Detroit sits on the Detroit River across from Windsor, Ontario, and is the largest U.S. city on the Canada–United States border. It is known for its music, art, architecture and design, and for its automotive and industrial past, and it has seen large-scale revitalisation in recent years, including restored historic theatres and entertainment venues, high-rise renovations, new sports stadiums and a riverfront revitalisation project.
For a visitor, the city is best understood by picking a base and moving between clusters of sights rather than trying to cover everything from one spot. Accommodation ranges from large riverfront and downtown properties to budget options in the outer neighbourhoods, and the district articles carry the individual listings. This guide covers which areas to base yourself in, not which property to book.
Best areas to stay in Detroit
1. Downtown and the riverfront
This is the core of the city, on the Detroit River, and it is where you find the riverfront ambiance of the Renaissance Center as well as the old-world elegance of restored historic high-rises such as the Book-Cadillac. It suits first-time visitors who want the main sights, theatres and entertainment venues within reach and who prefer to walk between them.
Because the riverfront revitalisation and the restored theatres and stadiums are concentrated here, staying downtown keeps you close to the city's headline attractions and to the international crossing to Windsor.
2. North Corktown
North Corktown is named in the sources as the location of a hostel, making it the clearest budget-oriented base in the city. It suits travellers who want a lower-cost stay and do not mind being outside the downtown core.
Treat it as a practical, no-frills base rather than a sightseeing hub: you will be relying on transport to reach the riverfront, downtown theatres and stadiums.
3. Southfield
Southfield is a suburban area within the Detroit metro, described as offering a mix of urban and suburban flair through international-style accommodation. It suits travellers with a car, those combining a city visit with business in the metro area, or anyone who prefers a quieter base outside the city centre.
The trade-off is distance: you are outside Detroit proper, so plan on driving in to reach the downtown sights and the riverfront.
Where to stay on a budget, mid-range or splurge
- Budget: limited options within the city, with hostel-style accommodation in North Corktown being the main named choice.
- Mid-range: the broadest category, covering the large downtown and riverfront properties as well as suburban hotels in the metro area.
- Splurge: luxurious accommodation, including riverfront properties and restored historic high-rises with old-world character.
Best area for a first visit
Downtown and the riverfront is the best base for a first visit. It puts you at the water's edge, close to the restored theatres and entertainment venues, the stadiums and the revitalised riverfront, and it is the area with the widest choice of accommodation. From there you can add trips out to the neighbourhoods and suburbs as your plans require.
Frequently asked questions
Which area should I choose if I want to be near the riverfront?
Downtown and the riverfront, where the Renaissance Center and the riverfront revitalisation project are located.
Where can I stay cheaply in Detroit?
North Corktown is the area named for budget accommodation, including a hostel.
Should I stay in the suburbs instead of the city?
Southfield offers a mix of urban and suburban flair and international-style accommodation, but it sits outside Detroit proper, so you will need transport to reach the downtown sights.
Where can I find individual accommodation listings?
Individual listings are held in Detroit's district articles, which break the city down area by area.
Compare live prices for the area you have chosen with the booking tools on this page.