Discuss Detroit » Archives - July 2008 » My Visit to the Book Cadillac « Previous Next »
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Doma
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Username: Doma

Post Number: 14
Registered: 05-2008
Posted on Thursday, October 16, 2008 - 12:36 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

So I'm driving up Fort Street on the way back from Ohio yesterday and I see the Book Cadillac all lit up and looking pretty damn amazing. I was planning on coming down next week and checking it out but I just HAD to stop!

So I valet the car up front and head inside....I make my way to the Motor Bar and have a drink....

What an amazing hotel, if you have the time or interest to read and post on this site you owe it to yourself to go and see this place. I had very high expectations and it exceeded them by FAR. I only saw a small portion of the building but what I did manage to see was phenomenal. I'm going to go back tonight after the wings game with my friend!

By the way, the drinks were not overpriced, 7.50 for a crown royal on the rocks is hardly the 15.00 you'll pay at a small little hotel in most major cities!

There are rumors swirling around about the Ferchill group and several other buildings on Washington Blvd....something is going on!

I think this area is about to change quite a bit......GO DETROIT!!!
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Hans57
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Username: Hans57

Post Number: 341
Registered: 05-2006
Posted on Thursday, October 16, 2008 - 12:52 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Thank you for your positive post, we don't get much of that around here anymore.

I too plan on making visit, possibly Sunday?
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Downtown_dave
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Username: Downtown_dave

Post Number: 245
Registered: 07-2005
Posted on Thursday, October 16, 2008 - 1:31 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

I took it all in the second day the place was open, and Doma is right. While it will take some time to acquire a "Detroit" patina, it's definitely first class all the way.

At the time of my tour, the young guy from the hotel leading our small group mentioned that Ferchill was considering the Stott building as his next project. (But he also said the Venetian Ballroom chandeliers were made from "Milano" glass - not Murano, which they are...)

The hotel is full of modern touches - and I think the second floor check-in area, next to the Motor Bar, is definitely a nice surprise.

The "historic floor," as out guide called it, is on the fourth floor. Here you'll find the redone ballrooms.

Today, I peeked into Roast, the signature restaurant to the left of the main entrance, and workers were stepping all over each other to finish the interior (padded brown leather panels, beautiful stonework accents). On the corner of Washington and State was the "Iron Chef" himself, Michael Symon, on his cell phone. He's the guy who will be running the place.

If you haven't seen it, you are in for an amazing treat.
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Drjeff
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Username: Drjeff

Post Number: 34
Registered: 06-2007
Posted on Thursday, October 16, 2008 - 1:38 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

I may have to stop in for a drink after work tonight.
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Xd_brklyn
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Username: Xd_brklyn

Post Number: 445
Registered: 10-2003
Posted on Thursday, October 16, 2008 - 1:39 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Was there this past weekend. Took my aunts and father. They did a fine job restoring the hotel for contemporary use. When looking at buildings, inside and out, the last thing I think of are carpets, but the floor designs in the Rose and Venetian rooms are stunning. Also appreciated the glass fixtures in both rooms. Glad that this isn't another beautiful building in Detroit that we only have memories of.

Look forward to the day when Washington Blvd is fixed up and populated so you can take in an enjoyable walk at night from the Book Cadillac to Cliff Bells, an awesome jazz club. Loved it.
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Fnemecek
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Username: Fnemecek

Post Number: 2927
Registered: 12-2004
Posted on Thursday, October 16, 2008 - 3:19 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

I was there on opening day. My review of the place is over @ http://nemecek.blogspot.com/20 08/10/opening-of-westin-book-c adillac-hotel.html

I bumped into the woman who does PR for the Book Cadillac today. She seemed thrilled with what I wrote and recognized me right away.

Oh, and I also got a chance to meet Michael Symon this morning. (We were both guests on "Detroit Today" on WDET.) He seems like an amazingly cool guy. Those few minutes with him make me look forward to dining at Roast even more.
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Otter
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Username: Otter

Post Number: 313
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Posted on Thursday, October 16, 2008 - 5:30 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Frank,

When were you on DT this morning? I listen to it over the web at my desk most mornings, and I listened to a lot of today's show, but didn't hear you.
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Soulhawk
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Username: Soulhawk

Post Number: 378
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Posted on Thursday, October 16, 2008 - 6:44 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

I ate breakfast there on Sunday and it was awesome!
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Steelworker
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Username: Steelworker

Post Number: 1190
Registered: 02-2004
Posted on Thursday, October 16, 2008 - 7:03 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

whats the closest PeopleMover stop for it?
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Eric_c
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Username: Eric_c

Post Number: 1287
Registered: 11-2003
Posted on Thursday, October 16, 2008 - 7:05 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

I would be tempted to say Times Square. Grand Circus certainly wouldn't be awful, but I think Times Square is closer than either GCP or Michigan.
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Diehard
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Username: Diehard

Post Number: 610
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Posted on Thursday, October 16, 2008 - 7:25 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

First-person account here.
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Fnemecek
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Username: Fnemecek

Post Number: 2929
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Posted on Thursday, October 16, 2008 - 10:06 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

quote:

Frank,

When were you on DT this morning?


Around 11. I was on with Karen Nager from Preservation Wayne.
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Fho
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Username: Fho

Post Number: 81
Registered: 11-2003
Posted on Friday, October 17, 2008 - 2:32 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Are there any more official tours planned for the public? I was unable to attend any of the pre-opening ones. I know it's open to the public now but I don't know if one can just walk into the ballrooms etc. without being a paying guest.
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Furnitureguy
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Username: Furnitureguy

Post Number: 64
Registered: 12-2003
Posted on Friday, October 17, 2008 - 3:45 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Go to the Motor Bar tonight (fri), I hear there will be quite a few gays there, should be interesting watching them swoon over the place !!around 9:00 or so is the word??
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Eric
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Username: Eric

Post Number: 1198
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Posted on Friday, October 17, 2008 - 3:45 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

I made my visit on Tuesday and was able to walk around with no problem
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French777
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Post Number: 595
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Posted on Friday, October 17, 2008 - 8:00 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)







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French777
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Username: French777

Post Number: 596
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Posted on Friday, October 17, 2008 - 8:02 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)











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French777
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Username: French777

Post Number: 597
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Posted on Friday, October 17, 2008 - 8:03 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

The Italian Garden is the one with the 3 bright white chandeliers
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French777
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Username: French777

Post Number: 598
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Posted on Friday, October 17, 2008 - 8:39 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

I saw it light up at night and it was so COOL! to see the street more active then before!
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Gencinjay
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Username: Gencinjay

Post Number: 54
Registered: 03-2008
Posted on Friday, October 17, 2008 - 10:34 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

I'd say 6 of one half dozen of the other as far as if Michigan or Times Square is the closer People Mover stop.
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Goat
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Username: Goat

Post Number: 10446
Registered: 10-2003
Posted on Friday, October 17, 2008 - 11:16 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

What is "Detroit patina"? Shit on the sidewalk? Bums panhandling or having sex behind the building? Graffiti?
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Deandub11
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Username: Deandub11

Post Number: 286
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Posted on Friday, October 17, 2008 - 11:39 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

I stopped by the hotel bar last week and my girlfriend had a meeting at the Penobscot. She's from Baltimore, new to Michigan. She asked a woman at the Penobscot how to get to the Book Cadillac. The woman told her "you can't walk there from here. You have to walk through the bus station (Implying capitol park obviously) and you don't want to do that." (Again, obviously, you don't have to go through "the bus station")

My girlfriend said "Isn't it like a five minute walk from here."

The woman then proceeded to ask the people at the front desk of the Penobscot how to get to the Book Cadillac. The people at the front desk said, "What's that?" (Was this response for real? Am I in a dream?)

The whole story is bizarre.

On a more relevant note, the hotel was amazing, especially, in my opinion, the Venetian ballroom and the Italian Garden. I'm taking a visitor from DC back to the Motor Bar tonight to have a drink. Good times.

www.DetroitArmy.com
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Tiorted
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Username: Tiorted

Post Number: 145
Registered: 02-2006
Posted on Friday, October 17, 2008 - 11:44 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

quote:

What is "Detroit patina"? Shit on the sidewalk? Bums panhandling or having sex behind the building? Graffiti?



all of the above
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Gannon
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Username: Gannon

Post Number: 14572
Registered: 12-2003
Posted on Friday, October 17, 2008 - 12:46 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Not in THIS context, you bozos!

I'm NOT name calling, just teasing y'all.


It is a national hotel chain stuck in one of our treasured old buildings with an amazing history.

Staffed largely with out-of-towners and sub- and ex-urbanites, no doubt, it will take time for even all of THEM to get acclimated.


Although, one of the restaurant managers and I have shared drinks and some great conversation at the Park Bar, so I know they've got some true Detroiters on staff, too. Our great bartender at the Motor Lounge, too. Old School Detroit, even IF he chooses to live in Harper Woods.

Everyone I KNOW from Harper Woods is cool beyond measure...so I'm not busting his chops over where he wisely chooses to live. (Same with Ferndale, too, btw)



Nah, I took Detroit Dave's "Detroit Patina" comment to relate the morphing of the pristine corporate sparkle as it, not unlike our Spirit, gathers the unique flavor and aroma of the GOODNESS of our city.


Not the stuff you negative ninnies and nannies throw about!
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Diehard
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Username: Diehard

Post Number: 611
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Posted on Friday, October 17, 2008 - 1:28 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

I didn't get the impression that the B-C staff was a bunch of out-of-towners. Everytime I walked out the doormen were asking if we needed directions or recommendations on things to do downtown.
The Penobscot story, on the other hand is bizarre and sad.
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Cman710
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Username: Cman710

Post Number: 492
Registered: 07-2006
Posted on Friday, October 17, 2008 - 1:35 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

We should keep in mind that, especially at the beginning, it is natural that hotel's staff will be largely brought from other areas. Westin has certain systems, methods, customer service norms, that can only be instilled in a new location by employees with experience from elsewhere. Hopefully, they will gradually work in newer employees who are more local.
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Gannon
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Username: Gannon

Post Number: 14578
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Posted on Friday, October 17, 2008 - 2:51 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

OH yeah, that's what I mean, I didn't intend on anything to be derogatory in my post.

It is what they simply HAD to do...we're not exactly the bastion of high-end hotels and fully-trained staff!
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Erikd
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Username: Erikd

Post Number: 1075
Registered: 10-2003
Posted on Saturday, October 18, 2008 - 11:29 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

The closest DPM stop is the Michigan station, located one short block west, down Michigan Ave.

The Times Square station is one long block up Washington, and one short block west down Grand River.
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Detroit313
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Username: Detroit313

Post Number: 741
Registered: 02-2006
Posted on Sunday, October 19, 2008 - 1:30 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

And God said, LET THERE BE LIGHT!....

I hope Ferchill invest more in Washington BLVD.

I know it will be worth it!

<313>
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Doma
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Username: Doma

Post Number: 16
Registered: 05-2008
Posted on Sunday, October 19, 2008 - 12:22 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Just an update to my original post, I went BACK to the hotel the very next day I posted here after the Red Wings game. A young guy from the front desk took us into the ballrooms and we talked for about half an hour about the hotel and it's history. Everybody I have met on staff so far is awesome!

I see the hotel being a turning point for the neighborhood. Look for further investment in this area in the near future....

On a further note, my friend and I are going to take a vacation downtown and stay at the Book Cadillac for a few days with our girlfriends. Greektown, Casinos, Sports, Restaurants and the BC!

Detroit is (starting) to become a destination!

P.S. The Greektown Casino Hotel protruding above some of the smaller buildings is starting to really look amazing! That might be my next stay!
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Crash_nyc
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Username: Crash_nyc

Post Number: 1104
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Posted on Monday, October 20, 2008 - 2:17 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

The pics are breathtaking. I'm going to be back in the D for a visit in about 2 weeks, and I'm definitely forcing some time into my schedule to have a drink or 6 at the Book's 'Motor Bar', and explore this beautifully restored landmark.

There is much to be said for Starwood Hotels (Westin's parent company), and their faith in Detroit. It's certainly a risky move to open up a $200/night hotel in an economically depressed city, where most rooms go for considerably less. Kudos to Starwood. If their investment in Detroit pays-off in spades, their success will amplify a message to corporate America that Detroit is a city on the comeback trail.
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Eric
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Post Number: 1200
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Posted on Monday, October 20, 2008 - 11:18 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

The investment isn't as risky as some make it out to be there's nothing like the Book in Metro Detroit that can match it's historic grandeur. So I think that gives pretty comfortable niche
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Gistok
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Username: Gistok

Post Number: 7427
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Posted on Monday, October 27, 2008 - 3:20 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

I watched the hour long special on the B-C on Channel 4 Saturday night. The show really didn't do a good job of showing off the B-C, except perhaps for the exterior shots.

No architectural details were shown closeup, and the whole building looked rather monochromatic on the inside. The show just didn't do a good job of giving off a wow factor. Perhaps the predominance of white inside the building prevented that.

But I was watching it with friends who had never paid attention to the B-C, and they came away unimpressed.
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Bragaboutme
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Username: Bragaboutme

Post Number: 561
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Posted on Monday, November 03, 2008 - 10:22 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Ok, I stayed at the Book over the weekend and I have to say this is a great hotel. The room was spacious and the bathrooms are huge compared to other hotels. The service was friendly. The only problem I had was there were no vending machines on the floors, but I would think that will come later. I would say this hotel edged out the MGM for its historic legacy and it is a great add to the overall downtown revival. Everyone I talked to seemed to agree that Detroit is moving in the right direction.
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Pgn421
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Post Number: 914
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Posted on Monday, November 03, 2008 - 10:27 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Gannon- Is Neil the bartender in the Motor Lounge? If so, he used to work at Nancys. A way cool dude. We will have to stop
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Gumby
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Username: Gumby

Post Number: 1859
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Posted on Monday, November 03, 2008 - 12:47 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

I stayed this weekend as well and I agree with bragaboutme in it would have been nice if there were vending machines on the floors. But I am not used to staying at hotels that charge from 200 to 500 a night so I don't know if they usually have them. I loved the room it was a good size with a large bathroom (probably the size of the old guest rooms lol). The modern decor was a little disappointing in person but it was well done. I did not like the dark, slate gray hallways on the guest floors, they were just so damn plain. One more complaint in order to use the pool you had to call the front dest and have someone meet you there to let you in because they were having problems with the keys. Seems like they would have had that fixed by now.


All together awesome weekend downtown.
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Buckster1986
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Username: Buckster1986

Post Number: 7
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Posted on Monday, November 03, 2008 - 1:54 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

The real question is what's going on across the street at the Lafayette Building? They have city fencing with the graphic wrap that was used during Super Bowl. Keep your eye out or something going on there.
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Goat
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Post Number: 10468
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Posted on Monday, November 03, 2008 - 1:55 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Because the Lafayette is falling apart on the sidewalk.
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Kenp
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Username: Kenp

Post Number: 1268
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Posted on Monday, November 03, 2008 - 3:13 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

When I took a tour of the Hotel last year we went through a club in one of the middle floors. I dont know if it was to be a VIP room or what. I havent heard of any accounts of this. Has anyone been there yet?
I think I posted a pic of it but not sure.
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Rickinatlanta
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Username: Rickinatlanta

Post Number: 202
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Posted on Monday, November 03, 2008 - 3:19 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Neil the bartender was behind the Motor Lobby Bar when we went in the Thursday just before the big weekend Grand Opening.
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Pgn421
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Posted on Monday, November 03, 2008 - 4:22 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Rickinatlanta-thanks, i have to stop and see Neil.do you know him?
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Rickinatlanta
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Post Number: 203
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Posted on Monday, November 03, 2008 - 5:26 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

No, just met him that night my wife and I stopped to see the hotel and have a drink. Although he was pretty busy, very nice and made us feel welcome. Wine selection is good and decently priced too. :-)
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Pgn421
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Post Number: 917
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Posted on Monday, November 03, 2008 - 5:39 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Rickinatlanta- Neil used to work at Nancy Whiskeys a nice irish bar by old tiger stadium. We have to stop and see him, he is funny. lots of jokes
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Butkaeri
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Username: Butkaeri

Post Number: 9
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Posted on Saturday, November 08, 2008 - 2:42 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

A couple friends and I wanted to check out the Book Cadillac hotel tonight for the first time. We wanted to go around 10pm for dessert at either Roast or the Motor Bar.

Problem is that were not 21 yet, does anyone know if you have to be 21 to eat? I would assume not, since we're not having any drinks but you never know...

Thanks! Looking forward to tonight!
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Cmubryan
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Username: Cmubryan

Post Number: 642
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Posted on Saturday, November 08, 2008 - 4:07 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

No, I highly doubt it. Maybe after a certain time? Definitely not Roast as this is a restaurant but I doubt the Motor Bar has this restriction unless it's later into the evening.
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Magic_mushroom
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Username: Magic_mushroom

Post Number: 37
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Posted on Sunday, November 16, 2008 - 5:51 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Is the parking garage complete? If not where do guests park?
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Vivadetroit
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Username: Vivadetroit

Post Number: 115
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Posted on Sunday, November 16, 2008 - 6:14 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

yes, the parking garage is ready. My brother parked in it last weekend. It was $10 per night.
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Magic_mushroom
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Username: Magic_mushroom

Post Number: 38
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Posted on Sunday, November 16, 2008 - 6:36 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Thanks! I might be going to the D next weekend and was thinking of staying there.
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Vivadetroit
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Username: Vivadetroit

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Posted on Sunday, November 16, 2008 - 6:59 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

it's really nice there. He got a room on the 19th floor & ended up w/ a corner suite. It is a gorgeous there. The room had the Heavenly bed, two plasma flatscreens, nice views from the tub and toilet. haha. The bathroom was really nice. Their only complaint was the tub was small & that Westin could have put bigger tubs in the rooms. I will try to post my pix online soon.

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