What is the Best Area to Stay in Detroit?
By Carles Barcelo. Updated January 2026
Known as the “Motor City”, Detroit, Michigan has undergone a remarkable revival to become a bustling and culturally rich American city. Once called “The Paris of the Midwest,” Detroit is home to beautiful Art Deco architecture from the early 20th century, making it a fascinating destination for both history and design lovers.
One of the city’s top cultural highlights is the Detroit Institute of Arts, which houses one of the most significant art collections in the United States, featuring works by icons such as Matisse, Picasso, and van Gogh. For fans of contemporary art, the streets of The Belt (a creative alleyway district) showcase vibrant murals and installations.
Downtown is by far the best area to stay in Detroit, offering the most convenient access to the city’s main attractions, dining, events, and nightlife. Staying here allows you to explore much of Detroit on foot, and if walking isn’t ideal—or you’re travelling with children—the Detroit People Mover, an elevated rail system, encircles downtown and provides easy access to top spots while offering panoramic city views.
On the map, which shows the most convenient area to stay in Detroit, you can see a selection of some of the best located hotels.
Practical Information for Visiting Detroit
- Country: United States
- State: Michigan
- Currency: US Dollar ($)
- Language: English
- Best time to visit:
- May to October for milder weather and outdoor activities
- Airport: Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW), ~20-25 miles (32-40 km) southwest of downtown
- Getting around: Walkable downtown, bus services, rideshare (Uber/Lyft); People Mover circulates downtown
- Safety: Downtown and central areas are generally safe for visitors; as in any large city, take usual precautions at night
Where to Stay in Detroit: Quick Overview
- Downtown → Best overall location for first-time visitors
- Dearborn → Cultural sites & family-friendly
- Windsor → Budget option across the Canada-US border
- Southgate → Suburban comfort, easy access
- Southfield → Business hub with good connectivity
- Livonia → Suburban base with parks & amenities
- Romulus - Detroit Metro Airport → Best for airport convenience
Related destinations: Chicago, Milwaukee, Upper Peninsula Michigan
Downtown, the Best Area to Stay in Detroit
Downtown Detroit is widely recognised as the best place to stay in the city, especially for first-time visitors or those who want to explore on foot. It serves as the central hub of accommodation options, dining, shopping, cultural venues, sports arenas, and waterfront park space.
If walking through the city isn’t your preference, the Detroit People Mover is a handy elevated rail system that circles the downtown district, offering both transport convenience and a scenic view of the city grid.
Sports enthusiasts will enjoy the close proximity to Ford Field (home of the NFL’s Detroit Lions) and other major venues. When it comes to shopping and outdoor spaces, areas like Hart Plaza and the Detroit Riverwalk combine local boutiques, events, and riverfront views.
Downtown also includes parks and green spaces with fountains, landscaped gardens, and public art — making it a pleasant area to rest between sightseeing and activities.
Other Places to Stay in Detroit
Dearborn (9 miles / 15 km from Downtown Detroit)
Hotel Brands in Dearborn: Comfort Inn / Holiday Inn Express / Hampton Inn / Extended Stay America Suites / SpringHill Suites by Marriott
Dearborn is a great pick for visitors who want a quieter place to stay while still being close to downtown Detroit. It’s especially appealing to families and history lovers. The area is home to The Henry Ford—a major indoor-outdoor museum complex featuring historic cars, the Rosa Parks Bus, and Greenfield Village.
Dining in Dearborn is culturally diverse, with many international cuisines represented. Shopping options include Fairlane Town Center, which also hosts seasonal and family-friendly events.
Windsor (2 miles / 3 km from Downtown Detroit)
Hotel Brands in Windsor: Comfort Inn / Super 8 / Holiday Inn / Quality Inn / Hampton Inn / Caesars / DoubleTree / TownePlace Suites
Just across the river in Ontario, Canada, Windsor offers a budget-friendly alternative to staying in Detroit. Connected to Detroit via the Detroit-Windsor Tunnel and Ambassador Bridge, it provides easy access to Detroit’s attractions while typically offering more affordable hotels.
Windsor has its own attractions, including Windsor Sculpture Park, riverfront cafés and restaurants, and family spots like Adventure Bay Family Water Park.
Southgate (13 miles / 21 km from Downtown Detroit)
Hotel Brands in Southgate: Comfort Inn / Hampton Inn / Baymont Inn & Suites / La Quinta / Motel 6
Southgate is a quiet suburban community south of Detroit that offers a family-friendly atmosphere and easy access to both Detroit and nearby suburbs. The area features parks like Southgate Anderson Park and Kiwanis Park, along with shopping and dining centers.
With major highways like I-75 and I-94 nearby, commuting to downtown Detroit or other destinations is straightforward.
Southfield (15 miles / 24 km from Downtown Detroit)
Hotel Brands in Southfield: Holiday Inn Express / Hampton Inn / Comfort Inn / Courtyard by Marriott / Sonesta / Staybridge Suites
Southfield is a key business and commercial hub in the Detroit metro area, located at major highway intersections that make it easy to reach other cities and attractions. Popular with business travellers, Southfield also offers shopping districts and community amenities.
It’s a solid choice if you prefer suburban comfort with excellent connectivity to downtown Detroit and nearby destinations.
Livonia (19 miles / 31 km from Downtown Detroit)
Hotel Brands in Livonia: Holiday Inn Express / Hampton Inn / Comfort Inn / TownePlace Suites / Embassy Suites / Hyatt Place / Best Western
Livonia offers a mix of suburban relaxation and easy access to Detroit and the Detroit Metro Airport. With over 95,000 residents, it’s one of Michigan’s larger suburbs and provides parks, recreational facilities, and a growing nightlife and dining scene.
It’s a good option if you want a quieter base while exploring the wider metro area.
Romulus (Detroit Metro Airport) (20 miles / 32 km from Downtown Detroit)
Hotel Brands in Romulus: Holiday Inn Express / Hampton Inn / Comfort Inn / Extended Stay America Suites / Courtyard by Marriott / Fairfield Inn
Romulus is a practical choice for travellers who prioritise proximity to Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW). While it’s not a traditional sightseeing base, it offers a wide range of familiar hotel brands and straightforward access to both the airport and downtown Detroit.
If you’re on a short trip, early flight, or prefer convenience above all, Romulus can be a sensible place to stay.
Hotels near Detroit Metro Airport
Related Destinations
If you are planning a wider Great Lakes or Midwest trip, you may also enjoy Chicago for its iconic skyline and museums, Milwaukee for brewing culture and lakefront charm or Upper Peninsula Michigan for rugged nature.
Our recommended hotels in Detroit
Use the interactive map to navigate through our recommended hotels in DetroitNote: Hotel prices can change daily due to promotions, seasons, and demand. Our $ - $$$$ scale shows the overall cost range rather than exact prices.
