on the trip advisor site. I'm currently leaning towards the Hamilton Hotel primarily because of location. Am I correct that it is within walking distance to restaurants/shopping in Birmingham? The Townsend looks wonderful, but a bit expensive, especially considering the short time we'll be there.

Hamilton Inn is an easy stoll to downtown Birmingham. I have not personally stayed there for over 24 years! but I know the location very well. It was only a couple of blocks from what became our home. I have no comment to make about the hotel other than its' prime location but I think you will love Birmingham and you will be able to sense the effect that Cranbrook and its architecture had on the town. Have a great time in my old hometown.
LMF

LMF,
Thanks. I'm so looking forward to spending some time in Cranbrook, and Birmingham. I think the Hamilton will be fine, because we're really just looking for a spot to rest our heads as we're out and about.

I appreciate everyone's help in planning this trip. If anyone has restaurant recommendations for Birmingham, I'd appreciate that as well.

I'm not sure the Hamilton has a pool, otherwise I'd agree it's a great choice - so convenient to B'ham. Let me also recommend the Courtyard Marriott in Troy, near 15 Mile/Stephenson. I've had out of town family stay there before. Pool *may* be covered, not sure. It's a little east of here but a good value.

Restaurants in B'ham? How much do you want to spend? We have the whole spectrum, from Olga's to the restaurant at the Townsend. Our favorites are the Ocean Grill, Peabody's (really good family fare at a surprisingly good price), 220, Sy Thai, Elie's (Lebanese) - all of these an easy walk from the Hamilton. Others that I have heard are very good, but haven't been to myself, are Mitchell's and Forte. A little bit outside downtown B'ham (gotta drive there) you have Sweet Lorraine's - wonderful bistro cuisine; the Big Rock Chophouse - pricey; and Fiddlehead's - interesting. The only place, really, that I would intentionally skip is Alban's, the closest restaurant to the Hamilton. Seems to have fallen downhill the last few years. There are several new highly touted eateries in town I haven't been able to get to yet - a churrascaria (sp?), Buca de Beppo, The Mint. Hope this is helpful.

Thanks for the additional info.

About restaurants, I'd like to walk from the Hamilton. Regarding price range, I think attire is probably more of the issue. We may be just packing "dress casual" for dinner. Otherwise casual or upscale doesn't really matter, just good food, no chain restaurants.