Detroit gets a bad reputation. The city regularly ranks on the nation’s most dangerous places due to issues like economic hardship and crime rates, but it’s also known as one of the most innovative places in America. For the first time in decades, Detroit’s population is also growing, bringing with it a change in demographics, events and opportunities. Despite the city’s challenges, it’s getting easier to safely visit the region due to redevelopment and revitalization. I grew up in metro-Detroit and have been visiting the city’s limits for years. Here’s what you should know about the safest places for women to stay in Detroit, including two of my favorite hotels.
Safe Hotels in the City
Women are always on the lookout for danger, which is one reason why I prefer a hotel that mitigates possible risks. This is one reason why I always look for valet or on-site parking as well as a security presence before booking my stays. These hotels offer all of these amenities.
Join our Travel Tribe! Sign up for our newsletter now!
Downtown: The Cambria Hotel
This region of the city is one of the most patrolled areas. It’s also a popular place for tourists to visit because of its varied food cultures and green spaces. Downtown is where the tree lighting happens during the holiday season. There are also park and street eats galore.
The Cambria Hotel brings a combination of sophistication and access to many of the region’s attractions (think: five minute drive to Fox Theater). While the hotel offers plenty of on-site entertainment and dining options, it’s also centrally located, is situated in a relatively safe part of town and offers valet parking.
Safety Features
- Valet parking
- Safe part of town
- Bolted doors
Hotel Highlights
- Basement game room
- Rooftop bar
- Fitness center
- Valet parking
- Proximity to local theaters
- Free Wifi
Nearby Attractions
- The Huntington Palace
- Little Caesars Arena
- Comerica Park
- Detroit Institute of Arts
Accommodations
The accommodations within the Cambria Hotel are generous in size, and equipped with a blend of colors and neutral tones to create an inviting environment. I stayed in a room with two queen beds with my sister, but the hotel also contains king suites, and a classic king. For our purposes, the double queen was great. We both had plenty of room to unpack and unwind. On the second day at the hotel, we missed out on a turnover, but still enjoyed the plush bed and comforter at the end of the night.
Dining
The Cambria has three one-site bars and restaurants including the Cielo rooftop bar, Cibo Detroit, and Beve’s Bar. Cielo provides a laid-back atmosphere with great rooftop access that overlooks the city. Cibo is a family-friendly restaurant that features locally sourced ingredients and Mediterranean food, and Beve is the place to go for a night cap.
Corktown: The Godfrey Hotel
Corktown is Detroit’s oldest neighborhood. It’s trendy, full of hip breweries, and boasts of a large variety of food choices that range from Japanese to Mexican-style cuisine. And its bustling thrift stores are another highlight.
The Godfrey Hotel is one of my favorite hotel options featuring marble floors and golden accents. The modern design is both comfortable and elevated. It’s also located next to a series of trendy shops, eye-catching restaurants, and cafes. But I especially love this hotel’s walkability. While some neighborhoods are technically walkable, the winding sidewalks and road shoulders exactly make for a comfortable experience. Yet the Godfrey Hotel is located in a part of town that’s up and coming and easy to safely explore on foot.
Like the Cambria Hotel, the Godfrey Hotel also provides valet parking and a safe environment in which you can relax and unwind. Or, when you’re feeling adventurous, you might wander out into the streets to look for unique cuisine or an aperitif.
If you prefer to stay on-site, the Godfrey also has a great rooftop lounge with a retractable glass ceiling. On the main level, Hamilton restaurant provides visitors with an elevated menu. Or you can make a quick stop at the lobby bar for a pick-me-up.
Safety Features
- Valet parking
- Safe part of town
- Walkable area
- Bolted doors
- Key only floor access
Hotel Highlights
- Riverwalk access
- Rooftop bar
- Fitness center
- In room products like Nespresso and Bigelow bath
- Free Wifi and Samsung HDTV
Nearby Attractions
- Walking distance to excellent bars and restaurants
- Michigan Central Station
- Corktown Historic District
- Detroit Institute of Arts
- Detroit Institute of Bagels
Accommodations
The Godfrey Hotel’s accommodations are modern, and comfortable. The in-room coffee machine comes equipped with high-quality beverages. And a key card is required to take the elevator up to your room, adding an additional layer of security. My room was equipped with two bedrooms, and luxurious robes to make the experience even more decadent. The hotel also offers king bedrooms and deluxe corner rooms with both kings and queens. There’s even one presidential suite with spacious seating and a wet bar.
Dining
The Godfrey is home to a bar, a restaurant, and a rooftop lounge, allowing you to stay on the premises for all of your dining needs. If, however, you’re up for an adventure, there are half-a-dozen phenomenal restaurants and bars within walking distance from the building.
Neighborhoods Not Recommended
Every city has its quirks, and learning how to blend in with the locals can make for a more comfortable, fun experience. Today, most people agree that the west side of the city, Brightmoor and the Gratiot area come with higher crime rates and economic distress. Meanwhile, highly populated areas like downtown and Corktown make for a fun getaway.
Detroit is a city in transition. Like many cities, it still has its challenges but there are parts of the city that are flourishing and quick to welcome those with an appetite for music and adventure. Taking steps like choosing the right hotel in a well-trafficked neighborhood is a great way to set yourself up for a fun weekend in the city.
Leave a Reply