El_jimbo Member Username: El_jimbo
Post Number: 908 Registered: 12-2006
| Posted on Wednesday, January 14, 2009 - 3:15 pm: | |
Alright all you charmers out there. I'm looking for a little help. It's been a while since my girl and I have visited so I'm planning a surprise getaway (like going to Detroit from Lansing is much of a getaway) for next month. Her favorite musical is Rent and it will be playing for one week at the DOH starring two members of the original cast. Anyway, I'm trying to decide what hotel to book. My love for all things old Detroit is pulling me towards the Book-Cadillac, but The Atheneum is rated very well and is in a convenient location for any after show activities we may end up doing in Greektown. I guess I would also consider the Motor City Casino as well, but the MGM Grand is simply out of my price range. Anyway, what are your thoughts? |
Johnlodge Member Username: Johnlodge
Post Number: 9169 Registered: 10-2003
| Posted on Wednesday, January 14, 2009 - 3:19 pm: | |
The Inns on Ferry Street are romantic, though a little bit further from downtown. http://innonferrystreet.com/05 / |
Pam Member Username: Pam
Post Number: 4853 Registered: 11-2005
| Posted on Wednesday, January 14, 2009 - 3:23 pm: | |
Located in Brush Park: http://www.theinnat97winder.co m/attractions.php |
Bobl Member Username: Bobl
Post Number: 380 Registered: 07-2008
| Posted on Wednesday, January 14, 2009 - 3:28 pm: | |
From what I've been told, the Book-Cadillac is worth a visit. I would avoid the casinos, unless she enjoys gambling. Enjoy the musical. |
El_jimbo Member Username: El_jimbo
Post Number: 909 Registered: 12-2006
| Posted on Wednesday, January 14, 2009 - 3:49 pm: | |
Thanks, this is great. |
Norwalk Member Username: Norwalk
Post Number: 448 Registered: 11-2006
| Posted on Wednesday, January 14, 2009 - 3:51 pm: | |
I hear the Milner is charming and right near the Opera House http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hot el_Review-g42139-d89995-Review s-Milner_Hotel-Detroit_Michiga n.html |
Mortgageking Member Username: Mortgageking
Post Number: 260 Registered: 12-2006
| Posted on Wednesday, January 14, 2009 - 3:53 pm: | |
I prefer kissing under the grace and sagacious presence of the Book Cadillac. |
El_jimbo Member Username: El_jimbo
Post Number: 910 Registered: 12-2006
| Posted on Wednesday, January 14, 2009 - 3:57 pm: | |
The Milner is certainly a mixed bag of reviews that is for sure. |
Ruxy17 Member Username: Ruxy17
Post Number: 73 Registered: 08-2007
| Posted on Wednesday, January 14, 2009 - 4:09 pm: | |
not a hotel, but be sure to visit Cliffbell's. I think it's the best date joint in the city. |
El_jimbo Member Username: El_jimbo
Post Number: 911 Registered: 12-2006
| Posted on Wednesday, January 14, 2009 - 4:18 pm: | |
Ruxy, THANKS! I've wanted to go to Cliff Bell's and I almost forgot about it. |
Cheddar_bob Member Username: Cheddar_bob
Post Number: 1624 Registered: 10-2003
| Posted on Wednesday, January 14, 2009 - 4:22 pm: | |
I always stay at the Milner when I'm staying over night. Favorably priced? Absolutely. A great place to stumble into at 2am and pass out for a few hours? Yes. Charming and romantic? I don't think so. Even after the remodeling, I wouldn't recommend it for what you want. |
401don Member Username: 401don
Post Number: 917 Registered: 11-2007
| Posted on Wednesday, January 14, 2009 - 4:24 pm: | |
The Greektown Hotel opens Feb. 13, just in time for your stay. Click on Packages on the Hotel Info pg. and they have hotel & breakfast for $109 or hotel, breakfast in bed, champagne & strawberries for $189. I believe you have to call for these deals, as they don't show under the on-line reservations prices. If you're thinking of staying 2 nights, you can't beat the $109 deal. For one night, the Book Caddy, with an early check-in, swim and a whirlpool is a great treat also. |
El_jimbo Member Username: El_jimbo
Post Number: 912 Registered: 12-2006
| Posted on Wednesday, January 14, 2009 - 4:32 pm: | |
401Don? Are you talking about the Greektown Casino? According to their website, they don't have any rooms available...ever. |
Detroitstar Member Username: Detroitstar
Post Number: 1412 Registered: 01-2006
| Posted on Wednesday, January 14, 2009 - 4:32 pm: | |
To experience one of Detroit's great neighborhoods check out the Woodbridge STAR. It's a great place. My parents stayed there when visiting from Lansing in 2008 and they actually preferred it to the downtown hotels.They said it does not compare to the Inn on Ferry Street, but not much does. Even though it's not within walking distance of all the downtown attractions, it is just a 5 minute drive or $5 taxi. Jimbo, you know I wouldn't steer you wrong!! http://www.woodbridgestar.com/ And no, thats not what my username is a reference to... |
Terryh Member Username: Terryh
Post Number: 1101 Registered: 11-2006
| Posted on Wednesday, January 14, 2009 - 4:36 pm: | |
The Schvitz bathouse on Oakland Avenue Friday and Saturday night. The Crown Motel on Woodward in Highland Park. |
El_jimbo Member Username: El_jimbo
Post Number: 913 Registered: 12-2006
| Posted on Wednesday, January 14, 2009 - 4:36 pm: | |
I remember who you are Detroitstar! Thanks for the suggestion. |
Terryh Member Username: Terryh
Post Number: 1102 Registered: 11-2006
| Posted on Wednesday, January 14, 2009 - 4:37 pm: | |
Friday and Saturday, by the way, is couples night. |
Cheddar_bob Member Username: Cheddar_bob
Post Number: 1626 Registered: 10-2003
| Posted on Wednesday, January 14, 2009 - 4:39 pm: | |
Why do I get the feeling that Terrh's suggestions are meet ups for swingers? |
401don Member Username: 401don
Post Number: 918 Registered: 11-2007
| Posted on Wednesday, January 14, 2009 - 4:46 pm: | |
El-Jimbo, yes. The website is not very user friendly, but click on the Hotel Reservations or Book a Room from the Home Page. Instead of looking on the calendar, click the Blue "Hotel & Info" box on the very top left corner. You will then see a box on the right that says Hotel opens Feb. 13. The packages are also listed on this page along with the phone number, 877.GCH.5554 |
Spiritofdetroit Member Username: Spiritofdetroit
Post Number: 1225 Registered: 11-2006
| Posted on Wednesday, January 14, 2009 - 5:02 pm: | |
Book Cadillac. Their website often has deals as well: reserve one night, next night is half off or buy 2 nights get one free are a couple I recall seeing. Have dinner at Roast, see the show, stop at Cliff Bell's and head home to the BC |
Rickinatlanta Member Username: Rickinatlanta
Post Number: 231 Registered: 07-2006
| Posted on Wednesday, January 14, 2009 - 5:26 pm: | |
DEFINITELY second the Book Cadillac!! We stayed there just after Christmas and loved it. Make sure you get into their Venetian Ballroom and the Italian Garden on the 4th Floor. Incredible recreation of the 1920's look. |
Ltdave Member Username: Ltdave
Post Number: 323 Registered: 09-2006
| Posted on Wednesday, January 14, 2009 - 7:32 pm: | |
id have to throw in for the Book Cadillac... my wife and i stayed there in early december since we were going to the fox for white Christmas... a bit more than i really WANTED to spend i was completely impressed with everything about it. well the room service prices were a bit over the top but we thoroughly enjoyed our stay... |
Detroitplanner Member Username: Detroitplanner
Post Number: 2235 Registered: 04-2006
| Posted on Wednesday, January 14, 2009 - 7:54 pm: | |
The Viking or the Leland House. Take her to dinner at Jimmy John's several locations downtown. If you have the money you can go to Potbelly's and get a nice view of the river. They are like toasted Jimmy Johns. |
Rickinatlanta Member Username: Rickinatlanta
Post Number: 232 Registered: 07-2006
| Posted on Wednesday, January 14, 2009 - 11:53 pm: | |
We had room service breakfast which wasn't cheap BUT the portions were HUGE! Could have split one. |
Rj_spangler Member Username: Rj_spangler
Post Number: 94 Registered: 10-2008
| Posted on Thursday, January 15, 2009 - 1:15 am: | |
There is a nice Hilton in Harmony Park, very close to the DOH and close to Greektown and the people mover. Take her to Cliff Bell's for some jazz. |
Deteamster Member Username: Deteamster
Post Number: 191 Registered: 07-2007
| Posted on Thursday, January 15, 2009 - 1:41 am: | |
Cliff Bell's? NAW. Go to Baker's. That's where I took a lady and found love. Sexy and nitty gritty Detroit style. |
Irish_mafia Member Username: Irish_mafia
Post Number: 1227 Registered: 10-2003
| Posted on Thursday, January 15, 2009 - 10:45 am: | |
Doubletree Guest Suites Fort Shelby/Detroit Downtown Email a Friend 525 West Lafayette Blvd | Detroit, Michigan | USA 48226 Tel: +1-313-963-5600 | Fax: +1-313-963-5604 Sweet Romance Getaway Whether celebrating your honeymoon, a special anniversary, or birthday, you'll receive : * Deluxe Accommodations - indulgence for two * Sparkling wine - in room on arrival* * Full breakfast in room (where applicable) or in the hotel restaurant - At airport locations, you may exchange your breakfast offer or buy a lunch or dinner entrée and get a second one of equal or lesser value free** - On the additional nights, buy a lunch or dinner entrée and get a second one of equal or lesser value free** * Come early, stay late - simply request early check-in or late checkout (based on availability) So, clear your schedule, turn off the cell phone and book a Sweet Romance Getaway for you and your loved one. |
El_jimbo Member Username: El_jimbo
Post Number: 915 Registered: 12-2006
| Posted on Saturday, January 17, 2009 - 10:40 am: | |
Thanks everybody! I bought the tickets and booked the room last night. Used priceline and managed to book a room at the Book Cadillac for about half price. Last thing to do now is decide on a restaurant. I'd like to try a place I haven't been to before. I was thinking something like Seldom Blues, Coach Insignia, Fishbones, or perhaps one of the casino restaurants. I haven't been to too many of the higher end places. Only the Carl's Chop House (15 years ago) and the Whitney. Any suggestions on dinner? |
Detroitstar Member Username: Detroitstar
Post Number: 1418 Registered: 01-2006
| Posted on Saturday, January 17, 2009 - 10:45 am: | |
I suggest Seldom Blues, then go upstairs to the bar at Coach for drinks and take in the view! |
Bobl Member Username: Bobl
Post Number: 404 Registered: 07-2008
| Posted on Saturday, January 17, 2009 - 11:54 am: | |
Seldom Blues is more formal and expensive. Nice. Fishbones is more casual, louder, less expensive. |
Rickinatlanta Member Username: Rickinatlanta
Post Number: 234 Registered: 07-2006
| Posted on Saturday, January 17, 2009 - 12:22 pm: | |
For romantic try Andiamo's in the RenCen. Table by the full height windows looking out over the river to Windsor. Great view, great food, very nice wine list, personable attentive service!! |
Jcole Member Username: Jcole
Post Number: 5565 Registered: 04-2005
| Posted on Saturday, January 17, 2009 - 12:54 pm: | |
Iridescence at the Motor City Casino is very good and has a beautiful view of the Ambassador Bridge and Canada. |
Bobl Member Username: Bobl
Post Number: 453 Registered: 07-2008
| Posted on Tuesday, February 03, 2009 - 8:28 pm: | |
So, El_jimbo, how did the weekend turn out? |
El_jimbo Member Username: El_jimbo
Post Number: 950 Registered: 12-2006
| Posted on Monday, February 23, 2009 - 10:24 am: | |
Thanks to everyone who helped. The weekend turned out Great. We spent friday during the day at the DIA. It's my first visit since the renovation and it is such an impressive display (although somewhere along the line I didn't see the Van Gogh self portrait). Next we checked into our room at the Book Cadillac. To think of the condition that building was in just a few short years ago, it is truly amazing to see how wonderful it is now. Our "standard" room was spacious and very luxurious. Next was an early dinner at Seldom Blues. The food and the atmosphere were great. It was my first trip and the one thing that surprised me is that typically in nice restaurants, the emphasis is more on flavor and presentation and less on portions. I was surprised to find that not only was the flavor and presentation top notch, but the portions were so generous that I couldn't even come close to finishing what was on my plate. Next, it was off to the Opera House to see Rent. I commented on my feelings about that in the thread about Rent, but needless to say another great part of the day. We finished the evening off with a cocktail at the 24 Grille at the BC. All in all it was a perfect late Valentine's day surprise for the lady and a very enjoyable time for the both of us. Oh yes...and the next day we grabbed a late breakfast/ early lunch at Le Petit Zinc in Corktown. That was a very charming little place with excellent food. |