Shinola Hotel is the stay that best captures the new downtown Detroit. It occupies restored historic buildings at 1400 Woodward Avenue, in the old shopping district a short walk north of Campus Martius, and it was developed by Bedrock, the real estate company behind much of the downtown revival, with Shinola, the Detroit watch, bicycle and leather goods brand founded in 2011. It is the first Shinola Hotel, and it carries the brand's taste for well-made, American-built design: 129 rooms and suites with warm wood, local art and Shinola details, plus penthouse suites and bespoke layouts for longer or larger stays. The hotel holds a MICHELIN One Key badge. Downstairs, San Morello serves Italian cooking, and in-room dining is available; Parker's Alley, a lane of independent shops, runs beside the hotel, and guests can borrow items through the Shinola lending program. The hotel's art collection is worth a slow look in the public spaces. It is pet friendly.
Location and getting around: Woodward Avenue is downtown's main street, and from here almost everything is walkable. Campus Martius, the Guardian Building, the Museum of Illusions and the theaters around Grand Circus Park are a few minutes away on foot, and the QLine streetcar along Woodward takes you to the Detroit Institute of Arts and the Motown Museum area in New Center. The People Mover and the RiverWalk are a short walk south. For The Henry Ford in Dearborn you will need a car or rideshare.
The rooms: rooms range from standard kings and queens to suites and two named penthouse suites, the Runwell and the Bedrock. Rooms facing Woodward have the city view and more street life; ask for a higher floor or a courtyard-facing room if you are a light sleeper. Design lovers will enjoy the details, from the furniture to the bath products.
Who it suits and what to know: couples, design-minded travelers and anyone celebrating will love it; families can make it work with suites, and pets are welcome. Rates sit at the top of the downtown market. Parking is by valet, as at most downtown hotels, so check the cost when you book, and reserve San Morello ahead at weekends. Book directly or through the Expedia link for the best room choice.
Why stay here
- ✓129 rooms, suites and penthouses
- ✓San Morello Italian restaurant
- ✓In-room dining
- ✓Pet friendly
- ✓Shinola lending program
- ✓Hotel art collection
- ✓Parker Alley shops next door
- ✓Walk to Campus Martius and the QLine
Good questions
Where is the Shinola Hotel?+
At 1400 Woodward Avenue in downtown Detroit, a short walk north of Campus Martius Park. The QLine streetcar runs past the door along Woodward.
How many rooms does the Shinola Hotel have?+
It has 129 rooms, including suites and penthouses. It is a boutique hotel, so it feels intimate.
Is the Shinola Hotel pet friendly?+
Yes, the hotel welcomes pets. Check the current pet policy and fee when you book.
