DISCUSSION for Hilton Honors Hotels in Michigan, USA {US-MI}
Nov 12, 2002, 9:26 am
#46
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: Dallas, TX
Programs: AA, HH, Starwood, Hyatt, Marriott
Posts: 312
I've always been impressed with the service in Windsor (which is a neat little down, IMO) but the property itself is quite average. A bit dank.
The best I can say about it is that the view across the river is nice, if you get a good room. Oh yeah, it also has a pool table in the bar that is always available. Small thrills, I know, but gotta find the silver lining where ya can.
Re: Detroit - There are parts of Detroit I wouldn't advise walking through at night, but it DOES have some redeeming qualities. You just have to look for them! I'm not defending it because I live here - I don't. I just work here, much to my chagrin. Never had ANY problems at all, driving any kind of car, anywhere. I've worked downtown for over a year.
I would have to agree, though. It's not exactly a garden spot for your vacation.
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AA Platinum, 1MM, Hyatt Diamond, Marriott Platinum, Hilton Diamond, Starwood Platinum
The best I can say about it is that the view across the river is nice, if you get a good room. Oh yeah, it also has a pool table in the bar that is always available. Small thrills, I know, but gotta find the silver lining where ya can.
Re: Detroit - There are parts of Detroit I wouldn't advise walking through at night, but it DOES have some redeeming qualities. You just have to look for them! I'm not defending it because I live here - I don't. I just work here, much to my chagrin. Never had ANY problems at all, driving any kind of car, anywhere. I've worked downtown for over a year.
I would have to agree, though. It's not exactly a garden spot for your vacation.
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AA Platinum, 1MM, Hyatt Diamond, Marriott Platinum, Hilton Diamond, Starwood Platinum
Nov 12, 2002, 9:40 am
#47
Join Date: Apr 1999
Location: Oak Park, IL
Programs: AA 2 MM LIfetime Platinum, SPG Platinum, Hilton Silver, BA
Posts: 3,585
We are basically looking for a bed. Not even sure if pre-booking is all that good an idea. Might be better off just seeing how far we get, finding a Day's Inn, stopping and getting going in the morning. Our aim is to get to Toronto as fast as possible. Just thought if there was something cheap along the way, it would be worth stopping at a Hilton/Hampton.
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Ms.DtG
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Ms.DtG
Nov 12, 2002, 10:15 am
#48
Suspended
Join Date: Nov 1999
Posts: 24,153
The Hilton in Southfield a suburb of Det is usually around $60 a night on weekends but a Sat night is usually needed. Stayed there a few times its less of a hotel and more like a HGI. Got breakfast, nice gym, large pool, nice hot tub. etc
Also the DT @ DTW was also good on pricing.
Also the DT @ DTW was also good on pricing.
Nov 12, 2002, 3:07 pm
#49
Join Date: Jun 2001
Location: San Jose, Ca HH Diamond, UA 1K
Posts: 487
<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by dgordon:
Where is Stephensville?
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Where is Stephensville?
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Nov 13, 2002, 12:18 am
#50
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: Dallas, TX
Programs: AA, HH, Starwood, Hyatt, Marriott
Posts: 312
Hope I'm not crucified for mentioning it here (on the Hilton thread) but from what you've mentioned as your travel goals, I would highly recommend Priceline. On MANY occasions I have stayed at the Hyatt (which is a VERY nice property) in Dearborn for $35. The secret is to request 3-star (even though this is listed as a 4-star) in Dearborn only. Worst case, you'll end up at the Marriott Dearborn, which is a LOVELY, historic property.
If you're not familiar with Hyatt's FFN promo, check out the myriad threads on that forum. But in a nutshell, as long as you check in with your Hyatt GP card and pay for incidentals with Mastercard, you'll get a free night just about anywhere in the world after only two stays. Heck-o-deal if you're paying $70 for two nites, then cashing it in for a $499/nt stay in Paris, for instance.
But I digress. Sorry. My allegiance is to me and my family - not programs. . . but I continue to digress. Must be the grape.
Never drink and surf.
Cheers.
BTW, if you could handle an Aerobed, y'all can stay at my place!
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AA Platinum, 1MM, Hyatt Diamond, Marriott Platinum, Hilton Diamond, Starwood Platinum
If you're not familiar with Hyatt's FFN promo, check out the myriad threads on that forum. But in a nutshell, as long as you check in with your Hyatt GP card and pay for incidentals with Mastercard, you'll get a free night just about anywhere in the world after only two stays. Heck-o-deal if you're paying $70 for two nites, then cashing it in for a $499/nt stay in Paris, for instance.
But I digress. Sorry. My allegiance is to me and my family - not programs. . . but I continue to digress. Must be the grape.
Never drink and surf.
Cheers.
BTW, if you could handle an Aerobed, y'all can stay at my place!
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AA Platinum, 1MM, Hyatt Diamond, Marriott Platinum, Hilton Diamond, Starwood Platinum
Nov 13, 2002, 12:11 pm
#51
Join Date: Mar 2000
Location: Metro Detroit, MI
Posts: 380
<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by hhonorman:
Having lived in Detroit, I totally agree with Sweet Willie; "get THROUGH Detroit." It can be quite a dangerous city even in daylight hours, not exactly a place you hear many tourists going, and for good reason. Be especially careful if you are driving a foreign car. The locals are not too fond of foreign makes and models. Be VERY careful in Detroit.
Can't speak to the quality of the hotel having never been to it, but Windsor Canada is much nicer and much much safer than Detroit.
[This message has been edited by hhonorman (edited 11-12-2002).]</font>
Having lived in Detroit, I totally agree with Sweet Willie; "get THROUGH Detroit." It can be quite a dangerous city even in daylight hours, not exactly a place you hear many tourists going, and for good reason. Be especially careful if you are driving a foreign car. The locals are not too fond of foreign makes and models. Be VERY careful in Detroit.
Can't speak to the quality of the hotel having never been to it, but Windsor Canada is much nicer and much much safer than Detroit.
[This message has been edited by hhonorman (edited 11-12-2002).]</font>
hhonorman -- Your experiences in Detroit from the 1980s are extremely misleading for others compared to what Detroit is today. In fact, Downtown Detroit proper is EXTREMELY safe. With the existence of the three casinos (huge police presence around...similar to NYC...cop on every corner), Ford Field, Comerica Park, General Motors HQ, Compuware HQ, Comerica HQ the city is really starting to get back on its feet.
As for the foriegn car comment....unless you're planning on visiting a UAW plant...you have nothing to worry about.
BE VERY CAREFUL ABOUT COMMENTS ABOUT DETROIT FROM HHONOR MAN
...now back to the subject at hand...
Unfortunately no Hilton property currently exists downtown (and won't be until 2004 -- Hilton Garden Inn @ Harmonie Park). The closet options are (in geographic proximity) Windsor, Metro Airport, Novi or Southfield.
My opinion...stay in Windsor as the border crossing wait times can vary considerably.
Nov 13, 2002, 12:45 pm
#52
Join Date: Apr 1999
Location: Oak Park, IL
Programs: AA 2 MM LIfetime Platinum, SPG Platinum, Hilton Silver, BA
Posts: 3,585
So far I can get a Hampton Inn in Ann Arbor (either north or south) for $59 plus 12% tax, or a Homewood Suites in Warren for $69 plus 8%. Although I'd prefer the homewood suites as I think breakfast would be better (the one in Albuquerque was a great buffet), but it is another hour of driving and since we might not leave until 6 pm Thursday, I'm concerned if we could get that far without conking outl
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Ms.DtG
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Ms.DtG
Nov 13, 2002, 12:54 pm
#53
Join Date: May 2001
Posts: 780
Much as I might bemoan living in this area, I have to agree with DTownBrian about downtown Detroit being perfectly safe. Yes, there are areas where I roll my windows up and lock my doors, but Dee is not likely to end up there.
No one attacks you for having a foreign car in front of the Detroit Opera, Symphony, the Institute of Art or any of the casinos, sports venues and major corporate headquarters Brian has mentioned. I would have thought denizens of this particular online community would be a little less prone to stereotype a city based on decades-old incidents.
To answer the original question - Hampton Inn Ann Arbor South is $59 with breakfast (well, some pastries, cereal and coffee/joice iirc) using the hit the road rates. It's right off 94 (so - no detours) within a 25 mins of the airport so if you decide to stay on this side of the border and only want a bed...
If you choose to push on through DTW, the Hilton Windsor is $149 CAD.
No one attacks you for having a foreign car in front of the Detroit Opera, Symphony, the Institute of Art or any of the casinos, sports venues and major corporate headquarters Brian has mentioned. I would have thought denizens of this particular online community would be a little less prone to stereotype a city based on decades-old incidents.
To answer the original question - Hampton Inn Ann Arbor South is $59 with breakfast (well, some pastries, cereal and coffee/joice iirc) using the hit the road rates. It's right off 94 (so - no detours) within a 25 mins of the airport so if you decide to stay on this side of the border and only want a bed...
If you choose to push on through DTW, the Hilton Windsor is $149 CAD.
Nov 13, 2002, 1:01 pm
#54
Join Date: May 2001
Posts: 780
<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by dgordon:
So far I can get a Hampton Inn in Ann Arbor (either north or south) for $59 plus 12% tax, or a Homewood Suites in Warren for $69 plus 8%. Although I'd prefer the homewood suites as I think breakfast would be better (the one in Albuquerque was a great buffet), but it is another hour of driving and since we might not leave until 6 pm Thursday, I'm concerned if we could get that far without conking outl
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So far I can get a Hampton Inn in Ann Arbor (either north or south) for $59 plus 12% tax, or a Homewood Suites in Warren for $69 plus 8%. Although I'd prefer the homewood suites as I think breakfast would be better (the one in Albuquerque was a great buffet), but it is another hour of driving and since we might not leave until 6 pm Thursday, I'm concerned if we could get that far without conking outl
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[This message has been edited by mashav (edited 11-13-2002).]
Nov 13, 2002, 1:08 pm
#55
Join Date: Aug 2001
Location: Reno, Nevada
Posts: 7,368
Having just returned from there this morning, I'll echo a lot of the comments from others here and suggest either Ann Arbor or Windsor, simply from the price standpoint.
Driving through Detroit to get to Windsor isn't a war zone. If you do it via city streets (taking the tunnel), you'll go through a pretty darn revitalized downtown. If you take the bridge, you'll stay on the freeways until you get to the bridge exit (Lafayette).
Lesson learned, though - if you cross the border in a rental car, be well documented.
Mike
Driving through Detroit to get to Windsor isn't a war zone. If you do it via city streets (taking the tunnel), you'll go through a pretty darn revitalized downtown. If you take the bridge, you'll stay on the freeways until you get to the bridge exit (Lafayette).
Lesson learned, though - if you cross the border in a rental car, be well documented.
Mike
Nov 13, 2002, 3:32 pm
#56
Join Date: Apr 1999
Location: Oak Park, IL
Programs: AA 2 MM LIfetime Platinum, SPG Platinum, Hilton Silver, BA
Posts: 3,585
We will be driving in an Oldsmobile Siloette Van. We have done this drive many many times since my brother lives in Toronto and we are going up for a family function. We usually fly - but we decided to drive since there are 3 of us - my daughter now drives (???). After my husband took his motocycle all the way to New Mexico - I figured he was up to it. In fact I was conceived in Dearborn< MI as my parents lived there during WWII. Windsor comes out more expensive, so so far Ann Arbor is looking the best. mashav - I forgot you were in Ann Arbor. Too bad that we will probably arrive REALLY late - otherwise we could meet---. thanks
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Ms.DtG
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Ms.DtG
Nov 13, 2002, 5:01 pm
#57
Join Date: Jun 2001
Location: West Michigan
Programs: DL, UA, AA, B6, BA (airline status-free leisure traveler), Hilton Diamond
Posts: 1,965
It looks like you are coming from Chicago, so Ann Arbor South is right on your way. It is an older Hampton Inn, but the price is right.
Nov 13, 2002, 6:09 pm
#58
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: Ann Arbor, Michigan HiltonHhonors Diamond, Northwest Gold
Posts: 125
There are a few other noteworthy HI right off I-94. Fifteen miles east of A2, Belleville has a fairly large breakfast area, large pool and reasonable rates. Eighty miles west of A2, Battle Creek's breakfast area is smaller and the pool isn't as big, but they offer the bonus of freshly baked cookies at night, always an amenity that makes otherwise ordinary Hamptons stand out.
Nov 13, 2002, 6:43 pm
#59
Join Date: Apr 1999
Location: Oak Park, IL
Programs: AA 2 MM LIfetime Platinum, SPG Platinum, Hilton Silver, BA
Posts: 3,585
So far, ann arbor is the cheapest at $59. Belleville is $79, and Battle Creek is $65 and it would be stopping too soon I think. If Belleville were the same price, it might be worth considering. Thanks
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Ms.DtG
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Ms.DtG
Nov 13, 2002, 8:50 pm
#60
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: Dallas, TX
Programs: AA, HH, Starwood, Hyatt, Marriott
Posts: 312
Don't forget priceline. See "biddingfortravel.com" for ideas. IMHO, $35 beats $59 any day . . but that's just me.
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AA Platinum, 1MM, Hyatt Diamond, Marriott Platinum, Hilton Diamond, Starwood Platinum
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AA Platinum, 1MM, Hyatt Diamond, Marriott Platinum, Hilton Diamond, Starwood Platinum