So, you’re planning a trip to Ann Arbor! It’s a city that’s buzzing with energy, art, and amazing food. But before you start mapping out your tour of the University of Michigan campus or booking dinner reservations on Main Street, there’s one big question to answer: where are you going to stay?
Choosing the right accommodation can completely shape your travel experience. It’s your home base, your sanctuary after a long day of exploring. As a travel agency serving the Ann Arbor community, we’ve heard it all. Some travelers want to be surrounded by the historic architecture of a boutique hotel, while others need a full-service spot with a pool to keep the kids happy.
Finding the perfect fit among all the travel accommodations in Ann Arbor can feel overwhelming. That’s why we’ve put together our insider guide. We’ll break down the best neighborhoods, hotels, and unique stays so you can find the perfect place to drop your bags and start your adventure.
TL;DR: The Details on Ann Arbor Accommodations
Ann Arbor offers a fantastic range of places to stay, from the trendy, university-themed Graduate Hotel right downtown to charming B&Bs like Stone Chalet in historic neighborhoods. For a resort-style experience with pools and restaurants, hotels like Weber’s Inn are a great choice.
The key is to match your lodging to your travel style, whether you want to be in the heart of the action or prefer a quiet, local feel.
First, What’s Your Travel Style? Choosing Your Ann Arbor Neighborhood
Before diving into specific hotels, let’s talk location. Where you stay in Ann Arbor has a huge impact on your trip. Do you want to walk out your door and be in the middle of everything, or do you prefer a quieter setting with easy parking?
The Heart of the Action: Downtown & Campus
If your goal is to be fully immersed in the city’s vibrant culture, this is the place for you. Staying downtown or near the University of Michigan’s Central Campus puts you within easy walking distance of dozens of restaurants, independent shops, theaters, and museums.
It’s the perfect choice if you want to park your car once and explore on foot. This area is home to the city’s most unique boutique hotels and is buzzing with an infectious, intellectual energy day and night.
The Relaxed Resort Vibe: State Street & Briarwood Area
Located a short drive from downtown, the area around State Street and the I-94 interchange is where you’ll find many of Ann Arbor’s full-service hotels.
If your checklist includes amenities like an indoor pool, an on-site restaurant, and ample free parking, this is your sweet spot. It’s a convenient choice for families, business travelers, and anyone who prefers a more relaxed, resort-style atmosphere without being too far from the city center.
The Quiet & Quaint: Historic Neighborhoods
For travelers who dream of staying on a leafy street in a historic home, Ann Arbor’s residential neighborhoods offer a truly special experience. Areas like the Old West Side and Burns Park are filled with charming architecture and a peaceful, local vibe. This is where you’ll find the city’s best bed & breakfasts and a wide array of vacation rentals, from cozy carriage houses to entire homes. It’s the ideal way to feel less like a tourist and more like a local.
Ann Arbor’s Best Hotels & Stays: Our Top Picks
Now that you have a feel for the neighborhoods, let’s talk about specific properties. Here are our top recommendations as a travel agency, broken down by travel style.
For a Unique Boutique Experience: The Graduate Ann Arbor
If you’re looking for a hotel with personality to spare, The Graduate is it. Located just steps from the U of M campus, this hotel is a playful, stylish tribute to college life, decked out in maize and blue. The design is brilliant, with details like student ID-style room keys and chalkboard art creating a fun, immersive atmosphere.
It’s more than just looks, though. The Graduate features:
- Two great spots for drinks and snacks: A lobby-level coffee shop called Poindexter Coffee and the cozy, wood-paneled Allen Rumsey Cocktail Lounge.
- A prime location: You can’t get much closer to the heart of downtown and campus life.
- Pet-friendly rooms: So you can bring your furry friend along for the adventure.
It’s the perfect choice for visitors who appreciate creative design and want to be in the middle of the city’s buzz.
For Classic Elegance on Campus: The Bell Tower Hotel
For a more traditional and refined stay, the Bell Tower Hotel is an Ann Arbor classic. Its biggest selling point is its unbeatable location—it’s situated directly on the University of Michigan’s campus, making it the ultimate home base for visiting parents, alumni, or prospective students.
The experience here is one of timeless elegance and top-notch service. Guests rave about the complimentary full American breakfast and the convenience of the on-site valet service.
It’s a quiet, comfortable, and sophisticated choice for travelers who value classic charm and an unparalleled location.
For a Full-Service Getaway: Weber’s Boutique Hotel & The Kensington Hotel
Sometimes, you just want a hotel that has it all. For a true resort-style experience, these two properties are fantastic options.
- Weber’s Boutique Hotel: A beloved Ann Arbor institution for decades, Weber’s offers a complete getaway experience. It’s famous for its on-site restaurant and bar, which often features live music, and its impressive indoor pool and recreation area. The rooms have been updated with surprisingly modern touches, like Bluetooth mirrors and heated toilet seats in some bathrooms.
- The Kensington Hotel: Another excellent full-service choice, The Kensington offers a comfortable and convenient stay with great amenities. It boasts a heated indoor pool, jacuzzi, and sauna, making it a great place to relax after a long day. It’s also home to the Relish Restaurant & Bar and is pet-friendly, so the whole family is welcome.
For Extended Stays or Traveling with Pets
If you’re planning a longer visit or can’t bear to leave your pet behind, Ann Arbor has you covered.
- Extended Stay: Hotels like TownePlace Suites and Staybridge Suites offer apartment-style rooms with full kitchens, which are perfect for week-long stays or travelers who prefer to cook their own meals.
- Pet-Friendly: Beyond The Graduate and The Kensington, many other hotels welcome pets, including the Sheraton Ann Arbor, Hyatt Place Ann Arbor, and several Hampton Inn locations. Just be sure to call ahead, as pet fees and size restrictions often apply.
Beyond Hotels: Cozy Inns, B&Bs, and Vacation Rentals
For a more intimate or independent travel experience, consider looking beyond traditional hotels.
The Bed & Breakfast Charm: Stone Chalet & Burnt Toast Inn
Ann Arbor’s B&Bs offer a warm, personalized experience that makes you feel right at home.
- Stone Chalet Bed & Breakfast Inn: This place is truly one-of-a-kind. Housed in a stunning 1917 building made of fieldstone granite, it feels like staying in a small European castle. The rooms are all unique (some are even themed!), and the made-to-order breakfasts are legendary. It’s set in a quiet residential neighborhood but is still an easy walk to campus. You can find more information about this and other local spots on the Destination Ann Arbor tourism website.
- Burnt Toast Inn: If you’re looking for a cozy, friendly, and eclectic B&B, this is it. Run by a welcoming local family, the inn is famous for its delicious homemade breakfasts featuring locally sourced ingredients. It’s just a short walk from the fantastic restaurants on Main Street, making it both charming and convenient.
Living Like a Local: Ann Arbor Vacation Rentals
The popularity of platforms like VRBO and Airbnb has opened up a whole new world of lodging options in Ann Arbor. You can find everything from modern downtown apartments to historic carriage houses. This is a fantastic choice for families or groups who want more space, a full kitchen, and the chance to experience one of Ann Arbor’s beautiful residential neighborhoods firsthand.
How a Travel Agency in Ann Arbor Can Help You Choose
Feeling overwhelmed by all the choices? This is where working with a travel expert can make all the difference. A great travel advisor does more than just click a “book” button; they get to know you and your travel style to make a truly personalized recommendation.
When you’re planning a special trip like a honeymoon or anniversary, the stakes are even higher. An advisor who specializes in designing romantic travel can help you sift through the options to find the perfect suite or the most romantic setting. It’s about understanding the little details that elevate a good trip into an unforgettable one.
It’s our mission to get to know our clients to ensure every recommendation is the perfect fit.
No matter where you choose to stay, Ann Arbor is a city that’s sure to charm you. By picking the right home base for your adventure, you’re already one step closer to a perfect trip.
Ready to find the perfect accommodation for your Ann Arbor getaway without all the stress of research? Let’s connect!