If you’ve lived in Metro Detroit for more than five minutes, you probably still call it the Inn at St Johns Plymouth MI. It’s okay. Habits die hard, especially when a place has been a local landmark for decades. But if you haven't visited the sprawling Five Mile Road property lately, you're basically walking into a completely different world.
The Catholic Archdiocese of Detroit used to own the whole thing. It was a seminary, then a retreat center, then a hotel with a very specific, somewhat formal vibe. Now? It’s Saint John’s Resort. The Grewal family bought it back in 2021, and they didn't just slap a new coat of paint on the walls. They poured $50 million—yes, fifty million—into turning it into a legitimate luxury destination that feels less like a suburban hotel and more like a high-end estate you’d find in the English countryside or maybe Napa Valley.
The Identity Crisis That Ended Well
People get nervous when a historic spot changes hands. There was a legitimate fear that the soul of the Inn at St Johns Plymouth MI would be gutted in favor of something corporate and soulless. It happened to a lot of Michigan's older hotels.
Fortunately, the opposite occurred here.
The "Inn" grew up. The heavy, dark woods and ecclesiastical atmosphere were swapped for something the designers call "garden-inspired." It’s brighter. It’s airy. But it still honors the history. The 1940s-era architecture remains, and the iconic chapel—which is still a massive draw for weddings—is as stunning as ever.
One of the biggest shifts is the opening of The Wine Grotto. Honestly, this was a genius move. Metro Detroit has plenty of dive bars and plenty of stuffy steakhouse bars, but it lacked a true underground wine cellar vibe. It’s built into the lower level, utilizing the stone foundations to create a space that feels secretive and expensive. They feature over 100 labels. If you’re a local, you don’t even need a room; you just go there for a glass of Cabernet and pretend you’re in a different zip code.
Golf is No Longer an Afterthought
Let’s talk about the grass. For years, the golf situation at the former Inn at St Johns Plymouth MI was... fine. It was a 27-hole complex that was great for a casual outing or a corporate scramble, but it wasn't a "bucket list" course.
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That changed with the introduction of The Cardinal.
The owners hired Raymond Hearn to completely blow up the old layout. They went from 27 holes of standard golf to an 18-hole championship course, a 7-hole short course, and a massive putting course. It’s the first new 18-hole course to open in Metro Detroit in roughly 20 years.
Why does this matter? Because they leaned into the "fun" of golf. The short course is designed for people who don't want to spend five hours chasing a ball. The putting course is basically a high-end social club on grass. It’s a shift toward the "resort" lifestyle rather than just being a hotel that happens to have some fairways out back.
- The Cardinal (18 Holes): It’s challenging. The bunkering is aggressive.
- The Little Cardinal: A 7-hole par-3 course that is perfect for families or quick rounds.
- The Chipping/Putting Greens: These are expansive and usually buzzing with activity during the summer months.
Eating Somewhere Other Than Five Mile Road
Most people who stayed at the Inn at St Johns Plymouth MI in the old days would eventually leave the property to find dinner in downtown Plymouth. Downtown is great—The Post and Penniman Gallery are classics—but the resort finally decided to compete.
5ive Steakhouse got a major facelift. It’s contemporary now. The terrace is one of the best outdoor dining spots in the county, especially when the fire pits are going. They do a Wagyu burger that is genuinely worth the price tag, and the seafood tower isn't just for show; the sourcing is legitimately high-quality.
There is also Grotto Bar and the casual Drive-In concept near the golf area. It feels more cohesive. You can actually spend a full weekend here without feeling like you're trapped in a conference center.
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The Wedding Factor
You can't talk about this place without talking about weddings. It is the undisputed heavyweight champion of Michigan wedding venues.
The Inn at St Johns Plymouth MI legacy was built on the St. John’s Provincial Seminary chapel. With its breathtaking high ceilings and traditional pews, it remains the gold standard for Catholic ceremonies. But the reception spaces have evolved.
The new Garden Pavilion is a massive, 15,000-square-foot glass-walled structure. It’s meant to bring the outside in without the Michigan mosquitoes or the unpredictable October rain. It can hold hundreds of people, making it one of the few places in the state that can handle a massive gala or a 400-guest wedding without feeling cramped.
A lot of people ask if it's still "too religious." The answer is: only if you want it to be. While the chapel is there, the rest of the resort feels secular and modern. It’s a balance that’s hard to strike, yet they managed it.
The Room Situation
If you stayed here five years ago, you remember the rooms being a bit... dated. Not dirty, just very "early 2000s hotel."
The 118 guest rooms have been overhauled. They used a lot of local Michigan influences in the redesign. The beds are custom-made, the bathrooms are marble-heavy, and the technology actually works. No more fumbling with weird thermostat dials or ancient Wi-Fi. It’s sleek.
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One thing to note: they are often booked out months in advance for weekends. Because it’s such a wedding hub, if you’re looking for a quiet staycation, try a Tuesday or Wednesday. You’ll have the Wine Grotto almost to yourself, and the service tends to be even more attentive when there isn't a bridal party of twenty roaming the halls.
What People Get Wrong
The biggest misconception is that it’s just for people in Plymouth or Northville.
People are starting to drive in from Ann Arbor, Detroit, and even Grand Rapids for the golf and the spa. It’s positioned itself as a legitimate alternative to driving four hours north to Traverse City.
Is it expensive? Yeah, it’s not a budget motel. You’re paying for the atmosphere. But compared to the prices at the Shinola Hotel in Detroit or the Townsend in Birmingham, you’re often getting more "estate" for your money here. You have 200 acres to roam. You aren't just stuck in a building on a busy street corner.
Practical Next Steps for Your Visit
If you're planning to head over to the property formerly known as the Inn at St Johns Plymouth MI, here is how to actually do it right:
- Book The Cardinal Tee Times Early: Since the 18-hole course is the new "it" thing in Michigan golf, weekend morning spots disappear weeks in advance. If you can't get on the big course, the 7-hole short course is a blast and much easier to snag.
- Dinner Reservations are Non-Negotiable: Don't just walk into 5ive on a Friday night and expect a table. Use OpenTable or call ahead.
- The Wine Grotto Happy Hour: Check their schedule for live music. They often have acoustic sets in the cellar that completely change the vibe.
- Explore the Grounds: Don't just stay in the lobby. Walk the perimeter of the golf course and check out the historic markers. The history of the seminary is actually pretty fascinating if you're into local lore.
- Check the Event Calendar: They do a lot of "resort guests only" events now, like yoga on the lawn or specific wine tastings. It’s worth asking at the front desk what’s happening during your stay so you don't miss out on the small perks.
The transition from the Inn at St Johns Plymouth MI to Saint John's Resort is one of the rare cases where a corporate buyout actually improved the community value of a landmark. It kept the history, fixed the flaws, and added enough new stuff to make it relevant for another fifty years. Whether you're there for a wedding, a round of golf, or just a really good steak, it’s a place that finally feels like it knows exactly what it wants to be.