Coming in to the Detroit area late Saturday 23-May and leaving 26-May. I have my sister in Dexter, my parents are in Flint, going to go to a Tigers game, friends in Royal Oak, so I already am planning for driving around the area. Leaving DTW at 0845 AM on the 26th.

Thinking of staying at the Dearborn Inn, or The Henry. Could easily be convinced of the RenCenter. Or should I just say to heck with it and stay in a CourtYard in Ann Arbor or up by Royal Oak / Troy ?

Save the points for a Real Vacation and stay at a Spring Hill Suits in the suburbs?

I have a free night (up to Cat 4 I think) and 110k+ Points, so this is going to be an award stay.

PS - For the cost vs benefit Ratio, I am looking at the Spring Hill Suites at DTW. 20k points for 3nights. Unless the Dearborn or the Henry is REALLY worth it.

The Dearborn Inn is worth it if you get an upgrade to the Edgar Allen Poe cottage (not likely on a holiday weekend; the place gets a lot of weddings/people that pay for the cottages). Given you're going to be driving all over the place & spending very little time in your room I'd book the SHS DTW & save the majority of your points for a real vacation some other time.

Cheers.

I believe the Courtyard downtown is a category 4. I've never stayed there, but have read reviews opining that it is nicer than the Marriott Ren Cen. The location is right near a people mover stop, so you wouldn't have to drive to the Tiger game.

My family and I recently stayed in the Governor's Suite at the Henry. I highly recommend it. Also, the RenCen isn't bad, but isn't anything special, either. I have also enjoyed the DTW Marriott (pro: recently renovated, con: aircraft noise) and the Marriott in Troy on Big Beaver Road.

Best wishes and go Tigers!

Auburn Hills Marriott Pontiac Centerpoint (whatever the hell "Centerpoint" is), is a category 3 (typical suburban Marriott) and well-located for much of what you're doing. It's 15-20 minutes or so from Royal Oak, Birmingham, and Troy, 30-40 minutes from Flint, and about 35 (non rush hour) minutes from Comerica Park. Only thing it would be more distant from would be Dexter/Ann Arbor. Ann Arbor would be about a 45-50 minute drive. The Troy Marriott (typical suburban Marriott) is a Category 5, and would be a little closer to Comerica and Royal Oak, but further from Flint. There is a fs Marriott (Eagle Crest--Category 5) in Ypsilanti which would be close to Ann Arbor/Dexter, but not so much Flint or Royal Oak.

Working back, stay at the airport Spring Hill Suites your last night (Go to Leonardo's for dinner). The night of the Tigers game stay at the Courtyard downtown (Your in a great area). Try the Fountain Grill for a fun downtown Detroit experience. Hudson's Cafe for Breakfast We always spend a night at the Troy Marriott (great mall and food choices near by) when in the area. Might be a good chose for Royal Oak. There is a Residence Inn, Courtyard and Marriott at Pontiac Center. We stay at one or the other every year all or Ok. You can walk two a couple of good places to eat.

Centerpoint Parkway is the name of the street the Marriott is on. In the 1990's and farther back in time it was a hub area for the auto manufacturing industry. A GM truck plant was across the street and EDS and many automotive suppliers were in the area. The truck plant shut down about 10 years ago and has since been mostly torn down. EDS and automotive suppliers have mostly left the area and their buildings were turned into movie studios or other businesses. The area has a minor industrial feel but the hotel is nice and the area is very safe. The surrounding area is mostly residential with the business section along Centerpoint parkway. If you get a good rate or points stay you will be satisfied with the experience. There is a nice Courtyard hotel across the street as well. I have put family in these hotels multiple times with no complaints.

The Courtyard Detroit Pontiac/Bloomfield at Centerpoint is running a 6,000 points per night promotion right now. The Auburn Hills Marriott Pontiac at Centerpoint is running a 3,000 points per night promotion as well.