You’re driving down I-96, maybe coming from the airport or headed toward Lansing, and you see the signs for Novi. Most people assume the best place to stay is deep in downtown Detroit, but honestly, that’s how you end up paying $50 for parking and sitting in forty minutes of morning traffic just to grab a coffee. If you want the actual Detroit experience without the headache, you end up at The Baronette Renaissance Detroit-Novi Hotel. It’s basically the "if you know, you know" spot for business travelers and wedding parties in Oakland County.
The first thing you’ve got to understand is that this isn't some cookie-cutter highway Marriott. It’s a Renaissance. That distinction matters because the brand is built around "discovery," which sounds like marketing fluff until you walk into the lobby and see a 20-foot cast glass hearth. It’s stunning.
Why the location is actually the biggest selling point
Most people see "Detroit" in the name and think they’ll be walking distance to Ford Field. You won't. You’re in Novi. But here’s the thing: you are literally steps away from Twelve Oaks Mall. We aren't talking about a dying 90s mall either. This is the premier shopping destination in the region. You can walk out of the hotel, grab a new suit at Nordstrom, and be back in your room before your next Zoom call starts.
The hotel sits right at 27790 Novi Road. It’s a weirdly perfect "middle ground." You’re twenty minutes from the airport (DTW) and about twenty-five from the city center, but you’re also right next to the Suburban Collection Showplace. If you’re in town for a convention or a trade show, staying here is a total power move compared to the motels further down the road.
The "Donut" design and why it works
The building itself has a history. It was originally built in 1990 as a more standard "Hotel Baronette" before a massive multi-million dollar renovation turned it into the Renaissance property we see today. The architect, David Ashen from d-ash design, once described the original building as a "square donut."
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Instead of fighting that shape, they leaned into it. The center of the "donut" is a lush interior garden. It gives the whole place a vibe that feels more like a Northern Michigan lake house than a suburban office park. When you’re in the lobby, the mix of steel, wood, and neutral tones feels cozy. It pays homage to the Modernist movement—think Saarinen and Eames—which is a huge deal in Michigan's design history. The art isn't just random prints from a warehouse; much of it was curated by Paige Powell and features work from local Michigan artists inspired by Detroit’s automotive and industrial roots.
What’s the deal with the rooms?
There are 155 rooms here. They aren't huge, but they're smart.
- The bedding: Egyptian cotton sheets and down comforters.
- The tech: 37-inch HDTVs (standard for 2026, though some might wish for 50-inch) and plenty of plug-ins.
- The bathrooms: This is where they win. Many rooms have walk-in showers and deep soaking tubs with Aveda products.
One thing to watch out for: soundproofing. Because of the "donut" layout, some rooms face the interior garden while others face the parking lot and mall. If you're a light sleeper, ask for a garden-view room. It’s quieter. Also, a few guests have mentioned that the connecting doors between rooms can be a bit thin. If you’re not traveling with a family, maybe ask for a non-connecting room to avoid hearing your neighbor's late-night Netflix binge.
Toasted Oak: Not your average hotel breakfast
You can’t talk about The Baronette Renaissance Detroit-Novi Hotel without talking about Toasted Oak Grill & Market. It is genuinely one of the better restaurants in Novi, regardless of whether you're staying at the hotel or not. It’s an American brasserie that focuses on "farm-to-fork."
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The market part is cool too. You can buy local Michigan wines, specialty cheeses, and charcuterie to take back to your room. It feels like a high-end deli in Brooklyn but with Midwest prices. Their breakfast is a standout—not just a soggy buffet, but actual made-to-order dishes that people in the neighborhood actually show up for on weekends. Try the lemon ricotta pancakes if they’re on the menu. Seriously.
The real logistics you need to know
If you’re planning an event, the Grand Oak Ballroom can hold up to 500 people. It’s a popular wedding spot because the planning staff is surprisingly "on it" for a suburban hotel. They have about 8,000 square feet of total event space, which is plenty for most mid-sized corporate retreats.
Parking is free. In the world of "resort fees" and $40 valet-only mandates, this is a breath of fresh air.
The gym is small but functional. It’s got the standard LifeFitness machines and enough free weights to get the job done. If you need a real workout, there are plenty of boutique fitness studios in the Fountain Walk complex right across the street.
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Is it worth the price?
Average rates usually hover around $220 to $260 on weeknights. Is it the cheapest option in Novi? No. You can find a budget inn down the street for half that. But you get what you pay for. The service here is consistently rated high—Jeff Rieck, the General Manager, is known for actually responding to guest feedback and being visible on the floor. That level of management trickles down to the front desk and the bartenders.
Actionable steps for your stay
If you're booking at The Baronette Renaissance Detroit-Novi Hotel, do these three things to maximize the experience:
- Request a Garden View: It’s the difference between looking at a sea of SUVs at Twelve Oaks Mall and looking at a peaceful interior courtyard.
- Use the Navigator: Renaissance hotels don't have "concierges"; they have Navigators. They are trained to know the local "underground" spots. Ask them where to find the best craft beer in Wixom or Northville—they’ll give you a better answer than Google Maps.
- Check the Toasted Oak Hours: Sometimes the restaurant closes earlier than you’d expect on weeknights. If you’re arriving late, confirm they’re still serving or plan to hit up Fountain Walk across the street.
The hotel is a solid choice for anyone who wants the sophistication of a city hotel without the logistical nightmare of staying in the "D" itself. It's clean, it's stylish, and the food is actually good.