Detroit is the perfect location for your next meeting. The city has boutique hotels, waterfront event spaces and historical sites galore to take your meeting to the next level. Check out some top picks below.
Shinola Hotel
The newest boutique hotel on the block, the Shinola Hotel was created by Detroit-based luxury retailer Shinola. Self-described as hosting “sophisticated gatherings with a touch of the unexpected,” your meeting at the Shinola Hotel will be unlike anything your attendees have seen before. Their bright, open conservatory space is something you have to see to believe. Plus, there is world-class Italian restaurant, San Morello, beer hall Brakeman, and a cocktail bar within the hotel.
Meeting space: 11,200 sq. ft. Meeting rooms: 3
Nearby hotels: Siren Hotel, Element Detroit at the Metropolitan, Aloft Detroit at the David Whitney
Element Detroit at the Metropolitan Building
The Element Detroit is a stone’s throw away from the Shinola hotel and another boutique favorite, the Siren Hotel. This historic building is perfect for small meetings - their meeting rooms are filled with floor-to-ceiling windows so you get natural light all day long. And when your meetings are done for the day, head to the roof of the hotel where you will find the magnificent Monarch Club cocktail bar with stunning views of downtown Detroit.
Meeting space: 2,800 sq. ft Meeting rooms: 3
Nearby hotels: Siren Hotel, Shinola Hotel, Aloft Detroit at the David Whitney
The Dearborn Inn, A Marriott Hotel
This gorgeous, historic hotel was built in 1931 on the grounds of the Ford Motor Company. Surrounded by lush gardens, this hotel offers flexible meeting space, and the opportunity to throw a happy hour or reception on their outdoor lawn. Plus, The Henry Ford is right across the street for when your attendees have down time.
Meeting space: 17,000 sq. ft.
Nearby hotels: Comfort Inn near Greenfield Village, Hampton Inn by Hilton Detroit Dearborn, The Henry Autograph Collection
The Inn at St. John’s
There’s nothing quite like the Inn at St. John’s in the Detroit suburb of Plymouth. With it’s regal romanesque architecture, light-filled atrium and large ballrooms, your attendees will love roaming the building and grounds of this property. The Inn is also known for their state-of-the-art, 27-hole golf course. If your attendees like to golf, then this is the meeting place for your group.
Meeting space: 42,000 sq. ft. Meeting rooms: 24
Nearby hotels: Hilton Garden Inn - Plymouth
Unique Event Spaces
Highlands Detroit
Located at the top of the GM Renaissance Center, the views at Highlands Detroit are unparalleled. Take in views of downtown Detroit and downtown Windsor from the tallest building in Detroit. Highlands Detroit consists of a fine steakhouse, cocktail bar and a smaller bistro-style restaurant on the lower level, and customizable, circular event space on top. This space would be perfect for an opening or closing reception to get your attendees talking.
Meeting Space: 6,700 sq. ft.
Nearby hotels: Detroit Marriott at the Renaissance Center, Crowne Plaza - Downtown Detroit Riverfront, Courtyard by Marriott Detroit Downtown
Detroit Institute of Arts
Detroit’s world-class art museum in Midtown provides the perfect backdrop for a sophisticated event during your meeting. From the European-inspired Kresge Court to the hall housing the Diego Rivera mural, an event at the DIA will have an artistic twist like no other.
Meeting space: 46,000 sq. ft. Meeting rooms: 15
Nearby hotels: The Inn on Ferry Street, El Moore Lodge, MotorCity Casino-Hotel
Detroit Princess Riverboat
One of the last remaining river boats around, The Detroit Princess is docked near the GM Renaissance Center and will take your attendees on a scenic ride of the Detroit river. You will pass under the Ambassador Bridge, near Belle Isle and in between two countries - how unique is that?! Plus, the boat often hosts live Motown bands, and is one of the only places in the city where you can still hear Motown music.
Meeting space: 27,000 sq. ft. Meeting rooms: 4
Nearby hotels: Detroit Marriott at the Renaissance Center, Courtyard by Marriott Detroit Downtown, Detroit Foundation Hotel, Crowne Plaza Detroit Downtown Riverfront
The Henry Ford
Perfect for the evening,The Henry Ford allows you to rent out museum space for a quirky and historical event. In their Museum Plaza, attendees can stroll beneath historic planes hanging from the ceiling.
Meeting space: 38,000 sq. ft.
Nearby hotels: Comfort Inn near Greenfield Village, Hampton Inn by Hilton Detroit Dearborn, The Henry Autograph Collection
Waterview Loft at Port Detroit
Located right on the riverfront, Waterview Loft is popular for weddings and would be perfect for a post-meeting mixer. Attendees will love the spacious, light-filled room and will have the opportunity to walk the Detroit International RiverWalk before or after. Their lower level also has outdoor patio space and a garage door to create indoor/outdoor hybrid event.
Meeting space: 9,100 sq. ft. Meeting rooms: 2
Nearby hotels: Detroit Marriott at the Renaissance Center, Crowne Plaza Detroit Downtown Riverfront, Courtyard by Marriott Detroit Downtown Riverfront
