The Dearborn Inn, Detroit

The Dearborn Inn, located on Oakwood Boulevard in Dearborn, is a timeless symbol of architectural elegance and historical significance. Opened in 1931, this iconic hotel was the brainchild of Henry Ford, envisioned as a premier lodging solution for visitors to the nearby Ford Airport. Designed by renowned architect Albert Kahn in the Georgian architectural style, the Dearborn Inn is a testament to Ford’s passion for Colonial Revival aesthetics.

Spanning 23 acres, the Dearborn Inn initially gained fame as one of the nation’s first airport hotels. Although Ford Airport closed in 1933, the hotel continued to thrive, evolving into a distinguished destination for guests seeking refined accommodations and dining. Its storied past includes several milestones, such as being the first air-conditioned hotel in the U.S. in 1937 and Michigan’s first to introduce direct-dial telephones in 1961.

The hotel’s 231 rooms include five Colonial guest homes, built in 1937, replicating the residences of historical figures like Edgar Allan Poe and Patrick Henry. These unique accommodations, along with features like Edison's fine dining restaurant, the Ten Eyck Tavern, a seasonal outdoor pool, and 17,000 square feet of meeting space, offer an exceptional blend of historic charm and modern luxury.

Among its highlights is the Alexandria Ballroom, a space inspired by Henry Ford’s love for ballroom dancing. The hotel also made hospitality history with its family-friendly activities, such as horseback riding, tennis, and sightseeing flights over Detroit and Windsor, Ontario.

Listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1982, the Dearborn Inn has undergone key renovations, including expansions in 1987, updates for its 75th anniversary in 2008, and its ongoing transformation for a 2025 reopening under Marriott's Autograph Collection. Located near The Henry Ford Museum and Ford’s headquarters, it continues to symbolize innovation and hospitality.