In the world of business travel, finding ways to weave sightseeing in between meetings, workshops, and client dinners can be challenging. However, in Detroit, anything is possible. You can have the ultimate bleisure experience by adding a little strategy to your free time. For example, there are tour opportunities and experiences packages that may be connected to your hotel and accept day of reservations. Whether you’ve already booked your hotel or looking for the best part of downtown to be near your meeting venues, it’s easy to tailor your visit around your needs and still have an authentic Detroit experience. While a bleisure experience can be found in any part of the metro area, this guide will focus on the different parts of downtown Detroit. This guide pulls together a fusion of business, wellness, fun, easy exploration around your headquarter hotel. 

Now, about finding that balance…

For a conference at Huntington Place…

One of the greatest advantages of your headquarter hotel being located in the same area as the convention center is that you have 24hr. access to a four-mile long riverfront with views of Canada, a one way bike path to Atwater Brewery, an entrance to the Dequindre Cut, and an easy path to the popular Belle Isle.   

SAMPLE BLEISURE ITINERARY:

•  Start the day by clearing your mind and getting the blood flowing by taking a walk or run along the river front. 

•  Get ready for the day at your hotel and then hop on the People Mover or walk over to Huntington Place. 

•  After a day of meetings, head to the Apparatus Room at the Detroit Foundation Hotel with colleagues or clients to grab drinks for happy hour and decide on the next stop. 

•  Walk three blocks to Woodward Ave. and tour the esplanade as you make your way to Campus Martius. 

•  Hop on the QLine and head towards the district and where you can grab dinner at any one of the several restaurants lining the streets, and then catch a game or show after. 

BEST KEPT BLEISURE GEMS:

•  City Institute – have a 2-4hr block of free time? Grab a Mogo bike or scooter and make your way to City Institute for a tour of the city that will give you a whole new understanding and appreciation of Detroit.

•  The Detroit Club – one of Detroit’s best kept secrets as perfect place for a business lunch that sets a truly sophisticated, yet authentic vibe. 

•  DoubleTree Suites by Hilton – Detroit Downtown – warm chocolate chip cookies and a free shuttle that takes you anywhere within a 3 mile radius of the hotel!  Say less.

For business meetings, hosting clients or co-working space…

The city center area is where you can truly feel the energy of Detroit’s hardworking spirit and creative expression, within a three to five block radius. No matter what part of the city center your hotel is in, you will have easy access to some of the best food around, a wide variety of entertainment venues and pop-up activations. Campus Martius, Cadillac Square, the Alley’s (Parker’s Alley and the Belt), Greektown, the three major arenas are all places that you must see and can easily fit into your schedule.   

SAMPLE BLEISURE ITINERARY:

• Start the morning with a yoga class at Citizen Yoga or with a workout at Detroit Vibe Ride. 

• Get ready at your hotel and meet your coworkers for coffee at The Siren Café inside the Siren Hotel. 

• See industry expert keynote speakers, attend company retreats, or professional development sessions at the Aloft Hotel or catch up with colleagues or clients at the Monarch Club on the roof of the Element Hotel. 

• Walk two blocks to meet up with your colleagues or clients for a delicious business lunch at Downtown Louie’s Lounge. Then walk off the parmesan fries with a quick stroll around Capitol Park on your way to your next destination.  

• Now that work is done, time for fun. Start the evening with wine tasting at House of Pure Vin or try one of delicious cocktails and appetizers at Wright & Co. 

• Make your way to dinner and dancing at Vicente’s after checking out the Belt and Parker’s Alley to take in some the bold arts scene, local boutique retailers and more.  

• Keep the night going and head to Greektown Casino Hotel to try your hand at a game of blackjack or catch a game before calling it a night and heading back to your hotel.

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BEST KEPT BLEISURE GEMS:

• Handle Bar Detroit – see the downtown area while enjoying local craft beers, making new friends and stops along the way. Don’t forget to collect your Detroit Brew Trail stamp while you’re at it! 

• The Shinola Hotel Living Room – For an elevated way to start your night, close that deal or host that VIP client, the Shinola Hotel Living Room is the perfect place to impress and is filled with conversation starting, curated art throughout the space. 

• Cadillac Square – Bedrock Detroit activates the space with seasonal popups and activations open to the public, year round. 

For a conference, meeting or mobile office space…

Ottava Via Charcuterie

There are endless advantages of your headquarter hotel being located in Corktown. From the casinos and concert venues, to world class spas, some of the best breweries around, great outdoor and patio dining options, 2022 James D. Beard nominees, meeting space gems and great boutique shopping are a great place to start.   

SAMPLE BLEISURE ITINERARY:

• Wake up and get moving with a morning workout at True Body Fitness, then grab a refreshing smoothie from Metaphysica Wellness Center to get the day started right. 

• Get ready at your headquarter hotel, then make your way to your first meeting or event of the day in the Corktown area. 

• Grab a bite to eat and practice your golf swing with your associates or solo at the Top Golf Swing Suite in the MGM Hotel. 

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• Finish up your day of meetings and get ready to explore the Corktown portion of the Detroit Brew Trail with stops at Batch Brewing Company and Motor City Brew Works to sample some of the local craft beer options. Don’t forget to check-in!

• Hungry? Don’t worry about trying to find a place to eat because Michigan Ave is packed with a variety of bars, James Beard nominated restaurants and hidden lounge spaces. 

• After dinner, catch a live show with more drinks and bites at McShane’s Irish Pub & Whiskey Bar before calling it a night and preparing for another day of bleisure. 

BEST KEPT BLEISURE GEMS:

• Two James Spirits – A Detroit bred spirits brand with an unique bar, offering tastings of some of their originals and house curated cocktails.

• Ottava Via – Exclusive atmosphere with relaxing outdoor spaces and delicious rustic Italian food.

• UFO Lounge – great hidden rooftop to enjoy good music and grab a drink solo or with colleagues. 

For keynotes, educational seminars, or development workshops… 

Photo by TBD Magazine

Some of the greatest advantages of your headquarter hotel being in the midtown and new center area is that you are in the hub of innovation, creative movements,  tech town, music themed bnb’s, cultural institutions, meeting spaces, parks, shopping and historical sites.   

SAMPLE BLEISURE ITINERARY:

• Start the day with a relaxing stroll through the midtown area and take in the sights and new development happening on each street. Need a Detroit inspired playlist for along the way?

• Attend meetings or host your own at any of the unique and distinct meeting venues in the area such as the Whitney, MOCAD or even a restaurant with private dining spaces. 

• During your meeting break time, grab a quick bite and duck into one of the many outdoor parks perfect for peace and quiet in open natural spaces and some great people watching. 

• Get a deeper understanding of some of the music genres that were born in Detroit and stop by the Motown Museum or the only underground techno museum, both can be found in the new center area. 

• Grab dinner and drinks at Selden Standard, which features a seasonal menu year round. Then walk across the street to the Willis Show Bar for live entertainment ranging from local bands, burlesque shows, and special themed nights like, ‘Aretha Franklin – Birthday Tribute’ night. 

BEST KEPT BLEISURE GEMS:

• Detroit Institute of Arts – Grab lunch at one of the restaurants in one of the top museums in the country and explore some of the famous Diego Rivera originals. Also, a great space for a business meeting or quick lunch.

• Marble Bar – A local staple and popular spot to hear great music, meet local Detroiters and let your hair down in an incredibly funky bar. 

• Wayne State University – Great grounds for exercising, holding meetings, or finding a fun or quiet place to answer emails between client meetings. Check out the McGregor Memorial Conference Center for some artistic and architectural inspiration.

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