Located in the heart of quaint Birmingham, Michigan, about 20 miles from downtown Detroit, The Townsend Hotel is a quick hop, skip and jump from designer shops and nationally acclaimed art galleries. This charming little city is easy to navigate by foot, and the luxury hotel itself is in the midst of it all.
The Townsend was built in 1988 and boasts 150 rooms and suites with marble bathrooms, banquet facilities adorned with glittering chandeliers, an afternoon tea and a delicious restaurant featuring American-Continental cuisine, The Rugby Grille.
The Townsend was built in 1988 and boasts 150 rooms and suites with marble bathrooms, banquet facilities adorned with glittering chandeliers, an afternoon tea and a delicious restaurant featuring American-Continental cuisine, The Rugby Grille.
Our Inspector's Highlights
- The Townsend is only a few minutes' drive from the Somerset Collection, which features some of the area’s best designer shopping, including Saks Fifth Avenue, Ralph Lauren, Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Dior and many more.
- The two Penthouse Suites are worth the splurge — they each have gas fireplaces, large living areas dressed in soft shades of white, and full gourmet kitchens. In fact, a chef of the hotel can prepare a meal for you and your guests in the suite.
- Electric car drivers will more than appreciate the hotel's three charging stations — two are designated for Tesla vehicles and the third is a universal charging station designed to give power to all other electric cars.
- The Rugby Grille has an elegant yet comfortable vibe where you can eat breakfast, lunch and dinner. Here, it's all classic-meets-contemporary fare (Dover sole, Caesar salad, Faroe Island salmon, wagyu beef) with a focus on local, sustainable ingredients.
- Enjoy a traditional afternoon tea with seasonal scones, sandwiches (like roast beef with horseradish citrus-cream sauce on marble rye) and mouth-watering desserts (like chocolate-almond-strawberry cake or coconut-pineapple cake), all to the soundtrack of classical music.
Things to Know
- Summer is perhaps the best time to visit as the walkable town is abuzz with activity from farmer's markets to outdoor concerts.
- The Townsend is just 40 minutes from the Detroit Metropolitan Airport.
- The hotel is also dog-friendly, so there's no need to leave your four-legged friend at home.
The Rooms
- Bathed in a surprisingly attractive mélange of neutrals, the rooms have an air of sophistication — think beige textured wallpaper, rich dark wood furniture, thick taupe drapery and pops of brushed gold and brass.
- The marble bathrooms are a real treat with deep-soaking tubs, Lather bath products and plush terry robes.
- Luxe amenities include Frette linens, Bose sound system, 24-hour concierge service, evening turndown service and Nespresso coffee machines.
- For the ultimate splurge, opt for a stay in one of the Michigan hotel's three Presidential Suites. In addition to extra space and plush perks, you'll drift off to dreamland on a bed literally made for royalty thanks to brand-new Hastens mattresses, the preferred brand of the Swedish royal family.
Nearby Attractions
- While you’ll certainly enjoy exploring the walkable community of Birmingham, an abundance of attractions is less than 20 miles away in downtown Detroit. Watch the Tigers at Comerica Park, the Lions at Ford Field or the Red Wings or Pistons at Little Caesars Arena.
Explore Detroit’s art scene and history. The Detroit Institute of Arts, Motown Museum and Henry Ford Museum are all under 30 minutes away.
- If you’re in town with the family, the Detroit Zoo — home to more than 2,000 animals and more than 245 different species — is just six-mile ride.
- The Townsend is five minutes from the internationally acclaimed Cranbrook Schools and Art Museum (birthplace of Eames modern furniture).
Amenities
Babysitting services
Bar
Meeting rooms
Pet friendly
Restaurants
Getting There
Stories
