Photo of Ann Arbor

About Ann Arbor

Just 30 minutes’ drive from Detroit, lively and liberal Ann Arbor is home to the illustrious University of Michigan — as well as a buzzing food and arts scene. A popular destination with families visiting students at the university, or couples and groups keen for a fun weekend break, the city offers a range of characterful accommodation options. Many of the best places to stay in Ann Arbor also promise excellent facilities for business travellers or big event hosts.

Centred around the University of Michigan’s historic campus, downtown Ann Arbor is appealingly walkable. Pop into bookshops, cafés and bars serving locally-brewed craft beers, or sample top-notch farm-to-table fare in a burgeoning array of trendy eateries. If you’re here for the food, the farmers’ market is not to be missed!

Culture enthusiasts can admire the University of Michigan Museum of Art, the African American Cultural Museum and the U-M Museum of Natural History. Look out for an exciting programme of events at the Michigan Theatre, The Blind Pig and the State Theatre. The city also plays host to some superb festivals — the Ann Arbor Summer Festival and the Art Fair included. The Nichols Arboretum is a wonderful place for a wander, and there are lots of outdoor activities focused on the nearby Huron River.

Get your hands on tickets to a football game at Michigan Stadium — known as ‘The Big House’ — if you can. Celebrate with the thrumming crowds at the stadium before getting a taste of Ann Arbor’s funky nightlife. The best places to stay in Ann Arbor can fill up fast on game nights, so book your trip well in advance to avoid missing out.

The Best Places to Stay in Ann Arbor

For a city stay

  • Graduate Ann Arbor is a trendy boutique hotel in the heart of Ann Arbor. Pick this place for hip, playful decor with vintage accents, a friendly café and atmospheric cocktail bar. The onsite gym and function areas are also a big plus. For well-heeled couples or families visiting university students.
  • Bell Tower Hotel fuses old-school elegance with smart, modern style, perfect for families, couples or business travellers. Set on the University of Michigan campus in central Ann Arbor, this is a top choice for those looking to explore the city and the university. Also great for students and their families.

For a historic B&B

  • Stone Chalet Inn is a laid-back B&B within walking distance of the centre of Ann Arbor. Stay here for the intimate, friendly feel and period furnishings in quirky, 100-year-old buildings, as well as the big events space — perfect for parties, retreats or small weddings.

FOR A HOLIDAY HOUSE OR APARTMENT

  • If you'd prefer a self-catering option, we suggest that you visit our online partner Booking.com.

TRAVEL INFORMATION

  • Fly to Detroit's Metro Airport, and travel by bus or car to Ann Arbor. The drive should take around 30 minutes.
  • If you would like to hire a car, we suggest that you contact our online partner Rentalcars.
  • Visit between June and September for warmer weather. Autumn (October - November) is beautiful and winters are cold but cosy!

STILL NOT SURE?

Best Hotels in Ann Arbor

  • Stone Chalet Inn Ann Arbor (Michigan) 10 rooms from CA$222

    Weddings  -  Event space, leafy gardens and homely multi-building estate make this a fab spot for intimate weddings or family celebrations
    Families  -  College students stay for free when booked alongside visiting parents. There are good multi-room options
    Local exploring  -  Ideal base for relaxed sightseeing; visiting museums, university campus or surrounding countryside
    Sights nearby  -  On sunny days visit Matthaei Botanical Gardens & Nichols Arboretum
    Air conditioningGardenDisabled accessParkingNo pets

    Historic suburban compound walking distance from Ann Arbor. The plot is made up of a remarkable stone chalet, parsonage & carriage house with shared gardens and breakfast room. Genteel decor in traditional style gives an established and homely feel. On-site event space can host meetings & concerts. See More

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  • Graduate Ann Arbor Ann Arbor (Michigan) 204 rooms from CA$270

    Business meetings  -  Indoor and outdoor event spaces and ballroom can host meetings, conferences and weddings for up to 170 people
    Local exploring  -  Located in the buzziest part of town with restaurants, bars, theatres, sites and events mere minutes away
    City Style  -  The coolest place to stay in town; think trendy student digs meets upmarket cozy club
    Learning  -  The hotel faces the University of Michigan Campus; students enjoy special rates
    Air conditioningRestaurantPet friendlyDisabled accessViewsParking

    Trendy boutique-style hotel with a prime central location. Playful decor recreates a university feel with vintage touches; think schoolhouse furniture, chalkboards and sociable communal dining in glossy well-appointed public areas. Plush rooms, restaurants, gym & function spaces tick all the boxes. See More

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  • Bell Tower Hotel Ann Arbor (Michigan) 66 rooms from CA$287

    Local exploring  -  Prime central location, walking distance from university campus, local sites, shops, museums, theatres and restaurants
    Families  -  The large Atrium Suite features two bedrooms, three bathrooms and dining room making it ideal for families of all ages
    Learning  -  University of Michigan campus is located opposite from the hotel and gives the town a warm collegiate atmosphere
    Lively area  -  In the thick of the action.
    Air conditioningParkingNo pets

    Classic hotel in the heart of Ann Arbor. Recently refurbished rooms and suites feature modern colour schemes, comfortable work areas and fab in-room technology; some come with balconies. Enjoy a complimentary breakfast, 24-hour gym, numerous meeting facilities and restaurants mere steps away. See More

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