You’ve probably seen the massive, red-brick towers peeking over the trees while driving down Five Mile Road. For years, locals and travelers alike called it the Inn at St. John's Plymouth Detroit, but honestly, if you haven't visited in the last couple of years, you basically don't know the place anymore. It’s undergone a massive $50 million identity shift.
It isn't just a name change to Saint John's Resort. It’s a total vibe overhaul.
From Pews to Presidential Suites
The history here is kinda wild. Back in the 1940s, this wasn't a place for weekend getaways or clinking champagne glasses; it was the Saint John's Provincial Seminary. Hundreds of men studied for the priesthood within these Romanesque walls. When the seminary closed in 1988, the building sat quiet for a while. You can still feel that "old world" gravity in the architecture—the soaring arches, the hand-carved wood, and the Botticini marble.
In 2021, the Pulte Family Charitable Foundation bought the property from the Archdiocese of Detroit. That’s when things got interesting. They didn't just slap on some new wallpaper. They turned it into a "Humanitarian Hotel."
What does that even mean?
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Basically, 100% of the net profits from your steak dinner or your round of golf go directly to global and local charities. It’s a business model that feels a bit like a glitch in the matrix, but it’s real. Your stay literally funds food programs and educational initiatives.
The $50 Million Facelift
If you’re looking for the Inn at St. John's Plymouth Detroit because you remember the old, slightly corporate-feeling conference center, you're in for a shock. The renovation touched everything.
- The Monarch Ballroom: This is the crown jewel. It’s 17,000 square feet of "wow." We’re talking a 200-foot glass wall that overlooks a courtyard. If you’re planning a wedding for 1,500 people—yes, 1,500—this is one of the only places in Michigan that can actually handle it without everyone feeling like sardines.
- The Cardinal: They completely nuked the old 27-hole golf course. In its place, architect Raymond Hearn designed an 18-hole championship course called The Cardinal. It's the first high-end public course to open in the Detroit area in over 20 years.
- The Little Cardinal: Not everyone has four hours to lose on a Saturday. They added a seven-hole short course and a two-acre putting course that’s honestly just fun, even if your golf game is terrible.
The 118 guest rooms got the treatment, too. Gone are the dated fixtures. Now you've got Egyptian cotton sheets, walk-in showers with high-end tile, and a layout that feels much more like a boutique hotel in Europe than a suburban Detroit stay.
Why People Actually Go There
Let’s be real: most people end up here for a wedding. And for good reason. The Saints Mary & Joseph Chapel on-site is stunning. It’s got that heavy, historic atmosphere that makes a ceremony feel like a big deal.
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But the food has become a massive draw for the Plymouth and Northville locals. Five Steakhouse is the big name there—heavy hitters like Wagyu and fresh seafood. Then there’s The Grotto, which is this underground, speakeasy-style wine bar that feels like a secret. If you want something louder and more casual, Doyle’s Irish Pub opened recently near the golf complex.
It’s a weird, beautiful mix of high-end luxury and "let's grab a beer after the 9th hole."
What Most People Get Wrong
People still think of this as a "Catholic-only" space because of the seminary roots. That’s just not the case anymore. While they kept the chapel (because it's architectural art), the resort is wide open to everyone. They host non-denominational ceremonies, Jewish weddings, Sangeets, and LGBTQA+ celebrations.
Also, don't assume it's "too fancy" for a random Tuesday. The Trackman driving range is heated. You can go hit balls in February when it's 20 degrees outside and grab a burger afterward.
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Making the Most of Your Visit
If you’re heading to Saint John's Resort (the artist formerly known as the Inn at St. John's Plymouth Detroit), here is how you should actually do it:
- Book the Garden Pavilion: If you’re doing an event and the Monarch is too big, the Pavilion has these nano-glass walls that slide open. It’s the best "indoor-outdoor" feel in the county.
- Check the Art: They have a rotating gallery. The hallways are filled with work by local visionaries. It’s worth a 20-minute walk just to see what’s on the walls.
- The "Humanitarian" Factor: Keep in mind that every dollar you spend on a Nespresso in your room or a cocktail at the bar is technically a donation. It makes the bill a little easier to swallow.
Actionable Next Steps
If you're planning a trip or an event, don't just look at the old photos online. The "Inn" era is over, and the "Resort" era is in full swing.
- For Golfers: Book your tee time at The Cardinal at least two weeks out during peak season. It’s currently the buzziest course in Metro Detroit.
- For Couples: Schedule a tour of the Monarch Ballroom and the Wine Grotto. The contrast between the massive, light-filled ballroom and the dark, intimate wine bar is perfect for a wedding weekend flow.
- For Locals: Skip the chain restaurants in downtown Plymouth for once and head to Doyle’s for a pint. The view of the greens at sunset is arguably the best in the area.
This property is a rare example of a historic site being saved from "condo-fication" and turned into something that actually serves the community. Whether you call it the Inn at St. John's Plymouth Detroit or the new Saint John's Resort, it remains the most interesting 200 acres in Southeast Michigan.