A Wintertime Stay for Two in Detroit

Matt’s 35th birthday brought us to Detroit–the time of the year we seem to spend the most time in the city, enjoying the winter festivities and walking around exploring while bundled up!

We planned our trip around a Red Wings game at the Little Caesars Arena, a place a nonsportsy person like me can enjoy with frose, pizza and a huge variety of snacks! Read on for ideas on where to stay, sip and snack!

Where to Stay

When it’s this cold, I like to stay as close to the happening spots on Woodward Avenue since we walk everywhere. A few of my centrally located favorites include the Siren Hotel.

The lobby alone will set you back in time, reminding me of a scene from Marvelous Mrs. Maisel with its rich colors, textures and vintage furniture and finds throughout. Populace Coffee has a shop right in the lobby so you don’t need to go far for your daily cup of joe.

The Candy Bar is located on the first floor, another great little spot to grab a cocktail before or after dinner. 

This time, we stayed at Aloft Hotel inside the Whitney Building. This hotel also boasts a bar inside, although not my favorite. I don’t mind grabbing a drink though and sitting in the large lobby marveling over the marble infrastructure. It’s truly captivating inside the building and our room was huge with great views of the Tigers Stadium and Woodward Avenue.

I haven’t stayed at the Shinola Hotel, but that’s right on Woodward Avenue and it’s top of my list to stay next. Matt and I grabbed a drink at the hotel restaurant San Morello and pleasantly surprised at how friendly the staff were (Olivia the bartender was so sweet and charismatic and didn’t judge my moscato order.) It’s beautiful space in the heart of the city.

Where to Grab a Drink

I’m not a huge drinker so atmosphere ends up mattering most when I choose a bar or restaurant for a glass of wine or cocktail. I’ve peeked through the windows of San Morello in the past and I was excited to finally pop in for a quick drink. Must go back for an authentic Italian dish soon!

Wright and Company is a favorite I love to repeat visit when in town. With its exposed brick, tin ceiling, large windows and leather booths, it’s a beautiful place to grab small plates and an aperol spritz and check out the second floor views.

If you like everything pink and marble, check out Candy Bar. It’s TINY and you’ll need a reservation since it seats like 10 people, but it’s a beautiful, glamorous little bar.

Quick Bites

Frita Batidos is a favorite of ours and once we learned the Ann Arbor based restaurant opened a downtown location, we  headed straight there. When we’re in town for a hockey game, we’re dressed in Red Wings gear and for warmth/comfort so while we want to try some nicer restaurants in town, I genuinely prefer something quick and less refined. Restaurants with white table cloths scare me, but Frita Batidos with open white picnic tables and a large menu on the wall, it’s easy to pick a burger, fries and milkshake.

For breakfast and brunch, our go to is always Dime Store. Tasty omelettes, full bar, duck bop hash and the most delicious pork sausage.

FOLK Detroit looks amazing and is also top of my list to visit when I’m back in town for a quick breakfast. Grab a waffle or quiche and enjoy the beautifully designed space.

Coffee Shops

Populace Coffee inside of Siren Hotel is a favorite. From a plain latte to their London Fog latte, it’s all good and consistent. Lots of little nooks with vintage furniture to sit and enjoy your drink before you head out to explore.

Madcap Coffee recently opened a location downtown and I can always expect a great latte here too. Super modern and bright white on the inside, but you can’t sit and relax here.

Dessert Oasis Coffee Roasters is another Detroit favorite of mine. And the downtown location is huge with lots of seating lining the windows and I love to watch the dogs in the park across the street.

 Campus Martius Park and Cadillac Square is a must-see during the holiday season. There’s an ice skating arena, giant Christmas tree, small glass huts that local shops occupy for shoppers to easily snag holiday gifts.  Popped into Bird Bee and loved the candle selection! I love the Boy Smells candle line, they smell amazing and beautiful packaging. Shinola Hotel’s San Morello restaurant. We sat at the bar for one drink and the atmosphere is perfect. Midcentury modern design, friendly staff and just a great way to spend an hour. Inside the Aloft Hotel at the Whitney Building.