Finding a place to crash in the Detroit suburbs usually goes one of two ways. You either end up in a cramped, carpet-smelling box near the highway, or you spend way too much for "luxury" that turns out to be a marble lobby and the same tiny room. Honestly, the Residence Inn Detroit Sterling Heights hits a weirdly perfect middle ground that most people overlook because it technically sits in Clinton Township.
It’s one of those spots that feels like a quiet apartment complex rather than a high-traffic hotel. You aren’t fighting for an elevator with three bachelor parties. Instead, you're tucked behind a Lowe's off Hayes Road, which sounds unglamorous until you realize how silent it makes your Tuesday night.
The Suite Life (Without the Fake "Luxury" Price)
Most hotels call a room with a chair a "suite." It’s a lie. Here, the keyword is space. The Residence Inn Detroit Sterling Heights actually gives you a kitchen. We aren't just talking about a sad microwave and a mini-fridge that barely fits a soda. You get a full-sized refrigerator, a stovetop, and a dishwasher.
If you're staying for a week because of a contract at the GM Tech Center or Chrysler, this is a lifesaver. Eating out in Sterling Heights every night gets old fast. Sometimes you just want to boil some pasta and sit on a sofa that doesn’t feel like it’s made of plastic.
The room layout is actually smart.
- Dedicated Workstations: The desks are usually positioned by the window. Natural light helps when you're staring at spreadsheets for six hours.
- Real Living Areas: The sectional sofas are big enough to actually lounge on.
- Multiple Room Options: They have two-bedroom suites. That’s a rarity. If you're traveling with kids or a coworker you don’t want to share a bathroom with, this is the play.
What’s the Catch?
Look, no hotel is perfect. The breakfast here is your standard Marriott continental fare. You’ve got the DIY waffles—which are always a win—and the soggy eggs that are a staple of American mid-range travel. It’s free, it’s hot, and it gets the job done, but don’t expect a five-star brunch.
The "Sterling Heights" name is also a bit of a marketing stretch. You’re firmly in Clinton Township.
The location is 44600 Hayes Road. While the address says Clinton Township, you are essentially on the border. If you need to be in Sterling Heights for business, you're looking at a 5-to-10-minute drive. It’s convenient, but you absolutely need a car. This isn't a walkable "city" stay.
Business vs. Leisure: The Reality
Sterling Heights is a massive hub for defense and automotive. Being close to BAE Systems, General Dynamics, and Ford is the primary reason this hotel stays full. They have a small meeting room and a decent business center, but the real draw is the WiFi. It’s reliable. In 2026, where every second person is on a Zoom call, that matters more than a fancy lobby.
For families, it’s a different vibe. You’re less than two miles from Lakeside Mall and the Partridge Creek outdoor mall. If you haven't been to Partridge Creek, it’s actually pretty nice—open-air, pet-friendly, and has a cider mill feel in the fall.
Nearby Spots Worth Hitting:
- C.J. Barrymore’s: This is basically a local legend. It’s a massive entertainment complex with go-karts, bowling, and a loop-de-loop coaster. If you have kids, you’re going here.
- The Mall at Partridge Creek: Good for a walk even if you aren't buying anything. They have a fire pit in the middle that’s great for Michigan winters.
- Penne Lane: A solid Italian spot just down the road. Much better than the hotel breakfast.
The Amenities No One Mentions
People always talk about the indoor pool. Yeah, it’s there. It’s heated. It’s fine. But the outdoor area is where the Residence Inn Detroit Sterling Heights actually wins. They have a Sport Court for basketball and a patio area with grills.
There is something deeply satisfying about grilling a steak in a hotel parking lot while other travelers are eating cold sandwiches in their rooms. It builds a weird, temporary community. You’ll see engineers and families sharing grill space and talking about the I-94 traffic.
Final Word on Value
Prices usually hover around $150 to $190 depending on the season. Is it the cheapest in the area? No. You can find a Motel 6 for sixty bucks if you really want to. But for a place that feels like a home base rather than a transit hub, the extra thirty dollars is usually worth it.
Actionable Next Steps
- Book the Two-Bedroom: If you’re traveling with a group, the price-per-person on the two-bedroom suites is the best value in Macomb County.
- Check the Renovation Schedule: Marriott has been updating their Residence Inn interiors throughout 2025 and 2026. Ask for a "newly renovated" room when you check in; the difference in carpet and upholstery quality is noticeable.
- Pack a Grill Kit: Since they have the outdoor Weber grills, bring some charcoal or supplies if you're staying for more than three days. It’ll save you $100 in restaurant bills.