Scene
An art-deco masterpiece that harkens back to the Motor City’s heyday
A 100 years ago, Detroit was the symbol of American innovation and extravagance. The birthplace of the automobile was the 1900s first boomtown with stunning art deco architecture to match. What happened after that is a story that’s all too familiar: changes in the auto industry led to hard times in the city. Lately though, Detroit has been on the up, and the luxe halls of Cambria Detroit Downtown are a perfect example of what has everyone so excited.
The hotel took over the 1936 WWJ radio station building, designed by famed Architect Albert Kahn. Inside, you’ll find a wash of black marble, white tile and bright brass. It’s a seamless blend of modern and vintage, with an art deco aura of old Detroit class. The cocktail bar off the lobby keeps the throwback vibe going, a classic cocktail lounge that feels very post-prohibition.
Location
A short walk to Detroit’s revitalized downtown
If you haven’t been to Detroit in a minute, you may be surprised by what you find. The city’s downtown is filled with cool restaurants, breweries and a bevy of new hotels. While the Cambria isn’t quite in the heart of Downtown Detroit, a 10-minute walk puts you right in the thick of it. And even in the dead of winter, you’re no more than about 10 minutes by car from almost everything you’d want to see in the city. For a full look at what to do in the city, see our guide to Detroit.
And from the Cambria Detroit Downtown you’re only a brisk walk or short drive away from:
- Stroll the Detroit riverfront. The city’s river walk is one of the grandest in the country. You can pose by the Joe Louis fist statue, relax in the green space at Robert C. Valade Park or get in a brisk jog along its wetland trail.
- Shop Eastern Market. The city’s historic market is filled with foods from all over the world, artisans, crafts and fresh coffee. It’s less than 10 minutes by car.
- Stroll the stadium district, home to all four of Detroit’s professional sports teams. Even if you’re not there to watch the Lions, Tigers, Red Wings or Pistons, the atmosphere on gameday is electric and there’s plenty of bars packed with fans. It’s a 10-minute walk.
- Peruse one of the largest art collections in the country at the Detroit Institute of Art. It’s home to over 65,000 works and . less than 10 minutes away.
- Tour the city in a vintage Model A or other classic car with the Antique Touring Company. You’ll see the place where the Model T was made, visit the original Ford headquarters and learn Detroit’s automotive history while riding in a car built in the city’s golden era.
- Step into the 1930s with a live jazz show at Cliff Bell’s. The classic live music venue also has salsa and other genres. It’s a 10-minute walk away.
- Experience the famous Detroit sound at the Motown Museum. The record label that birthed the Jackson 5, the Temptations, Aretha Franklin and other legends is now a museum where you can sing and dance inside the studio.
Rooms
Modern elegance filled with art deco touches
The guestroom elevators at the Cambria Detroit Downtown sit down a long hallway from the lobby, which makes the layout a little confusing. You can’t get to your room directly from the main entrance, but think of your trip upstairs as a chance to explore more of this historic building. You’ll pass by old photos on the wall, crystal chandeliers and tributes to the building’s radio station past. Once in your room, you’ll find an updated, softer version of art deco with wood floors, wallpaper reminiscent of radio static (in a good way), lots of velvet and large windows.
The Cambria Detroit Downtown’s rooms break down into the following categories:
- Double Queen – The Cambria’s entry level room is still abundantly spacious, and even with two queen beds inside you’ll have plenty of room to walk around, work, and unpack your clothes. It’s ideal for friends traveling together or couples who want some space to spread out.
- Classic King – This room is roughly the same size as the double queen, but has only one king bed. It also includes a chaise lounge by the window, a desk and chair, and a large spa-style bathroom.
- Deluxe King Corner – The corner version of the King room is a little larger, with a small dining area that’s perfect for eating tacos purchased downstairs. You’ll also get panoramic views of Downtown, giving these rooms the Cambria’s best sense of place.
- King Suite – Cambria Detroit’s top tier room has separate living and sleeping areas, with two full baths and a wet bar. The area rugs mimic the décor downstairs, continuing the art deco experience inside your suite.
Amenities
Next to the hotel valet on the ground floor you’ll find the Detroit Taco Company, a bodega that doubles as a taco shop with breakfast, lunch and dinner selections. The tacos are surprisingly authentic, though the breakfast burritos can be a little heavy, and anything you order off the menu can be delivered to your room or to the hotel’s cocktail bar. Even when they’re not slinging tacos, the bodega is open 24/7 and sells a wide variety of premade salads, juices and other sundries.
The ground floor is also home to Cibo, a bright Mediterranean restaurant helmed by Chef James Sumpter. For those looking to explore Detroit’s modern food scene it’s the most convenient spot to hit. The menu is inventive, with hints of Greek and Italian along with Mediterranean cuisine. You’ll find a 100-layer lasagna with pancetta Bolognese, and a prosciutto and fig pizza with Gorgonzola dolce among its offerings.
Beve Bar
No where is the Cambria’s art deco elegance on more brilliant display than at its Beve Bar, a classic cocktail lounge. The menu is long on prohibition-era drinks, and after about 5 p.m., you may have a hard time finding a seat. If the weather permits, take your drink outside to the massive “rooftop” patio. It’s on the second floor, so don’t expect any sweeping views, but it’s a comfortable place to kick back and get fresh air just off the hotel lobby.
Head downstairs from the main entrance and you’re thrust into a subterranean golf bar, where course simulators and full club sets let you play a virtual round without leaving the hotel. It’s more of a social space than an athletic experience, though if you’re here with business colleagues, it’s a far more interactive way to spend happy hour than simply grabbing beers at the bar.
Fitness Center
The Cambria’s fitness center is open 24 hours, with two treadmills, ellipticals, dumbbells and a cable machine. It’s spacious enough for almost any workout and has pleasantly distracting views of the skyline.
Parking
Valet parking is available for $45 a night.
#cambriadetroit on TikTok
FAQs
Which airport is closest to Cambria hotel Detroit downtown?
Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport is 20 miles away.
What is the hotel’s address?
600 W. Lafayette Blvd., Detroit, MI 48226
What is Cambria Detroit’s phone number?
(313) 733-0300
How far is the hotel from Comerica Park?
Comerica Park is a mile away.
How far is Cambria Hotel Detroit Downtown to Cambria Hotel Detroit Shelby Township?
Cambria Hotel Detroit Shelby Township is 30 miles north.
How far is West Lafayette, Indiana from the Cambria Hotel Detroit Downtown in Michigan?
West Lafayette is 275 miles away.
What time is check-in and check-out?
Check-in 3:00 PM. Check-out 11:00 AM.
What are the hotel’s amenities?
The amenities include a 24-hour front desk, fitness center, lobby bar, meeting spaces, room service, private parking, a business center, meeting rooms, event spaces, banquet rooms and a rooftop bar. The rooms are non-smoking and feature bluetooth connections, free wifi, in-room flat screen TVs, coffee makers and air conditioning.
Are there any destinations close to the hotel?
The hotel is close to attractions like Huntington Place Convention Center (formerly TCF Convention Center), the riverfront, Ford Field, Comerica Park and Little Caesar’s Arena.
Is Cambria part of Choice Hotels?
Cambria hotels are part of Choice Hotels.
Do guests need a credit card to check-in?
Guests are required to show a photo ID and credit card at check-in.
