The stunning four-star Hotel David Whitney Autograph Collection has a superb location in the heart of downtown Detroit right by the Grand Circus.
The iconic Whitney building, a skyscraper, stands 83 m (272 ft) high and has been dominating the city skyline for over a hundred years since its completion in 1916. It is just one of three examples of architecture created by the renowned architectural firm of Daniel H Burnham & Co, considered one of the most important American architects of all time.
When it was built the first four floors were used for retail outlets, including clothing and jewellery stores and professionals. When the Whitney family sold the building in 1966 there were more than 300 doctors and dentists working on site. The building was listed in the National Register of Historic Places as part of the Grand Circus Park Historic Distric in 1983.
It wasn’t used again until 2014 when it opened as a hotel. It was an Aloft hotel, and when Autograph Collection purchased it in 2024, the hotel underwent an extensive refurbishment, preserving the historic interior. It looks pretty awesome and feels shiny and new.
The wow factor is the four-story lobby atrium, looking spectacular in terra cotta and marble, which allows in plenty of natural light. The wide-open lobby area with its comfy seating is a great place to meet and chill out for a while. It is hemmed by bars and restaurants. At the far end are several lifts with pretty golden doors.
Check-in is tucked away in the gorgeously cosy wood-clad Library bar, where cocktails and indeed any tipple can be supped.
Incidentally, the building is named in honour of David Whitney Jr, one of Detroit’s wealthiest and most prolific landowners. This hotel is built on his land.
Who for
Those visiting Detroit who want to stay in an iconic, beautiful hotel in a central location. There are event spaces available, particularly good for business travellers.
Accommodation
The hotel features 136 rooms clad in stylish colours of dark green, white wood panelling and dark wood floors.
Bedroom at Hotel David Whitney
They all with mod cons, huge flat screen TVs, a work area and desk and exceptionally comfortable beds. There’s ample wardrobe space, a nespresso machine. Residents also get mini libations such as Old Fashioned and Manhattan to enjoy during your stay take home as a “memento”.
Food & Drink
The cosy wood-clad Library Bar offers cocktails, wine and snacks by a relaxing crackling fire late into the night. After dark a pianist tinkers out easy-listening tunes. On sunny days you can step out of The Library Bar with a drink in hand onto the garden terrace on Washington Boulevard.
The Library bar at Hotel Whitney, Detroit
Breakfast, lunch and dinner of comfort food and some American classic dishes are served in Presley’s restaurant.
Facilities
Fully equipped gym at Hotel David Whitney, Detroit
The hotel offers a fully equipped gym, a 24-hour front desk and concierge service and great wifi throughout. Valet service is available too.
What’s Nearby?
The area around Hotel David Whitney is vibrant and exciting with plenty of eclectic shopping opportunities on Woodward Avenue. A few blocks away is Comerica Park Stadium, home of the Detroit Tigers baseball team.
Detroit’s People Mover Grand Circus station accessed from Hotel David Whitney
Probably the first thing to do is hitch a ride on the free-to-use Detroit People Mover, a bizarre elevated light railway system that runs on only one track, so it goes in just one direction. There are 13 stops including Greektown West Riverfront, and the Financial District and the whole journey takes around 10 minutes. I mention it here because you can pick one up at Grand Circus with access directly from the hotel. You can check out the entire route here.
How much? Doubles start fro $284 per night including all fees. CHECK AVAILABILITY
VERDICT:Hotel David Whitney Autograph Collection offers an opportunity to stay in Detroit’s most historic and iconic building within beautiful surroundings. Service is outstanding, and the location simply cannot be improved.
Address: One Park Ave, Detroit, MI 48226,
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