You’re driving through Detroit, specifically the Brush Park neighborhood, and it hits you. Most of the city is a blur of glass-fronted condos and those sleek, modern "new-builds" that look like they were shipped in a box from Scandinavia. Then, you see it. It’s this massive, imposing Second Empire mansion that looks like it stepped out of a 19th-century oil painting. Honestly, The Inn at 97 Winder is a bit of a shock to the system.
It’s grand. It’s weird. It’s expensive-looking.
Most people just drive past it on their way to a Red Wings game at Little Caesars Arena, which is basically a stone's throw away. But if you actually stop? You’re stepping into the 1870s, back when Detroit was called the "Paris of the West." This isn't your typical Marriott or some sterile boutique hotel where everything smells like artificial lavender and corporate ambition. This place has soul, and it’s got a history that reflects exactly how Detroit itself has lived—glamour, decay, and a massive, stubborn comeback.
The Architect Behind the Magic
John Harvey was a rich man. He made his fortune in the pharmaceutical business—think wholesale drugs before the industry became the giant it is today. In 1876, he hired John V. Smith to build him a home that would make everyone else in the city feel just a little bit inferior. Smith was the guy back then. He knew exactly how to use Mansard roofs and dormer windows to create that "I’ve arrived" aesthetic.
The result was a 11,000-square-foot masterpiece.
Think about that size for a second. It’s basically a small castle. The Inn at 97 Winder was built during the Gilded Age, and the craftsmanship shows. We’re talking about hand-carved woodwork that would cost a fortune to replicate today. The marble fireplaces aren't just for show; they’re original. You can almost feel the presence of the Harvey family hosting lavish dinners while the rest of Detroit was still figuring out how to pave its streets.
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Why Location is Everything Here
Usually, when someone tells you a hotel is in a "prime location," they mean it’s near a mall. Here, it’s different. You are literally at the intersection of history and the future.
- Little Caesars Arena: You can walk there in five minutes. Seriously.
- Comerica Park: Just a bit further down.
- The Fox Theatre: One of the most beautiful venues in the world is your neighbor.
- The QLine: It’s right there to take you up and down Woodward Avenue.
But here’s the thing. Brush Park, where the inn sits, was once the "Elite Section" of Detroit. Then it became a symbol of urban blight. For decades, these mansions were crumbling. Seeing The Inn at 97 Winder fully restored and thriving is kinda like a miracle if you knew what this neighborhood looked like in the 90s. It’s a survivor. It didn't get knocked down for a parking lot, which, in Detroit history, is a massive win.
What It’s Actually Like Inside
Walking in feels like a movie set.
The ceilings are soaring. The grand staircase is the kind of thing you want to walk down in a tuxedo, even if you’re just wearing jeans and a hoodie. There are ten guest rooms, and each one is different. That’s the charm of a B&B-style inn; you aren't getting a cookie-cutter experience.
One room might have a massive canopy bed that requires a step-stool, while another features a turret window that lets you peer out over the city skyline. It’s moody. It’s atmospheric. It’s definitely not for people who want white minimalist walls and USB ports in every single square inch of the furniture (though they do have Wi-Fi, obviously).
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The art collection is also worth mentioning. It’s eclectic. You’ve got traditional 19th-century pieces mixed with some contemporary stuff that keeps it from feeling like a dusty museum. It feels lived-in. It feels like a home, albeit a home belonging to a very wealthy, very eccentric uncle.
Addressing the "Ghost" Elephant in the Room
People always ask. Is it haunted?
When a building is 150 years old and looks like the inspiration for The Addams Family, people jump to conclusions. Honestly, there are no official reports of poltergeists throwing plates in the kitchen. But there is an energy. It’s the energy of a building that has seen the birth of the automotive industry, the Great Depression, and the resurgence of a city. If you’re looking for a generic, "safe" hotel experience where nothing has a story, go to the suburbs. If you want a place that feels like it has a pulse, this is it.
The Fine Print: Luxury Isn’t Cheap
Let’s be real for a minute. Staying at The Inn at 97 Winder is an investment. You are paying for the preservation of a historic landmark.
Rates can vary wildly depending on whether there’s a massive concert or a playoff game nearby. You might find a room for $300, or it might be double that. But you get things you won't get elsewhere.
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- Personalized service.
- A breakfast that actually tastes like food.
- The ability to say you stayed in one of the most significant residential buildings in Michigan.
It’s about the experience. You’re not just buying a bed; you’re buying a ticket to a different era.
How to Do It Right
If you’re going to book a stay, don't just use it as a place to crash. That’s a waste. Plan to spend an hour just walking around the common areas. Look at the crown molding. Look at the way the light hits the stained glass in the late afternoon.
Check the events calendar for the District Detroit. If you can time your stay with a show at the Filmore or a game at Ford Field, you maximize the convenience. But honestly? The best way to enjoy it is to grab a drink, sit in the parlor, and just breathe in the history.
Actionable Tips for Your Visit
- Book Directly: Often, historic inns prefer direct bookings and might give you a better room choice than the big travel sites.
- Ask for a Tour: If the staff isn't slammed, they usually love talking about the house's history. Ask about the restoration process.
- Explore Brush Park on Foot: Walk a few blocks in any direction. You'll see the "before and after" of Detroit’s restoration—from ruins to multi-million dollar penthouses.
- Check Parking: They have on-site parking, which is a massive luxury in this part of town. Use it.
- Dining: You’re within walking distance of Grey Ghost and Bakersfield. Go to Grey Ghost for the burger. You can thank me later.
Staying here isn't just about a room. It's about supporting the idea that old things are worth saving. In a world that is increasingly disposable, The Inn at 97 Winder is a heavy, brick-and-mortar reminder that some things are built to last. Go see it for yourself. Don't just take my word for it. Walk through that front door and see if you don't feel a little bit like a time traveler.
To make the most of your trip, verify the current event schedule at the nearby stadiums before you book, as this drastically affects both traffic and room availability. If you prefer a quiet stay, aim for a mid-week booking when the city's pace slows down and you can have the grand parlor almost entirely to yourself.