Checking In: 5 New and Upcoming Detroit Hotels

When it’s time to book your trip to Detroit — be it for business or pleasure — finding the right hotel can often be the most important part of your planning process.

The good news is that metro Detroit is currently home to about 36,000 available hotel rooms, with 5,000 of those located downtown. Notable establishments like the Detroit Marriott at the Renaissance Center (book now) and the Aloft Detroit at the David Whitney (book now) have already made their mark on this city, attracting thousands of visitors each year. But there are also new and upcoming hotels that are just emerging in the area.

They each provide unique amenities and experiences for your next trip to Detroit.

Here’s a closer look at five of them.

Hotels to Watch

The Foundation Hotel

The Foundation Hotel (book now) in downtown Detroit is located in the former Detroit Fire Department headquarters across from the bustling Huntington Place. It opened in May 2017, offering 100 hotel rooms, an on-site restaurant with a Michelin-star chef, fitness center, and live art and entertainment in The Foundation Studio. The building also combines the historical architecture of the 1920s with a modern design that’s sure to attract young and artistic guests.

“It’s an incredible time in Detroit and we’re excited and honored that Foundation Hotel will have the opportunity to play a role in the city’s story,” said Mario Triccoci, co-founder and CEO of Aparium Hotel Group. “In creating this hotel, we are collaborating with local makers, artists and innovators to introduce a true Detroit experience for both locals and visitors.”

Shinola Hotel

The Shinola Hotel on Woodward Avenue is set to open in fall 2018. The 60,000 square foot space will be comprised of 130 rooms, as well as retail and restaurant spaces along the avenue. As a result, the entire block will transform into an even more enjoyable and inviting destination for Detroit visitors.

The hotel will also feature Detroit-inspired design from Gachot Studios and Kraemer Design Group, along with a food and beverage initiative from New York-based NoHo Hospitality Group.

Element Detroit

Built in 1925, the Metropolitan Building has been vacant for 40 years, and now it’s finally being redeveloped. The historic, neo-gothic site will reopen in July 2018 as a 110-room hotel geared toward guests with extended stays. The establishment will feature 2,000 square feet of meeting space on the second floor mezzanine, 7,000 square feet of retail space and a rooftop bar.

“The new Element will help meet demand for high-caliber extended stay lodging in downtown Detroit, as well as address the growing demand for business and leisure travel to downtown, particularly given its close proximity to the city’s top entertainment attractions,” said David Di Rita, a partner with the Roxbury Group. “With its historic appeal, smart design and diverse offerings, Element Detroit at the Metropolitan Building will serve an important role in the growth of the city and in our ongoing drive to preserve the City’s architectural gems.”

The Siren Hotel

In November 2017, The Siren Hotel will open in Detroit’s Wurlitzer Building, which has been around since 1926. The new business will offer over 100 rooms, as well as two retail shops, seven food and beverage spaces, and a rooftop deck.

For example, the new hotel will feature a tasting counter called Albena, a Candy Bar cocktail stop, and a Populace Coffee Bar.

El Moore Lodge

The El Moore Lodge (book now) is seated in the historic Cass Corridor of Midtown Detroit, a renovation of the historical 1898 El Moore building. Having opened in January 2016, the hotel is comprised of several apartments and 11 hotel rooms. In the common parlor area, residents and guests can meet over free coffee and breakfast in the morning.

The building also promoted sustainable urban living with solar panels, holding tanks for rainwater, and insulated walls to eliminate drafts.