U of Michigan-Ann Arbor hotel sticker shock
Aug 23rd, 2002, 06:39 PM
#1
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U of Michigan-Ann Arbor hotel sticker shock
I just posted a message about Ann Arbor hotels which I wanted to be routed to "Michigan," and instead in was sent to the general USA section, where it will be lost in the shuffle. This is frustrating!
My question was a lament over the overpricing of the two U-M campus hotels familiar to me: the Campus Inn and the Bell Tower. Is there a third alternative to one without a car? If not, is the Campus Inn much nicer than the Bell Tower? It's a bit more expensive.
My question was a lament over the overpricing of the two U-M campus hotels familiar to me: the Campus Inn and the Bell Tower. Is there a third alternative to one without a car? If not, is the Campus Inn much nicer than the Bell Tower? It's a bit more expensive.
Aug 24th, 2002, 04:22 AM
#4
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Bell Tower is actually a higher rated hotel, although it's smaller and has a more "European" feel to it. Campus Inn is a larger "highrise" hotel.
Cheaper alternative is to stay out in the corporate park area near the Briarwood Mall. As the above poster stated, you can than take the public bus to campus, but this is NOT nearly as much fun as being ON campus.
Also, depending upon the time of year you are going, the University has "converted dorm rooms" (most of which have private baths, you specify with or without when you make a reservation) that they rent out. The rooms are located in a section of West Quad/The Union. We stayed in one 2 years ago and it was fine, just don't expect all the services you would typically get at a hotel. Also, the rooms don't have individually controlled air conditioning (although the building is A/C controlled). This route wasn't much cheaper, but we saved a few dollars by doing so, and the location was great.
You can get info on the above by calling the Michigan Union.
Also, the Michigan League offers hotel rooms on campus.
Cheaper alternative is to stay out in the corporate park area near the Briarwood Mall. As the above poster stated, you can than take the public bus to campus, but this is NOT nearly as much fun as being ON campus.
Also, depending upon the time of year you are going, the University has "converted dorm rooms" (most of which have private baths, you specify with or without when you make a reservation) that they rent out. The rooms are located in a section of West Quad/The Union. We stayed in one 2 years ago and it was fine, just don't expect all the services you would typically get at a hotel. Also, the rooms don't have individually controlled air conditioning (although the building is A/C controlled). This route wasn't much cheaper, but we saved a few dollars by doing so, and the location was great.
You can get info on the above by calling the Michigan Union.
Also, the Michigan League offers hotel rooms on campus.
Aug 24th, 2002, 04:25 AM
#5
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Just found this link for you:
http://www.umich.edu/~info/inside.html?http://www.umich.edu/~info/hotel.html
Also, i THINK the above room in West Quad/Michigan Union was done thru Oxford Housing (which is another good source, ESPECIALLY if you are going during the summer b4 school is in session)
http://www.umich.edu/~info/inside.html?http://www.umich.edu/~info/hotel.html
Also, i THINK the above room in West Quad/Michigan Union was done thru Oxford Housing (which is another good source, ESPECIALLY if you are going during the summer b4 school is in session)
Aug 24th, 2002, 01:39 PM
#6
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Thanks to all who have replied. This is not for a football weekend but midweek. Am aware of the bus system but not interested.
Don't know in what guide 'thereyouare'found Bell Tower to be higher rated than Ccampus Inn. All I've seen, including Mobil and either Fodors or Frommers (forget which) give campus inn a higher rating. Not only that, but the 'child in charge' answering the telephone at Bell Tower was honest and indiscreet enough to tell me my room there would overlook the alley--that only suites overlooked the campus!
I have heard of an "Inn at Michigan League" on N University--rooms to rent on the top floor of a bldg there--but don't know anyone who's stayed there.
Don't know in what guide 'thereyouare'found Bell Tower to be higher rated than Ccampus Inn. All I've seen, including Mobil and either Fodors or Frommers (forget which) give campus inn a higher rating. Not only that, but the 'child in charge' answering the telephone at Bell Tower was honest and indiscreet enough to tell me my room there would overlook the alley--that only suites overlooked the campus!
I have heard of an "Inn at Michigan League" on N University--rooms to rent on the top floor of a bldg there--but don't know anyone who's stayed there.
Aug 24th, 2002, 02:33 PM
#7
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Why don't you just stop being a cheap skate for a minute and either get a nicer hotel out of the campus area, or spring for a cab/rental car. You can probably rent a car for $20/day, or cab it there and back from the Briarwood area for $15/day. Seriously,your obesession with saving a few bucks has probably forced you to spend a number of hours making pointless phone calls and/or doing research online.
Aug 24th, 2002, 02:45 PM
#8
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Logan,
I didn't rate the Bell Tower higher based upon any travel guide, it's from my knowlege (granted a few years old) of each property. Incidentally, i worked at the Campus Inn during a summer that i stayed in AA instead of coming home (and a friend of mine worked at the Bell Tower all year long).
If the guide book ratings are indeed higher for the Campus Inn i would think it has to do with the ammenities/services offered, and has nothing to do with the "classiness" of each place.
The Campus Inn is an "all out" hotel with a few hundred guest rooms (i'm guestimating), room service, pool, probable area they call a fitness center, restaurant on premises, and catering facilities. The number of employees at the hotel at any given time (including restaurants, pool, desk staff, cooks, etc) is probably 20-40.
While the Bell Tower has more of a "quaint feel" with only 60-70 rooms and although the rooms are appointed with a European flair (if you like that sort of thing) there are MUCH fewer services offered. Their award winning restaurant (VERY expensive) is French (that should tell u something right there) and has limited hours... i don't even know if room service is available when the restaurant is open. Besides the restaurant staff, maybe there will be 3 people working at any given time. There is no fitness center, business center, or any of the other amenities that have become standard at most hotel chains.
With the above said, i would chose whichever is cheaper, as they will both be fine (unless you feel you need the "amenities" of a hotel, but most anything you need will be walkable from either location). If they were both the same price, i would probably stay at the Campus Inn just because it's a little more laid back and more my style.
Be sure to stop by Zingerman's while your there!! (and order a #18, Georgia Reuben if it appeals to you)
Feel free to ask any add'l questions you may have or if you disagree with any of the above (i'll try to clarify my opinions)
I didn't rate the Bell Tower higher based upon any travel guide, it's from my knowlege (granted a few years old) of each property. Incidentally, i worked at the Campus Inn during a summer that i stayed in AA instead of coming home (and a friend of mine worked at the Bell Tower all year long).
If the guide book ratings are indeed higher for the Campus Inn i would think it has to do with the ammenities/services offered, and has nothing to do with the "classiness" of each place.
The Campus Inn is an "all out" hotel with a few hundred guest rooms (i'm guestimating), room service, pool, probable area they call a fitness center, restaurant on premises, and catering facilities. The number of employees at the hotel at any given time (including restaurants, pool, desk staff, cooks, etc) is probably 20-40.
While the Bell Tower has more of a "quaint feel" with only 60-70 rooms and although the rooms are appointed with a European flair (if you like that sort of thing) there are MUCH fewer services offered. Their award winning restaurant (VERY expensive) is French (that should tell u something right there) and has limited hours... i don't even know if room service is available when the restaurant is open. Besides the restaurant staff, maybe there will be 3 people working at any given time. There is no fitness center, business center, or any of the other amenities that have become standard at most hotel chains.
With the above said, i would chose whichever is cheaper, as they will both be fine (unless you feel you need the "amenities" of a hotel, but most anything you need will be walkable from either location). If they were both the same price, i would probably stay at the Campus Inn just because it's a little more laid back and more my style.
Be sure to stop by Zingerman's while your there!! (and order a #18, Georgia Reuben if it appeals to you)
Feel free to ask any add'l questions you may have or if you disagree with any of the above (i'll try to clarify my opinions)
Aug 25th, 2002, 10:52 AM
#9
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Thanks, thereyouare. Very helpful info. I'm a high school 'college counselor' who'll be on a busman's holiday visiting colleges where I've sent students for years. I'll have my rental car parked and plan to walk everywhere around campus.
I'll remember your restaurant recommendation. I like college hangouts, although admittedly upscale college hangouts. (Have graduated from burger/beer joints).
Sounds as if I can't go too wrong on either hotel. I actually like the ambiance you've described at the less expensive Bell Tower; was just disappointed that I won't have a campus view since I'll only be there for a couple of days. It appears that the College Inn is closer to most restaurants and night life.
If you have any followup recs, feel free to email me directly at my address.
I'll remember your restaurant recommendation. I like college hangouts, although admittedly upscale college hangouts. (Have graduated from burger/beer joints).
Sounds as if I can't go too wrong on either hotel. I actually like the ambiance you've described at the less expensive Bell Tower; was just disappointed that I won't have a campus view since I'll only be there for a couple of days. It appears that the College Inn is closer to most restaurants and night life.
If you have any followup recs, feel free to email me directly at my address.
Aug 31st, 2002, 09:53 PM
#11
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I was raised in Ann Arbor and returned for grad school. I would characterize the Campus Inn as being on the edge of the campus itself. The Bell Tower is accurately described above but truly on the campus (Angell Hall and the quad literally across the street). I've had relatives on a budget stay at the Michigan League and found it to be perfectly acceptable. It's only 2 block from the Bell Tower. If you want a more representative campus experience, I'd try the League.
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