The Westin Detroit Metropolitan Airport

This airport hotel was designed to be a calming oasis for harried travelers passing through the attached airport, and it pulls it off flawlessly. The nine-story atrium dissipates the noise from all the foot traffic while providing a serene space for guests to sit and take in the surroundings. Soft, cascading light creates soothing leaf shadows from the tall bamboo grove that’s adjacent to a huge reflecting pool filled with water and stones. Several restaurant tables are on an island that juts out into the pool, providing a memorable spot for a casual meal or drink. Shiny silver pillars soar several stories as they lead the eye upward, and many private spots are tucked away in cozy corners. Glass elevators give rides with a view.  

The Westin is attached to the Delta Air Lines terminal at the Detroit Metropolitan Airport. The entrance to the hotel is adjacent to the terminal’s drop-off area for departing passengers. The airport has several fast- food and sit-down restaurants that are about a five-minute walk from the hotel. Downtown Detroit and its many attractions, including Ford Field, Cobo Center, and Joe Louis Arena are about a 25- to 30-minute drive, taxi ride, or express shuttle ride. Ann Arbor, home to the University of Michigan, is a 35-minute drive away.

The 414 rooms, including larger One- and Two-Bedroom Suites, are tastefully decorated in a traditional style typical of chain hotels. Cream-colored walls and white bedding blend well with the light-brown carpeting and espresso-colored wood furniture, which includes large desks and padded leather headboards. Framed black-and-white photos add a decorative touch, and red-leather ottomans (in some) give a much-needed splash of color. King Rooms have tan easy chairs and lime-green daybeds, while Doubles have only armchairs. Bathrooms are certainly the most high-end aspect of the rooms. They feature light-gray marble tiling, black-granite vanities, magnifying mirrors, and shower/tub combos with rainfall showerheads. Suites have whirlpool tubs and separate walk-in showers. Rooms are solidly maintained, but a renovation is scheduled for completion by the end of 2017. Standard amenities include robes, mini-fridges, coffeemakers, and 45-inch flat screen TVs. Wi-Fi is free only to members of the Starwood Preferred Guest loyalty program with direct bookings through Starwood. Club-level guests receive a continental breakfast and afternoon appetizers in the club lounge at no additional charge. Rooms overlook the airport tarmac or atrium, and they are exceptionally quiet for an airport location. 

Features here go above and beyond the typical airport hotel -- it has its own airport security checkpoint for guests with carry-on only luggage. It also has an e-ticket center for printing boarding passes. Valet parking means guests can park and run -- helpful for those dashing to make a flight -- and self-parking is available in the airport lots. Park-and-fly packages include up to 10 days of parking in the rates. The airport also provides free shuttle service from the hotel to terminals other than Delta. Many guests here are business travelers, so the 26,000 square feet of meeting space adds a great deal of appeal. It includes small rooms that can be rented by the hour. The business center has multiple PCs, but guests must pay to access the internet. Wi-Fi is free in the hotel lobby, but in room Wi-Fi cost an additional fee. (It's waived for SPG members with direct bookings.) As a brand, Westin is known for focusing on health and fitness, and this outpost is no exception. Its large fitness center has cardio- and weight-training machines and free weights. As with all Westin properties, guests that forget their workout gear can borrow New Balance athletic wear for a small fee. A indoor pool gives an alternative to gym workouts, and it offers an adjacent whirlpool. In-room spa treatments can be arranged. For dining, the full-service Reflections Restaurant and Lounge has a thought-out menu that changes seasonally. The gift shop sells sundries, souvenirs, snacks, and drinks, including wine. Concierge services include valet dry cleaning and laundry.