El Moore Lodge & Residences — Hotel in Detroit

Had the pleasure of staying a night here with the wife in the Moonbeam rooftop lodge mid-week in July. El Moore is on the south end of midtown about a block from "Mario's" restaurant and a 5 minute wak to the Cass Corridor. We arrived to a well secured gated lot with email instructions on accessing the coded entryway and well kept grounds. The lobby was a modern but warm little foyer and sitting area that doubles as the breakfast space in the mornings. The first level also contains some extended stay and traditional hotel style rooms that were both beautiful. The middle floors are actually residential apartment units which we did not have a chance to view.

I can't overstate how friendly and accommodating all of the staff was during our stay, they were and absolute pleasure to deal with. After our welcome we were taken up a key secured elevator to the rooftop. The 4 different rooftop rooms are a gorgeous modern cabin style decor with an unbelievable outdoor patio space 5 stories up.

The 2 north facing rooms (I forget the names...) are apparently a bit larger inside (king bed and a sofa) and have a smaller balcony (5x10 or so) facing the north side of town.

The smaller moonbeam (where we stayed) and sunrise rooms face south and make up for the interior square footage with enormous (20x10 or so) patios with outdoor seating that have breathtaking views of the high rises downtown. The patios are separated by a plantar box of shrubs that weren't quite grown in enough to truly make the spaces private but as it grows in I suspect that will be the case. The moonbeam suite also has an additional castle turret-like extension to the patio which was a nice place to take in the views. The interior had a queen bed, nearly floor to ceiling windows and door wall facing the patio, wood plank walls, a sink/fridge/kitchen counter space, and a modern bath with a large glass door tiled/stone shower. It also had a smart TV with complimentary Netflix access but but no cable or antenna channels.

Pros: This is really a unique and enjoyable place to stay, especially if you go for one of the rooftop lodges. If you don't mind a queen bed and don't need the extra sofa sleeper for guests, the moonbeam is definitely the biggest wow factor in terms of outdoor space and beautiful views. Very close walk to a bunch of popular dining/entertainment options. People are top notch. Continental breakfast provided. Secure lot for parking at no additional cost.

Cons: The only downsides we encountered were the pillows that were provided (2 decorative and 2 usable on a queen bed that were suprisingly thin and uncomfortable, I really wished I had brought my own or that more/firmer ones were available) and the lack of local/cable TV. It also may lack some minor hotel staples like an ice machine and a clothes iron/ironing...

This is my last hotel stay when I’m visiting Detroit and it’s almost ruined all my journey. Good thing first: location great- 1 mile south of the DIA museum and many eateries. Room is cleaned and bathroom big. That’s why I give 2 stars. Bad things: hard to tell where is the door if you walk in. The gate for the car is locked. I found the passenger door follow someone who scan cards in. Then the front desk is 3 doors and 2 turns behind. Again you need cards to enter. Don’t arrive late so no other guest can open door for you. My room is in underground which is fine because I didn’t pay attention to the location. The room basically has just one bed and 2 tiny table top that is the size of 4 phones. Two useless big cabinet besides the wall that take up all spaces. There’s NO any TABLE OR CHAIR in your room to sit. If you order take out like me, you can either eat in the bed or go up 2 levels and open that heavy lobby door to sit in the parlor. They definitely need to remove the cabinet and put at least a coffee table and a chair. You need to be 6 feet TALL TO ROLL DOWN the window curtain because there’s no chair to stand on. I stand on the trash can because I have to close it. At night, some street car headlight can shed into the room. The bathroom is such a game that they told me only my room uses it but it has a keypad lock at door. It’s not easy to open even you have the right code. So imagine that I get up at night for restroom. First have to bring my room card or the door auto shut behind me. Then good luck to remember your 4 digit bathroom ps and punch them in the right speed with right strength to open the door quick enough before you can’t hold your pee. The room is clean but the ceiling is very thin. Upstairs guy runs in and out clearly in between 9-11pm then again before 7am in the morning. I can hear upstairs showering which is right above my head close to the head corner of my room. Being a light sleeper I can’t sleep again 7am so I got up for breakfast in the parlor. The bar table is only about 4 feet long with all things crowded. You can hardly find enough space to put your bowl and cup at the same top. The front desk guy was sitting behind me typing on his pad and tried to gave me some tips. But that gave me the feeling of being watched and I’m guilty to get too many food or just an extra piece of butter. The bread and cereals are healthy with limited amount. Nothing hot besides the hot water jar. The paper jar cereal already expired. The gardens outside doesn’t have much to offer at this season. Bonus pts: 6am I tried to use that luxury stand alone bathroom and saw someone at the laundry room door or maybe a ghost who make big noise doing some chores - great...

My wife and I planned a trip to visit the Diego Rivera murals at the Detroit Institute of Arts. We booked a room at El Moore for a couple of nights and it made the whole trip a pleasure. We’ve stayed in hotels all over the country, many more expensive, and El Moore is the best of the lot. Everything about it was excellent for us, from the location to the very comfortable bed. This is a unique rehab of an historic building, part of a larger effort to conscientiously contribute to the revitalization of a neighborhood. The grounds include gated parking, and an un-gated community garden and a fine little cafe/grocery. Each room in the hotel is unique. All have access to a nice parlor, complete with a collection of Detroit-themed books and a simple breakfast bar. The staff were amazing, friendly and acting more like hosts than employees. Our room was sparkling clean and well equipped with everything we needed. The bathroom was huge, including a walk-in shower that could accommodate a crowd (no, we didn’t try to recruit anyone!) As for location, the museum is within walkable distance. There are many restaurants, bars, bakeries and cafes within blocks. The free Q line trolley downtown is two blocks away. Take in a Tigers game, or some live music! In sum, El Moore represents a tremendous value, and sets the standard against which we will judge future hotel stays. We look forward...