NCAA tickets in Detroit
 

Okay, I probably really screwed up here. DH and DS have tickets for the NCAA games at the end of March. It just dawned on me that I probably should have booked a room for them. Last year they had tickets for St. Louis and were able to stay with my MIL in southern Illinois. The year before they had tickets but the venue was about 20 minutes from home. So it wasn't until tonight that I realized they'd need a place to stay this year.

I'm going to check all of the inexpensive chain websites (they're not going to be spending enough time in the room to be worth an expensive place) but don't know what area is close to the venue. Can someone tell me where to look?

The games are being played at Ford Field. Is it near public transportation? Would it be better for them to stay in another area and take public transit to the games?

As you can probably tell, I'm pretty ignorant about Detroit. I would really appreciate any advice I can get!

Thank you! :)

CAPH,
Not many inexpensive places near Ford Field. They will probably wind up out in the suburbs and I don't think public transport will be of much help. A good choice for inexpensive chains in MI is Baymont Inns. There are quite a few in the Detroit area. Good luck in your search.

ST

Newbie from fodor's was just here and they stayed at the ferry inn which is downtown detroit.

The Ren Cen has a huge marriott right on the river in downtown detroit, there is also the omni and antheneum hotel is right in greektown. MGM casino just opened a brand new hotel and spa. So there are many choices, but baby, you better get with it the rooms will be booked before you know it. If you need anymore info let me know if I can help.

Theresa in Detroit.

Thanks, Suzie and Theresa!

Yep, mamaw's right, we just stayed at the Inn on Ferry Street, and I can recommend it highly. It's a 5-10 minute drive to Ford field, and the inn offers free, secure parking, plus hot cooked breakfast. But best of all, they have a free shuttle that could take your DH and DS to Ford field--yep, free.
http://www.innonferrystreet.com/

I agree with staying at the Rennaisance Center if you can.
The Hilton Garden Inn is a good location. If you have to stay outside the city, Southfield is close and easy.

When I didn't live in MI, but traveled to Detroit for work purposes I had business associates that would always want to stay in Canada for entertainment purposes. Detroit does have gambling now though if that is important. Staying is Canada is fairly easy, you do need a passport now though.

More importantly, how in the world did they get NCAA tickets three years in a row?

Thanks so much NewbE, RKogel and dmlove. I'm sorry it took me so long to respond but our internet has been down. Putting me, of course, that much farther behind on getting these reservations!

dmlove, our son always orders the tickets a year ahead. In other words, just after the tournament ends, he "applies" for the tickets for the following year.

CAP what are the dates your looking for? A friend suggested the new MGM hotel/casino for a stay. I have seen some good deals.

Detroit is a Regional site this year.

You can almost always get tickets to regionals a year in advance like her son does....Tickets to the Detroit Regionals are still available at ticketmaster.

Final Four tickets, now that's a different story....

Yep, milemarker. He's been lucky enough to just happen to be where the Final Four was being held the past two years and has gone to the free practice. But he's never even tried to get tickets.

Mamaw, the dates are 3/28-30. Thanks for that suggestion. Unfortunately, the Inn on Ferry Street, which sounded perfect, is already booked.

As I said in my OP, I'd prefer to find something inexpensive. But am willing to pay more for a place with a shuttle to Ford Field. I'm sure parking is expensive, so it would even out.

I could just kick myself for letting this go so late. But it's a lesson learned for next year!

You can also try hotels in Dearborn. It's only about 15-minutes to downtown from there and you have choices ranging from the Red Roof to the Ritz. One of my favs is the Historic Dearborn Inn, a Marriott.

If they'll be going to dinner before the game, many restaurants near downtown offer a shuttle service. They can park once and the bus will take them to Ford Field and back. I know several do it, but the only one that comes to mind immediately is Roma Cafe. I'm sure other posters can name more.

Thanks, Citylghts!

I booked them a room at the Comfort Inn Downtown at 1999 E. Jefferson. Does anyone know anything about it? We've generally had pretty good luck with Choice Hotels properties.

The website says it's a mile and a half from Ford Field. If that's right, they're thinking that should be walkable. But does anyone know whether it's a safe area to walk, possibly fairly late?

CAPH, I'm glad you found a room downtown! But re: the Inn on Ferry Street, call them for cancellations. I called the night before our morning departure, and they found us a room. They get a lot of business from the local hospital center, and it seems the visiting docs often cancel at the last minute.

Thanks, NewbE, that's good to know!

Yeah, I realized this wasn't Final Four after I posted. But early rounds are fun, too! Who do they root for?

It depends who's playing! The first year they went they were lucky enough to see that amazing Illinois/Arizona game. I think that's still the highlight of their experience. DS, who's a freshman at Wisconsin this year, would love to see them, of course. But, after the loss to Perdue on Saturday....And, even if they get in, they may not be in that regional.

Basically, he's a fanatic. So he'll be happy no matter who they see! And I'm happy 'cause it's good father/son time for them. And I'm even happier because while they're there, I'm going to NJ to visit an old friend and am hoping to finally "meet" a Fodorite whose become a friend. So it should be a good weekend for us all!

I don't know anything about the hotel.

I would only stay there if they have a shuttle to Ford Field or if you plan to drive.

You will not want to walk from there to Ford Field. In the daytime, ok (just ok). Later in the evening. No way!

Perhaps someone has a better feeling about it than I do but I would not consider it.

Thanks, RKogel!

Anyone else agree or disagree?

I disagree, I think walking to and from Ford Field a mile and a half after a big event will be fine, but I've only been to the area once and am no expert. My impression was that while some buildings were vacant and there were a couple of sketchy people about, the main streets were busy enough and well lit that we would have felt fine walking; we were driving because it was freezing cold!

Thanks, NewbE!

Tom (who grew up a few miles outside of the city) said two sober men should be ok, especially with the tournament going on, not late at night. There were a lot of qualifiers in that, huh?

One caveat though- cabs are few and far between here, so it's not like they can just catch a cab if they get uncomfortable.

Thanks, cocontom. They'll definitely be sober as DS is only 18 and DH doesn't drink at events like that! The cab thing is a good thing to know. Do you mean there won't be many/any cabs in between Ford Field and the hotel? Or not even at Ford Field? Even if they were able to walk there and take a cab back, surely it'd be cheaper and less hassle than driving and parking. A mile and a half cab ride couldn't be too expensive, could it?

But it would seem likely to me that there would be others walking after the last game of the evening. At least that's what we've found after sporting events in other cities.

Hi Caph52, I would not walk to or from Ford Field to your hotel I don't care how many people are walking after the game. My husband grew up in a suburb of Detroit and we go back there often and enjoy every trip but still don't recommend walking in that area. Have a good time!!

I would not walk to/from the hotel either. Confirm with the hotel that they have a shuttle to and from Ford Field. I would only recommend to/from Ford Field over to Greektown; it would be OK with the crowds that will probably be doing the same thing (depending on what time the games are starting/over) but not the rest of the way, especially if after business hours.

Many of the restaurants and bars in the area have free shuttles if you eat there. This would work if you changed your mind and they stayed outside of Detroit. Public transportation is not so great.

Thanks, Cali and dsgmi! Sounds like we may need to do some rethinking.

I just had a good chuckle reading the reviews on Detroit hotels on tripadvisor. Things like "filthy dump" and "I can't believe I survived the weekend!" kind of sums up the downtown hotel market.

I did come across the Milner Hotel. It sounds like an old place, but not as dumpy as all the rest and a block or two from the stadium. The price was right too, $91.

That area would be a good place to stay. There are several restaurants and family bars. The people mover (elevated monorail) is right there, but it doesn't really take people anywhere they couldn't just walk. It is more like a ride than a mode of transportation.

I'll check that out. Thank you, kelliebellie!

I'm sorry, actually it is $143 per night. The $91 was the average rate. Still not too bad.

Okay, my new favorite review quote (not from the Milner :)):

"Prostitution problem"

Stay at the Rennaisance Center Hotel or the Garden Hilton I think it is. Immediate downtown hotels.

Otherwise, find a national chain that you know - Southfield has alot of hotels. Dearborn some folks were mentioning will be good.

Both are easy to drive to. Southfield in particular.

Safety is worth the price.

I believe this Comfort Inn is downtown, isn't it?

I am a native Detroiter. I live in the suburbs, but have worked in Detroit for more than 30 years. I would not walk to your hotel from Ford Field. I just wouldn't take the chance. The area immediately around Ford Field is fine and the area around the RenCen is great, too. However, you are walking 1.5 miles and I say no.

I would recommend you stay at the Courtyard by Marriott or the Marriott in the RenCen. Greektown is good too. The new casino hotels would be fun.

Good luck!

The problem with Detroit (okay, ONE of the problems) is that there really aren't any taxis. And just a few blocks makes a HUGE difference in safety. I was peeking at the reviews of the Comfort Inn on tripadvisor and they weren't good. A sample:

"This is clearly the worst hotel I've ever stayed in. It's in a bad part of town, and it's no better inside the hotel. A coworker who was traveling with me had the wheels stolen from his rental car in the parking lot. In addition, a month after my stay someone used my credit card to purchase nearly $3000 worth of stuff at a store 7 miles from the hotel. I've stayed at a lot of different hotels across the US, Canada and a few in Europe. This is the worst hotel I've ever stayed in. I give it a "1" only because "0" isn't an option. I'll never go back."

"One of the guest's vehicle had 3 tires stolen in the 'secure' guest parking lot. Also, THREE credit card numbers were compromised from reportedly hotel staff and charged around $2000 each. This is absurd!!"

"So in my opinion do not stay at this hotel unless the alternative is sleeping in the street."

"The only reason to go to this hotel is for the location close to Ford Field. You definitely would not want to vacation here."

"Hotel was dirty, stinky, lighting in parking lot was terrible, continential breakfast was hard donuts. We stayed here cause our flight took off early the next morning and parking was included, that was the only good part was the parking. This hotel needs to be torn down. Stay somewhere else."




There were a few decent reviews, but the overwhelming response was don't stay here.

I would either do the Milner which is only a couple of blocks away, or I would definitely stay out in either Southfield or Dearborn and drive in.

Detroit has no public transportation from the suburbs to the city, so everyone drives. Therefore there is ample, safe parking, and it isn't as expensive as in other cities.

Actually there is even free parking at the Greektown Casino. You have to take your ticket into the Casino and get it validated, but you just stick it into a machine and they don't watch to see if you actually play anything. If it isn't cold, I think you could walk and walk safely from Greektown to Ford Field.

Yes, the more I think about it, you should probably find a place further out. Let me take a look and I'll get back to you.

Detroit is a hard city to plan a visit. It is quirky and not like other cities. The reliance on the automobile has made normal public transportations not available.

Southfield, about 20 minutes of freeway away

SpringHill Suites Detroit Southfield $110

Comfort Suites Southfield $84 on hotels.com & expedia

Westin Southfield great reviews and $110 on expedia


Dearborn, about 15 minutes of freeway away

Red Roof Inn $80




Airport: about 25 minutes of freeway away

Best Western Gateway International Hotel $65 on expedia and includes breakfast





I guess what I'm trying to say is that I take hotel reviews with a giant grain of salt. But in the case of Detroit, I would definitely shy away from a place with bad reviews. Because bad in Detroit can be BAD. And I'm not one of those suburbanites that never goes into the city. We go a lot and feel safe, but there are areas where you just don't linger. So in my opinion, stay out and drive in. There will be plenty of places to park both public and private for $20 or less.

Thank you so much for going to so much trouble, kelliebellie. That was definitely "above and beyond the call of duty" and I really appreciate it!

My husband and I will definitely be discussing this tonight. And I <i>will</i> be changing their reservation!

No problem Caph. I've had many many people on this board put their heart and soul into helping me plan my trips so it is the least I can do for others!

Is Warren an okay area? I'm having a heck of a time going back and forth between hotels. The Red Roof Inn you mentioned looks fine, kelliebellie. But there's a Holiday Inn in Warren that has an indoor pool for just about $5 more a night. Considering they have a day off between games, I'm sure our son would use a pool.

Or, if we're going to choose one without a pool, there's a Fairfield Inn in that area that's $20 less per night. But it seems to be farther off the interstate so probably less convenient.

It looks to me like Warren is near Southfield, which several people recommended. But I just want to be sure that it's an okay area.

Thanks again!:)

Warren is fine. Anything north of the city is going to be just fine. Really any suburb will be fine, it is just the city itself that can be bad. I did some more searching and found these:

Comfort Inn Taylor - pool and spa and good reviews, $89 for 2 beds

Hilton Garden Airport - pool and spa, good reviews, $84 for 2 beds

Greenfield Village will still be closed then, but on their off day they might want to do the Ford Factory Tour.

http://www.hfmgv.org/rouge/default.asp

And, if they are big sports fans and want to take Monday off, they should stay for Tiger's Opening Day on the 31st. It is truly a local holiday and everyone skips work and goes to party downtown. Even if you can't get game tickets, the bars and parking lots are all packed with happy baseball fans. It is definitely a highlight in Detroit.

Warren is a very decent area. Not far from there is Sterling Heights and there are some good hotels through there as well. Try Utica Area. But I too recommend the Ren Cen Marriott. The Omni is there along the Detroit River. You will be much closer to the venue.