SHINOLA HOTEL

Leave it to Detroit to create a staple location that can bring together both locals and tourists, and showcase Detroit’s ability to create something new that feels absolutely timeless. Introducing, The Shinola Hotel, designed by Gachot Studios and Kraemer Design Group.

When the Detroit Girls visited the hotel for the first time, we were welcomed with smiles from the doormen that made it feel as though they had seen us time and time again, strolling that little avenue. The interior of the hotel held our attention in the most subtle way. Brought together with a variety of art and décor, the hotel’s presence gave us a warm vintage appeal as if time stood still. 

To the right of the lobby is a lounge area open to the public where guests and others can sit to enjoy a coffee, a cocktail or a selection of appetizers. It is the perfect seating area to enjoy at the end of your day after relishing in the city of Detroit, or simply a place to get out of the rain and embrace the walls covered in intricately chosen and placed pieces of art.

For lovers of all things artistic, including ourselves, this is a safe haven. The furniture brings the 60’s into the modern age, with mid-century sandy, stone, beige and taupe colored pieces. Carefully selected wood furnishings brought the room together and set a tone of classic elegance that is hard to find. As we sat down and enjoyed the moment, what caught our attention most was the curved stairway that led to an area that was concealed. We looked at each other and agreed to come back later on that night to explore what the upper level had to offer when there was a little less commotion.

We ascended the staircase only to be greeted by a bride, her groom and his groomsmen. The area showcased bookshelves and record players, equipped with a pool table; a small and restful section that allowed for a private moment in a grand hotel.

This additional private lounge area of the Shinola Hotel was exactly what it felt the hotel wanted to represent: an extravagant moment in time. We watched as this beautiful bride laughed at her groom, the well dressed men held their whiskey glasses waiting to shoot pool all caught up in themselves, slowly moved to the music. As we got ready to leave, we turned to the party, said our congratulations and they smiled our way.

The Shinola Hotel brings together the past and the future into a present moment, situated in the center of Detroit, yet with a style entirely specific to its standards. It allows entrance from the main lively direction of Woodward avenue, yet also has entrances through what we Detroiters refer to as  “The Alley” located right behind it. People can also enter The Shinola Hotel through The Evening Bar, an intimate setting, attached to the back of the hotel. All these pieces set a new degree to our city of Detroit, leaving everyone to talk about what there is to discover in our city and in the World’s first Shinola Hotel.

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