  Soontovisit Member Username: Soontovisit Post Number: 1 Registered: 01-2007 |
I will be visiting Detroit soon for a family gathering. My husband and I booked a hotel near 13th and Jefferson so that we would have easy access to downtown for our free time. Most online reviewers rated the hotel as a great choice for the price and location, despite its appearances. My relatives, who live in suburban Detroit, are beseeching me to change our reservations, saying that this area is extremely dangerous. I won't be travelling alone and plan to keep my wits about me. What is the opinion of those who know this area? Are my relatives overreacting? I don't think I can afford to stay anywhere else downtown, and with the auto show, I doubt much will be available. | ||
Markemarx Member Username: Markemarx Post Number: 15 Registered: 11-2006 |
Do you possibly mean 13 Mile and Jefferson? What is the name of the hotel? | ||
Livernoisyard Member Username: Livernoisyard Post Number: 2042 Registered: 10-2004 |
13th and Jefferson? Are you serious? Is there anything there other than ancient crumbling industrial shops? I was somewhat leery about walking down that stretch two years ago when on a long hike back home to SW Detroit. It reminded me of the Night of the Living Dead with all the zombies (hobos?) milling around, except it was only about 3 PM in the Summer. | ||
Detroitnerd Member Username: Detroitnerd Post Number: 764 Registered: 07-2004 |
This must be a gag, right? Detroit doesn't have a 13th Street. | ||
Livernoisyard Member Username: Livernoisyard Post Number: 2043 Registered: 10-2004 |
Isn't 13th Wabash? | ||
Psewick Member Username: Psewick Post Number: 70 Registered: 03-2006 |
Wabash used to be 13 1/2 street. 13th was renamed Vermont. There must be some mistake... | ||
Livernoisyard Member Username: Livernoisyard Post Number: 2044 Registered: 10-2004 |
Are there still old industrial railroad tracks down Jefferson in that area? I hated driving in that area because it was maintained like a bad alley with potholes and a lot of sharp, jagged scrap lying around. | ||
Detroitnerd Member Username: Detroitnerd Post Number: 765 Registered: 07-2004 |
I bet somebody's rebooking their hotel frantically. "Honey, it's right past the industrial railroad trackage, three stoplights past the pile of scrap metal." | ||
Tetsua Member Username: Tetsua Post Number: 1033 Registered: 01-2004 |
I'm not really sure what's in the area, but why not book the hotel direct in downtown? | ||
Detroitnerd Member Username: Detroitnerd Post Number: 766 Registered: 07-2004 |
"I'm a singin' hobo, not a stabbin' hobo." | ||
Livernoisyard Member Username: Livernoisyard Post Number: 2045 Registered: 10-2004 |
If it's in/near Saint Clair Shores, it's probably nice. Our (mostly Eastpointers) softball team played really close to there two years ago when the league was reorganized. That would be near the park by Masonic. (Message edited by LivernoisYard on January 02, 2007) | ||
Focusonthed Member Username: Focusonthed Post Number: 738 Registered: 02-2006 |
There's a lot of hotels right there at the Little Mack / 13 Mile Road / Gratiot corridor. | ||
Swingline Member Username: Swingline Post Number: 656 Registered: 11-2003 |
Welcome to the forum Soontovisit. We don't have a "13th and Jefferson" intersection so you've got folks kind of confused. We do have the venerable Shorecrest Motel in the 1300 block of E. Jefferson Ave. Is this lodging you are looking at? | ||
Jams Member Username: Jams Post Number: 4456 Registered: 10-2003 |
Off topic question. Does Barden still hold the options in that area that he picked up for his Casino bid? | ||
Danny Member Username: Danny Post Number: 5364 Registered: 02-2004 |
BUMP!!!!! There are no sources to fulfill this thread! | ||
Susanarosa Member Username: Susanarosa Post Number: 1282 Registered: 11-2003 |
*sigh* | ||
Scs100 Member Username: Scs100 Post Number: 93 Registered: 12-2006 |
If you mean Jefferson and 13 mile and you like bowling your in luck. Although that's definitely off topic. | ||
Detroitplanner Member Username: Detroitplanner Post Number: 668 Registered: 04-2006 |
Maybe he means Corktown Inn on Trumbull? He said close to downtown. I'm thinking Corktown Inn or as mentioned earlier, the Shorecrest. 13 Mile is not near downtown, but thats a good guess too. | ||
Sticks Member Username: Sticks Post Number: 170 Registered: 08-2005 |
http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&z=17&ll=42.321002,-83.068593&spn=0.003808,0.01075&om=1 13th (Vermont) and Jefferson (Message edited by Sticks on January 02, 2007) | ||
Markemarx Member Username: Markemarx Post Number: 16 Registered: 11-2006 |
Jefferson at Vermont(13th?) is a dirt road, correct? I believe when Jefferson basically turns into 12th(Rosa Parks), Jefferson continues as a small dirt road. I hope that isn't a hotel down that way. | ||
Ghetto_butterfly Member Username: Ghetto_butterfly Post Number: 666 Registered: 09-2004 |
Please. When and where did Jefferson ever connected to or bi-sected 13 Mile? It runs about "13" miles south of 13 Mile and goes parallel at that. | ||
Matt_the_deuce Member Username: Matt_the_deuce Post Number: 689 Registered: 10-2003 |
Sounds like a put on. | ||
Mikem Member Username: Mikem Post Number: 2937 Registered: 10-2003 |
It connects about a mile north of where 12 Mile Rd connects to Jefferson. | ||
Zephyrprocess Member Username: Zephyrprocess Post Number: 193 Registered: 08-2006 |
My money says the original poster is booked at the Shorecrest. | ||
Ghetto_butterfly Member Username: Ghetto_butterfly Post Number: 667 Registered: 09-2004 |
Mikem, you're the specialist when it comes to maps and geography, I'm not from here and not all that familiar with the area. I can't see Jefferson connecting with any of the Mile roads, except maybe on the far east side, north of SCS. Simply because it seems that Jefferson runs parallel to all the Mile roads. | ||
Mikem Member Username: Mikem Post Number: 2938 Registered: 10-2003 |
Or one of the hotel/motels around 13/Masonic/Little Mack, "near" 13 & Jefferson. | ||
Mikem Member Username: Mikem Post Number: 2939 Registered: 10-2003 |
GB, I understand that you are new here. No problem. Detroit, even with its midwestern street grid, can still be confusing to locals. | ||
Ghetto_butterfly Member Username: Ghetto_butterfly Post Number: 668 Registered: 09-2004 |
Well, I'm not that much of a newbie. I've lived here for 5 years now. The difference might be that I'm from Europe where the infrastructure of any given city/area/village is different by having been developed naturally over many years and centuries vs having been planned like here, except older cities like Detroit, NYC, Boston, etc. | ||
Livernoisyard Member Username: Livernoisyard Post Number: 2047 Registered: 10-2004 |
"Mikem, you're the specialist when it comes to maps and geography, I'm not from here and not all that familiar with the area. I can't see Jefferson connecting with any of the Mile roads, except maybe on the far east side, north of SCS. Simply because it seems that Jefferson runs parallel to all the Mile roads." Jefferson definitely intersects with 9, 10, 11, 12, and 13 Mile Roads. | ||
Zephyrprocess Member Username: Zephyrprocess Post Number: 194 Registered: 08-2006 |
Yeah--that sounds like how the locals describe 13 and Little Mack all right... | ||
Livernoisyard Member Username: Livernoisyard Post Number: 2048 Registered: 10-2004 |
Jefferson is so dangerous in GP that its name was changed so as to clean up its image. | ||
Tiorted Member Username: Tiorted Post Number: 29 Registered: 02-2006 |
is it possible the hotel in question is the Shorecrest Motor Inn? it's address is 1316 Jefferson http://www.shorecrestmi.com/ | ||
Mackinaw Member Username: Mackinaw Post Number: 2294 Registered: 02-2005 |
That sounds pretty logical. We need the original poster to come back and clear things up. If this is the case then indeed this hotel gives easy access to downtown, without paying the higher prices of the glitzy downtown highrises. And this is a reputable place to stay. | ||
Soontovisit Member Username: Soontovisit Post Number: 2 Registered: 01-2007 |
The Shorecrest it is! I'm sorry I mis-identified the intersection. I mistakenly assumed that since the address is 1316, it was between 13th and 14th Streets on Jefferson. It appears that it is actually on Jefferson between Rivard and Riopelle. Thanks for all of your efforts at guessing, and congratulations to the sleuths Swingline, Zephyrprocess, and Tiorted! Thanks, Mackinaw, for confirming the Shorecrest as reputable. Do any others have opinions on this locale? | ||
Jt1 Member Username: Jt1 Post Number: 8118 Registered: 10-2003 |
From the sounds of it I suspect that your relatives see any and every part of the city as dangerous. I wouldn't be worried about staying there and the Clique (greasy diner attached) is a great place for breakfast after going out the night before. Ask your relatives if they think there is a single safe hotel in the city. I suspect they will say no. | ||
Kenp Member Username: Kenp Post Number: 159 Registered: 03-2006 |
You must eat at the famous Clique cafe | ||
Jams Member Username: Jams Post Number: 4462 Registered: 10-2003 |
Good breakfast there! Enjoy your stay. If you're around on a Thursday, check Detroit Connections for the FSC location and join a few of us for a drink and some conversation. | ||
Soontovisit Member Username: Soontovisit Post Number: 3 Registered: 01-2007 |
I really appreciate the feedback. I'm looking forward to my Clique breakfast. Unfortunately I won't be in Detroit on a Thursday, but how kind of you to invite me! | ||
Andylinn Member Username: Andylinn Post Number: 281 Registered: 04-2006 |
it's not a fancy hotel, but a fine place... and i eat at the clique about once every two weeks. even though i live miles away... it's a classic... | ||
Tiorted Member Username: Tiorted Post Number: 32 Registered: 02-2006 |
i'd recommend the Hilton Garden Inn in Harmonie Park over the Shorecrest. If my memory serves me correct a few years ago a couple of Japanese tourists in town for the auto show were robbed in their hotel room and I think they were staying at the Shorecrest. | ||
Supersport Member Username: Supersport Post Number: 11076 Registered: 10-2003 |
So, as long as he's not a Japanese tourist he should be fine. Anyways, Kwame hooked them up fat for their pain and suffering. | ||
Dbc Member Username: Dbc Post Number: 23 Registered: 09-2006 |
One thing to consider as well, Soontovisit, is that the Shorecrest has exterior corridors, i.e., your room door will face the parking lot and busy Jefferson Ave. Moreover, the Shorecrest is just east of the CBD. It's no more than a half-mile to Greektown and most of the other bars/restaurants downtown, but still not as close as the Hilton Garden Inn, Courtyard by Marriott, RenCen Marriott, and Holiday Inn Express, all of which have interior corridors. | ||
Soontovisit Member Username: Soontovisit Post Number: 4 Registered: 01-2007 |
On Gratiot Avenue? Yikes, $200/night is out of my price range. I've been trying to find information on the web about the various crimes my relatives have claimed have happened at the Shorecrest, without any results. | ||
Kathinozarks Member Username: Kathinozarks Post Number: 158 Registered: 11-2006 |
Soontovisit, just remember to keep your eyes open and your car locked with NO visible stuff inside the car. Also, don't carry a purse if at all possible. (my personal mantra when visiting any big city) Don't open your room door to anyone. Typical stuff. Robberies can happen anywhere and worrying about it will only put a damper on your trip. Detroit is a cool city, you will have a great time. Try to eat at least once at one of the Coney restaurants. Lafayette or American downtown. | ||
Cheddar_bob Member Username: Cheddar_bob Post Number: 803 Registered: 10-2003 |
And try to take advice from people who actually live there. As opposed to people that live in other parts of the country. | ||
Kathinozarks Member Username: Kathinozarks Post Number: 159 Registered: 11-2006 |
Good advice can come from anywhere, don't you think? | ||
Cmubryan Member Username: Cmubryan Post Number: 335 Registered: 11-2003 |
The Japanese tourists were staying at the Days Inn further east on Jefferson. Not the Shorecrest. | ||
Tiorted Member Username: Tiorted Post Number: 33 Registered: 02-2006 |
the hilton garden inn usual rates are less than $200 a night, but im not sure what your dates are but I'd call them and ask 1-313-967-0900 | ||
Livernoisyard Member Username: Livernoisyard Post Number: 2056 Registered: 10-2004 |
"The Japanese tourists were staying at the Days Inn further east on Jefferson. Not the Shorecrest." You'd expect the Japanese to go that way. They're from the Far East. | ||
Mplsryan Member Username: Mplsryan Post Number: 150 Registered: 11-2003 |
oi vey, misconception after repeated city evil mantra after ridiculous misperceptions. You'll be fine, just don't act like you're an idiot 'soontovisit', as with all aspects of your life. Fear not, the city will not destroy you. | ||
Iheartthed Member Username: Iheartthed Post Number: 274 Registered: 04-2006 |
"And try to take advice from people who actually live there. As opposed to people that live in other parts of the country." Or those who live in other parts of the metro area and never visit the city. | ||
E_hemingway Member Username: E_hemingway Post Number: 1008 Registered: 11-2004 |
Shorecrest is a fine hotel. It's in a safe area. I think it's a good choice if you're looking for bargain prices near downtown. Clique is a great place to get breakfast. Been there many times. Another option if you're bargain hunting is the Milner Hotel, which is in a great, centrally located section of downtown: www.milner-hotels.com/detroit/ index.html Here's a link to some reviews: http://www.tripadvisor.com/Sho wUserReviews-g42139-d89995-r54 78731-Milner_Hotel-Detroit_Mic higan.html Best of luck with your trip. | ||
Swingline Member Username: Swingline Post Number: 658 Registered: 11-2003 |
Shorecrest is definitely not luxury lodging. It is a typical motel. Sometimes at such places you can have a perfectly fine stay. Other times you might get some noisy neighbors or a group that insists on having a party in the parking lot or something like that. You take your chances. I think your chances are pretty good at the Shorecrest. | ||
Susanarosa Member Username: Susanarosa Post Number: 1287 Registered: 11-2003 |
The parking lot and grounds of the Shorecrest have always looked like they're well-maintained and patrolled, unlike many other parking lots on that strip of Jefferson. I think soontovisit will have a fine stay. | ||
Tiorted Member Username: Tiorted Post Number: 34 Registered: 02-2006 |
I've never stayed at the Shorecrest and I'll take your word that it is a fine establishment. But if I had an out of town relative that was coming to town and was staying downtown the Shorecrest would not be in my top 5 recommendations. | ||
Susanarosa Member Username: Susanarosa Post Number: 1288 Registered: 11-2003 |
Considering the original post indicated that money was an issue and that the stay would be during the auto show (where hotel rooms would be more expensive and harder to find) I think the Shorecrest is fine. But yes, there are "better" places to stay if money were no object and the visit wasn't at the same time as the auto show. | ||
Supersport Member Username: Supersport Post Number: 11083 Registered: 10-2003 |
Nobody has mentioned the Viking Inn on Grand River located within close proximity to both downtown AND Motorcity Casino, how come?  | ||
Professorscott Member Username: Professorscott Post Number: 5 Registered: 12-2006 |
I found it interesting that some of our local folks don't know the vast extent of Jefferson Avenue. It is nowhere parallel to any mile road; it follows the shoreline for a very great distance northeast from Detroit, and is named Jefferson almost the entire length. There is a discontinuity at Selfridge in Harrison Township but other than that it is a continuous route from southwest of Detroit all the way to 23 Mile Road in New Baltimore. It's actually a very nice drive and you get to see a lot of different types of neighborhoods. Soontovisit, take a trip up Jefferson if you get a chance while you're here. From the (overused word warning) gritty lower east side (doesn't every city have one of those?) to the trendy Grosse Pointe shopping village and the suburban shoreline of Macomb County, it is one of a few great local drives. Cheers, Professor Scott | ||
Cman710 Member Username: Cman710 Post Number: 154 Registered: 07-2006 |
Soontovisit, if you do end up staying at the Shorecrest, please let us know how things went. In fact, wherever you stay, let us know how things went. I think you will have a nice time! | ||
Southwestmap Member Username: Southwestmap Post Number: 669 Registered: 01-2005 |
Many, many business travelers return from year to year to the Shorecrest during the Society of Automotive Engineers convention. I have always heard that it is a clean respectable place to stay. The coffee shop is often profiles as a place for "power breakfasts" and people such as Carl Levin are often to be found there. | ||
Southwestmap Member Username: Southwestmap Post Number: 670 Registered: 01-2005 |
Many, many business travelers return from year to year to the Shorecrest during the Society of Automotive Engineers convention. I have always heard that it is a clean respectable place to stay. The coffee shop is often profiled as a place for "power breakfasts" and people such as Carl Levin are to be found breakfasting there. | ||
Livernoisyard Member Username: Livernoisyard Post Number: 2064 Registered: 10-2004 |
Ditto that SWMap... But why post it twice? | ||
Swingline Member Username: Swingline Post Number: 659 Registered: 11-2003 |
I have conducted many power breakfasts at the Clique. | ||
Austinjohn Member Username: Austinjohn Post Number: 295 Registered: 10-2003 |
Soontovisit, I have stayed at the Shorecrest several times on trips back home, and it is a clean, well run establishment in a safe area. Walking from there to Greektown, Hart Plaza, etc. is no problem. The place is a family owned establishment and they run a tight ship. The rooms are big and nicely furnished. You get a lot there for the money. As others have mentioned, the Clique restaurant on-site is a good, popular place to eat. I have never had any problems while staying there, but you should use caution as you would at any other lodging establishment. Enjoy your stay in Detroit!! I will be there the week of Jan 15th for my birthday and the Auto Show. |
