Detroit Hotels

Once synonymous with urban decay, Detroit is on the rebound with grand new building projects, a European-type central piazza and a resurgence of civic pride putting a dash of flash back into the car capital of the United States.

The circular, gleaming Renaissance Centre, an architectural testament to the rebirth of a city, rises from the banks of the Detroit River. The giant Joe Louis Fist knocks out viewers with its powerful simplicity, while graceful Greenfield Village harkens back to the early days of car travel in rustic America.

Catch an art exhibition or engage in lively debate with college students at a cafe in the Downtown Cultural District and marvel at the renovatedDetroit Institute of the Arts.Enjoy an urban escape by the soothing ‘waterwalls' in the summer, or the ice rink in the winter, atCampus Martius Park.

Find original artwork on Woodward Avenue , local designer labels on Congress and glamour in Birmingham's boutiques. Go trend-spotting at the upscale department stores and boutiques at The Somerset Collection in Troy, seek out ethnic delights in Russell Street and indulge in sweet Greek and European pastries in Greektown.

Warm weather, autumn colours and even the snow lure Detroiters out into the fresh air. Find lake-front fun at Metro Beach , gentle exercise with a stroll along Riverfront Park, the smell of orchids and exotic plants at the conservatory and gardens on Belle Isle, or a downhill ski run at Mount Brighton.

Enjoy musical acts at historic sister venues the Fox Theatre and State Theatre on Woodward Avenue, or catch a concert under the stars at the DTE Energy Music Theatre. World-class symphonic acoustics ring out at the ‘Max' or Max Fisher Music Centre, operatic voices soar at the Detroit Opera House and the bright lights of Broadway glitter at The Fisher Theatre.

Ethnically diverse Detroit bursts with flavour. Gobble up baklava (sweet pastries) and gyros (kebabs) in Greektown, Polish sausages and pastries in Hamtramck, pub grub in Corktown and spicy Middle Eastern dishes in Dearborn. For upscale American, classic Italian and bistro fare, head to trendy downtown Birmingham. Try Woodward Avenue for hamburger joints and casual dining.

Listen to the bells chime from the 30-metre Nancy Brown Peace Tower at Belle Isle, while admiring the city view across the Detroit River.