The Townsend Hotel, Detroit

All you need to know

Nestled in the upscale Metro Detroit suburb of Birmingham, The Townsend Hotel is a four-star luxury boutique property that opened on June 1, 1988. Designed by local architect Nathan Levine, the red-brick building draws inspiration from a grand English country manor, intentionally contrasting with the industrial, mid-century aesthetic often associated with the wider motor city region.

The hotel’s custom interiors were shaped by famed regional designer Daniel E. Clancy, who utilized cherry wood paneling, crystal chandeliers, and deep marble bathrooms to evoke Old World European elegance. A signature tradition here is the formal English afternoon tea service, featuring custom loose-leaf blends and fresh pastries from the on-site Townsend Bakery.

Over the years, the hotel has served as the premier choice for traveling VIPs and celebrities visiting the Detroit area. Its very first guest was actress Morgan Fairchild the night before the official opening, and the property famously hosted icons like Michael Jackson, Elton John, and Rod Stewart for 14 consecutive days during a concert run at nearby venues.

While guests can enjoy world-class dining at the hotel’s award-winning Rugby Grille, the surrounding community of Birmingham offers 240 acres of walkable parks, high-end boutiques, and renowned art galleries. For retail enthusiasts, the premier Somerset Collection luxury mall is just minutes away.

The property is also an ideal base for exploring the wider region’s premier cultural institutions. Guests can easily drive down Woodward Avenue to visit the world-renowned Detroit Institute of Arts or head to nearby Dearborn to explore The Henry Ford Museum and Greenfield Village.