The historic Dearborn Inn has reopened its doors as a part of the Autograph Collection. The hotel debuted an extensive restoration and renovation that elevates the nearly century-old property with thoughtful design and upscale amenities.
Originally built in 1931 by Henry Ford and designed by Albert Kahn, renowned for his expansive design work across the city (Ford’s Highland Park Plant, Ford Rouge Factory, Eleanor Ford House), the 135-key hotel has been restored by Ford Land’s design and Ford Motor Company’s archival teams in collaboration with the Ford family and partners including AvroKO, Dash Design and Kraemer Design Group, along with restoration architect Quinn Evans.
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1982, the Dearborn Inn was one of the country’s first airport hotels, built across from what was once the Ford Airport. The Georgian-style inn was inspired by the New England inns that the Fords frequented and quickly became a beloved retreat for notable "changemakers, inventors and creatives" who came into town to collaborate with Ford such as Walt Disney, Orville Wright, Norman Rockwell, Eleanor Roosevelt, and President Ronald Reagan. Set on 23 acres, the property has two signature dining concepts—a farm-to-table restaurant, Clara’s Table, named after Henry Ford’s wife, Clara Jane Bryant Ford, and innovative cocktail bar, Four Vagabonds. In summer 2025, Dearborn Inn will introduce five standalone homes with distinctive guest suites themed around creatives and notable former guests like Edgar Allan Poe, along with 17,000 square feet of event space.
Upon arrival, guests are greeted with the checkerboard Italian marble flooring selected by Henry Ford himself. As they move through the lobby space, the green marble fireplace has also been restored and preserved, alongside an original antique clock. Guests are invited to commemorate their journey by taking a vintage-style ‘passport’ photo inside a customized photo booth, an original phone booth that has been transformed to look like the historic Ford Tri-Motor airplane.
A collection of artifacts from the Ford Archives—curated by art advisory firm Farmboy—is displayed throughout the hotel, including a scrapbook of letters from guests who once honeymooned at the inn and vintage Dearborn Inn menus—one with a signature from Walt Disney. The lobby’s sports a mix of original Michigan-made designs, including Platner chairs and bespoke pieces from local artisans that contrast the checkered marble that continues throughout. Vintage bar carts can be found in the lobby, serving coffee and tea in the mornings and cocktails and refreshments in the afternoon.
The rooms include a stately four-poster walnut bed, Eames chairs, signature touches such as Ford Pantone blue tiles in the bathrooms, and artwork from or inspired by the company archives. The guest experience is further enhanced by in-room details like a personalized voicemail greeting and open sketch books. The inn will also offer 19 suites as well as the Presidential Suite, complete with a living room, kitchenette and dining area.
The hotel’s signature restaurant, Clara’s Table, is Dearborn Inn’s Executive Chef Elliot Patti’s tribute to Clara Ford, who was also a horticulturist. The restaurant gets fresh herbs from the on-site chef’s garden, acquires seasonal ingredients from local producers to ensure a farm-to-table experience. The restaurant’s design complements the restored green marble throughout, with plants, fresh flowers and herbs adorning the tables. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, Clara’s Table offers house-made pastries and à la carte classics like Royale Custard French Toast in the morning, simple yet refined dishes such as Rarebit at lunch, and dinner offerings, including Cipollini & Pear Tatin, Short Rib Croquettes, and a Prime NY Strip with tallow and herb frites.
The private dining room at the Dearborn Inn can accommodate up to 20 guests. It is designed for a fully bespoke experience and is adorned with a mural from Detroit artist Ryan Herberholz.
Later this year, Dearborn Inn will unveil the next phase of its transformation: five colonial-style homes with 18 additional guestrooms, including suites inspired by the homes of literary icons such as Edgar Allan Poe and Walt Whitman. The property will also introduce 17,000 square feet of versatile indoor and outdoor event space for gatherings of up to 850 guests.
Dearborn Inn is just steps away from The Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation and Greenfield Village, and a short drive from downtown Detroit.
For more information, visit www.marriott.com.
This story originally appeared on www.travelagentcentral.com.
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