Hotel Pontchartrain is the site of the first French settlement in Detroit back in 1701.
The word Detroit is of French origin, meaning a straight waterway, which is the River Detroit seen in the photo below.
Across the river is Canada, meaning the river is an international border.
Here’s the view of the hotel from across the street
The present hotel building was rebuilt in 1965 in French architectural style.
This place also has its own ‘Historic Site’ marker.
This is significant since the marker is available only for places of historic significance in the US.
Inside the hotel lobby are huge posters that illustrate the history of the hotel over the century.
I stayed in this hotel in June 2025.
Here are the amazing interiors of the room and the facilities.
The hotel itself is stunning, situated in the heart of Detroit with sweeping views of the city and the waterfront.
The modern amenities, well-appointed rooms, and calming ambiance provided me the perfect environment to relax and unwind.
Here’s their outdoor comfy seating overlooking the iconic GM Global Headquarters Building.
The cool green overhead train called the ‘Detroit People Mover’ passes, making a soothing humming sound.
Here is their lobby area and various facilities like the coffee kiosk and soft drink vending machine.
Here is a glimpse of the various parts of the lobby area with a bar, utility shop, and waiting area.
There are as many as 17 historical places around the hotel in close vicinity
- The Spirit of Detroit Statue.
- Monument to Joe Louis in Detroit - The Fist
- Pocket Watch as a Public Clock in a Beautiful Alley of Detroit
- World’s Most Unique Fountain in Detroit
- Joe Louis Statue and Photo Collage in Detroit
- Detroit Foundation Hotel - Formerly a Fire Department Building
- Local Guides Day Out - Kite Exploration on Belle Isle
- An Obscure Clock Tower with Amazing Landscaping
- The Big Brother of Tabletop Alarm Clock Lives on an Island
- The Kern’s Clock in Detroit
- Detroit - Step on The Point of Origin
- Huntington Place
- Public Clock of CPA Building
- American Coney Island - Detroit’s Iconic Food Joint
- James Scott Memorial Fountain in Detroit
- Visit the Corner Public Clock above Fresh Mex.
- The Minimalistic Art - Clock Tower on Michigan Avenue.
How to Reach
Read how to reach downtown Detroit from the airport.
Where to Eat
Try the coney hot dog at the American Coney Island.
the distances are far; so it is an enjoyable walking tour 
What an amazing view from the room!
