Downtown Detroit might not be the first city that comes to mind when you’re thinking about a vacation destination, but one trip to the Motor City will change your mind.
I learned this firsthand – and repeated it often – as a student at the University of Michigan (when I first discovered Hotel Sonder Gabriel Richard). While there’s quite a bit to do in Ann Arbor, we’d jump in the car and head to Detroit for major concerts, fraternity formals, sports events, the Detroit Auto Show, and to cross the border into Canada.
Whether I was a starving college student or a more financially secure adult, my objective for Detroit accommodations always focused on three things – clean and comfortable, inexpensive, and centrally located.
And the Hotel Sonder Gabriel Richard – also known as the SGR – consistently offered the best of all three. Located in Downtown Detroit on Michigan Avenue, the SGR is an apartment-style hotel with 123 individually decorated guestrooms that feature kitchens with refrigerators, ovens, microwaves, coffee makers, and in-room laundry.
Located in a historic building with stunning neoclassical architecture, the SGR is close to all four regional airports. It’s also less than 10 minutes to the Ambassador Bridge, which makes for quick and fun day trips across the border to Windsor, Ontario. In fact, one of my favorite location-based trivia questions is “What is the only American city from which you travel south to get to Canada?” And the answer, of course, is Detroit!
Since Detroit has amazing eating options and the SGR is close to all of them, we never worried about not having a restaurant in the hotel. Everything from Detroit-style pizza and coney dogs to cutting-edge cuisine and international delicacies lies at your doorstep.
Kitchenette!!!
And I cannot tell you how awesome it was to have an in-room kitchenette! The first thing I do every day when I wake up is make coffee. Having it right there in the room not only is convenient, but it also saved me from walking around Detroit in my pajamas trying to find a decent cup. Plus, a stay in Detroit just about guarantees having leftovers after trying some Detroit-style pizza. So, it’s a particular slice of heaven when you can warm them up for midnight snacks.
When I’m traveling, I try to spend as little time in my hotel room as possible. After all, I didn’t come all this way to stay inside. However, it is nice to have a flat-screen TV and complimentary Wi-Fi access for the times when I want to relax or get some work done. And it’s really the little creature comforts like this that make the SGR an ideal spot for everything from an overnighter to an extended stay.
Detroit is a Walking City
The SGR does not have its own parking lot, but they do have an arrangement with a lot across the street so discounted parking is available. With so many attractions in the downtown area, you may just want to park your car once and enjoy the city on foot. If you’re looking to cover a little more ground, then the hotel’s amazing concierge services can arrange a bicycle to help you see the sights.
And the sights are numerous! In fact, staying at the SGR puts you within easy walking distance (less than one mile) of popular Detroit destinations including:
:: Sports venues like Ford Field, Comerica Park, Little Ceasars Arena, and Huntington Place (the Detroit convention center formerly known as Cobo Hall)
:: Entertainment venues like the Fox Theatre, St. Andrews Hall, MGM Grand Detroit Casino, the Detroit Opera House, the Gem Theatre, the Fillmore Detroit, and the Music Hall Center for the Performing Arts
:: Neighborhoods & outdoor venues including Greektown, Foxtown, Bricktown, Hart Plaza, the Detroit Riverwalk, and the Joe Louis “Fist” memorial statue
My Score: Two Thumbs Up
The SGR is comfortable, affordable, and convenient! When I visit the Motor City, it’s definitely my go-to hotel for a great time. I only have two hands, so I’m giving it TWO THUMBS UP!