How to Make the Most of Your Detroit Layover

Have a layover in Detroit? Not to worry. Detroit Metro Airport has plenty of restaurants and shops to keep you occupied. In fact, USA Today  readers ranked the airport as the third best for shopping. And a study by J.D. Power put Detroit Metro Airport as the ninth best in North America for overall customer satisfaction.

With over 100 shops and restaurants between two main terminals, Detroit Metro Airport offers a wide range of customer conveniences and amenities for anyone with some time to spend. You can easily take the extra-wide moving walkways or shuttles to get to your choice destination. Or stay put and take advantage of the complimentary Wi-Fi.

Whether you have an hour or a full day to spend at Detroit Metro Airport, here’s how to make the most of your layover.

Dine at a variety restaurants

Grab a quick bite or sit down for a leisurely, upscale dining experience at Detroit Metro Airport’s restaurants and eateries.

If you’re in McNamara Terminal, you can find your table at Andiamo, Bigalora Cucina, Longhorn Steakhouse or Mezza Mediterranean Grille. You can also pour a drink at Cat Cora’s Taproom or get your caffeine fix at Starbucks, Tim Horton’s or Harvest & Grounds.

Over in North Terminal, satisfy your hunger at Champps Restaurant & Bar, National Coney Island or Le Petit Bistro. You might even catch a sports game with some fellow fans at Hockeytown Cafe or Legends Bar.

Enjoy some retail therapy

In just the past few years, Detroit Metro Airport completed a major retail store upgrade, bringing a variety of new shops to the transportation hub. Visitors can enjoy some retail therapy, buy gifts for family and friends or treat themselves to a new purchase.

McNamara Terminal, for example, has specialty jewelry stores and designer apparel shops. Buy a nice suit for your event or business meeting at Brooks Brothers or stock up on new lotions and bath products at L’Occitane. Detroit Metro Airport even hosts the award-winning Estée Lauder Beauty Boutique, where you can grab some new beauty products and makeup advice before your next flight.

Relax with a spa experience

Weary from traveling and need some down time? Detroit Metro Airport has the perfect solution: The Be Relax spa at Gate A18 and A46. Enjoy a massage, facial, manicure, pedicure, steam room and shower right from your terminal. And when you’re done, cool down with a drink from the juice bar.

As travel writer Michael Patrick Shiels wrote for Lansing State Journal, “My flight delay time was very productive and efficient because in the next 90-minutes I got a haircut, a pedicure and a 45-minute, full body table massage in a quiet, peaceful, all-white room overlooking the Delta jets on the tarmac!”

That’s not a bad way to wait for a flight.

Kick back at the Westin Hotel

For those with more time on their hands, simply book a room at the Westin Hotel, which is attached to McNamara Terminal. You can either stay overnight or take advantage of the hotel’s same-day arrival and departure packages.

Enjoy their business center, indoor heated pool and hot tub, and cozy lounge and restaurant. You can also blow off some steam at the Westin’s 24-hour fitness center or book a spa experience in the comfort of your own hotel room. Once you’re ready to make your flight, just jump on the hotel’s airport shuttle and head over to your gate.

Layovers can be a pain, but at Detroit Metro Airport, you have a variety of ways to make the most of your time. With a range of shops, restaurants and amenities to choose from, you can even turn your few hours into an enjoyable experience so you’re refreshed and ready for your next flight.