Historic Henry Ford Hotel Undergoes Stunning Renovation

One of Metro Detroit’s most storied hotels just got a new lease on life. The Dearborn Inn – a historic hotel originally built by Henry Ford in 1931 – has reopened after a two-year restoration that beautifully blends its 1930s charm with modern luxury. Locals and history buffs are buzzing about the stunning transformation of this Henry Ford hotel, which now shines as part of Marriott’s Autograph Collection. The nearly century-old Dearborn landmark is welcoming guests once again, complete with new dining experiences, family-friendly touches, and a fresh connection to the community.

Dearborn Inn, Autograph Collection, Facebook

A Henry Ford Legacy: The Dearborn Inn’s Storied Past

Founded by automotive icon Henry Ford and designed by renowned architect Albert Kahn, the Dearborn Inn opened in 1931 as one of the nation’s first airport hotels. Ford built it across from his Ford Airport (now the Ford test track) to serve early air travelers – a visionary move that put Dearborn on the map for luxury hospitality. The Georgian-style brick inn was inspired by the cozy New England inns that Henry and his wife Clara loved, giving it a classic Americana elegance. Over the decades, this historic hotel near Detroit hosted an impressive list of guests: think Walt Disney, Orville Wright, Norman Rockwell, Eleanor Roosevelt, even President Ronald Reagan. Each famous visitor became part of the hotel’s living history, and locals have long cherished the inn as a symbol of Dearborn’s heritage.

After nearly 94 years, the Dearborn Inn is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and remains a beloved architectural gem. It sits on 23 tranquil acres at 20301 Oakwood Boulevard in Dearborn, just steps from The Henry Ford Museum and Greenfield Village – making it a prime location for visitors exploring Metro Detroit’s automotive history. For many Metro Detroit families, the inn itself evokes nostalgia: it’s easy to imagine Henry and Clara Ford strolling through the lobby on a Sunday, or Walt Disney tipping his hat by the check-in desk. With its grand reopening, this Henry Ford legacy is writing a new chapter for the community.

Preserving 1930s Charm While Adding Modern Comforts

Restoring a landmark of this caliber was no small task. Ford Motor Company and Marriott assembled a team of top designers (including firms like AvroKO and Detroit-based Kraemer Design Group) and worked closely with the Ford family to ensure the renovation honored the inn’s original character. In fact, Executive Chair Bill Ford – Henry Ford’s great-grandson – noted that reopening the inn is part of Ford’s commitment to both its history and future. The result is a careful balance of historic preservation and modern luxury.

Guests stepping into the lobby will recognize many original details lovingly preserved. The main entry still boasts the black-and-white checkerboard marble floor that Henry Ford personally chose in the 1930s, gleaming as it did back in the day. Across the lobby, a stately green marble fireplace — where dignitaries once warmed up on cold evenings — has been fully restored, flanked by the inn’s original antique grandfather clock. The architecture and millwork maintain the inn’s Art Deco and Georgian touches, from crown moldings to arched windows.

At the same time, new design elements seamlessly infuse comfort and freshness. The lobby’s décor now celebrates Michigan’s design legacy: you’ll find mid-century Eames chairs (originally made in Michigan) and custom furniture from local artisans mixed in with vintage pieces. The space feels brighter and more open, thanks to lightened color palettes and thoughtful lighting. Vintage bar carts roam the lobby – offering coffee and tea in the morning and cocktails in the evening – a clever nod to bygone hospitality with a modern twist. The overall vibe is “neo-classic” luxury: think elegant historic inn meets boutique hotel, where every detail has been considered.

Interactive Historic Touches

One of the most charming additions is how the hotel brings history to life for guests. In the lobby, there’s an old-fashioned phone booth – but it’s not for calls. It has been transformed into a vintage-style photo booth where visitors can snap a “passport photo” as a keepsake. The booth is even designed to resemble a 1920s Ford Tri-Motor airplane, a playful tribute to the hotel’s airport heritage. Nearby, open sketchbooks invite creative minds to jot a note or doodle, perhaps inspired by the innovators who once stayed here. Throughout the corridors and common areas, displays of artifacts from the Ford Archives double as a mini-museum: you might spot a scrapbook of love letters from honeymooners who stayed at the inn, or a 1930s Dearborn Inn menu signed by Walt Disney. These interactive touches turn a simple stroll around the hotel into a delightful trip back in time, engaging younger visitors and nostalgia-seekers alike.

Of course, comfort hasn’t been sacrificed for history. Behind the walls, the hotel underwent a full infrastructure upgrade – plumbing, HVAC, electrical – to meet modern standards without disturbing its classic bones. The end result is a historic hotel that not only looks timeless but also meets the expectations of today’s travelers for comfort, safety, and connectivity (yes, there’s fast Wi-Fi under those original plaster ceilings!). It’s an immersive experience: by preserving so much of the past while adding contemporary amenities, the Dearborn Inn truly feels like a living museum you can sleep in, without sacrificing any creature comforts.

Dearborn Inn, Autograph Collection, Facebook

New Dining Experiences: Clara’s Table and Four Vagabonds

Perhaps the most exciting part of the renovation for foodies and families is the debut of two brand-new dining concepts inside the hotel. The Dearborn Inn has reimagined its restaurant and bar from the ground up, creating destinations that are as rich in storytelling as they are in flavor.

Clara’s Table is the inn’s new signature restaurant

a farm-to-table eatery named in honor of Henry’s wife, Clara Ford, who was known for her love of gardening and gracious hosting. The dining room is a vibrant, blooming space inspired by Clara’s own gardens and greenhouses. Sunlight pours through arched windows onto tables adorned with fresh flowers and potted herbs, and sumptuous green drapery and painted millwork evoke Clara’s green thumb in the décor. The menu, crafted by Executive Chef Elliot Patti, is a tribute to classic American dishes with a twist: it’s said to reflect meals Clara might have served to guests at the Ford family home, influenced by the Fords’ travels around the world. Diners can expect seasonal Michigan ingredients and even herbs from an on-site garden just outside the restaurant’s windows – meaning your salad might feature basil or heirloom tomatoes grown a few feet from your table! Clara’s Table is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, so local families can drop in for a weekend brunch or a special weeknight dinner. Morning offerings range from house-made pastries to a show-stopping Royale custard French toast. By dinnertime, the menu turns indulgent with dishes like short rib croquettes, pear tarte tatin, and prime NY strip steak with herb frites, blending hearty Midwestern flavors with farm-fresh flair. In short, Clara’s Table brings farm-to-table dining to Dearborn in an approachable yet upscale way – perfect for a date night or a Sunday family meal.

Right across the hall, the inn’s former lounge has been reborn as Four Vagabonds, an intimate cocktail bar and lounge with a historical twist. Its name honors “The Four Vagabonds” – the nickname for Henry Ford and his famous friends Thomas Edison, John Burroughs, and Harvey Firestone, who took adventurous road trips together in the early 1900s. The bar’s design channels the spirit of those legendary camping trips. You’ll feel like you’ve stepped into Henry Ford’s study: the lounge features rich wood paneling (including original restored knotty pine walls) painted a cozy navy blue, leather club chairs, and even a hand-painted mural by Detroit artist Ryan Herberholz depicting the four friends on one of their wilderness excursions.

Drink and food menus at Four Vagabonds are just as inspired. Craft cocktails are the star!

including inventive drinks named after the Vagabonds’ adventures (for example, a “Smoky Trail” mezcal mule or the “Georgia Bound” gin cocktail with local honey, nodding to one of their trips). The bar also pours local Michigan beers and features a curated selection of wines and spirits. To eat, Four Vagabonds offers small plates and shareables that echo campfire cooking, but with a gourmet twist. Picture a platter of smoked meats and artisanal sausages, boards of house-pickled vegetables, and other bites that the Vagabonds themselves might have enjoyed around a campfire. You can even get a taste of early 20th-century nostalgia with recipes inspired by the era. It’s a perfect setting for parents to unwind after a day at Greenfield Village, or for friends to meet up for a stylish nightcap with a side of history. With its storytelling vibe and cozy corners, Four Vagabonds is poised to become one of the most unique cocktail lounges in the Detroit area.

Reimagined Rooms and Suites with Historic Flair

Upstairs, guest rooms and suites at the Dearborn Inn have been completely refreshed, offering a blend of refined elegance and homey comfort. The hotel has 135 guest rooms, including 19 spacious suites and a grand Presidential Suite, all redesigned to meet modern luxury standards while highlighting the inn’s heritage. Each room has its own connection to the past: you might find archival photos, vintage-style maps, or framed memorabilia from Ford’s history adorning the walls. Yet the amenities are thoroughly up-to-date, ensuring a comfortable stay for families and business travelers alike.

The room design draws from the inn’s 1930s roots but doesn’t feel stuck in time. In fact, Ford’s global design director Jennifer Kolstad says they “lightened and brightened” the rooms, making them feel more open and “palatial” than before. Expect a soothing palette of creams and blues (yes, Ford’s signature blue makes a subtle appearance in custom bathroom tiles), with plenty of natural light from the large windows. The centerpiece of each room is a stately four-poster walnut bed, a classic touch that immediately says “historic luxury” – but you’ll also notice they’re brand new and supremely comfortable for a great night’s sleep. At the desk or sitting area, you might relax in a genuine Eames chair, a nod to Michigan’s mid-century design legacy. These kinds of thoughtful details – combining famous designs from the era with modern comfort – make the rooms feel special.

Modern conveniences haven’t been overlooked

each room comes with all the expected perks like high-speed internet, a large flat-screen TV, updated heating/cooling, and renovated bathrooms. The bathrooms, by the way, are a treat on their own – with those custom Pantone blue tiles inspired by Ford’s corporate blue, plus marble vanities and rainfall showers. It’s the kind of bathroom where you can imagine 1930s guests preparing for a gala, while you enjoy a spa-like experience with 2025-level water pressure. In the Presidential Suite, guests get extra pampering with a spacious living room, a kitchenette, and a dining area – perfect for hospitality or large families needing extra space.

Everywhere you turn, there’s a story embedded in the design. You might open a closet door and see a vintage travel poster, or notice that the carpet pattern in the hallway was inspired by designer Loja Saarinen’s famous tapestries at Cranbrook. The combination of rich history and fresh renovation means staying at the Dearborn Inn is more than just a night at a hotel – it’s like time-traveling in style. Whether you’re a traveler from afar or a Metro Detroit local on a “staycation,” you’ll appreciate the care that went into these rooms to make them welcoming, intriguing, and utterly comfortable.

Dearborn Inn, Autograph Collection, Facebook

Coming Soon: Colonial Homes and Event Spaces

The excitement doesn’t end with the main hotel. Later this year, the Dearborn Inn will unveil something truly unique on its grounds: five colonial guest homes lovingly restored for overnight stays, plus a brand-new events center. These aren’t your average hotel villas – they are actual reproductions of historic American homes that Henry Ford added to the property in 1937, creating a mini village around the inn. Each of the five colonial-style houses was modeled after the home of a famous American figure, and will now serve as distinctive suite accommodations for guests seeking extra privacy or a one-of-a-kind experience.

So far, we know two of the homes are inspired by literary legends Edgar Allan Poe and Walt Whitman – imagine staying in a cottage modeled after Poe’s own residence! Other homes in the collection include one for Patrick Henry and others, each with its own historical theme and décor. These standalone homes are perfect for larger families, reunion groups, or anyone who wants to immerse themselves in history – you effectively get your own little house on the inn’s property, with all the amenities of the hotel a short walk away. The houses are set to reopen in summer 2025, and they will add a whole new dimension to the Dearborn Inn’s appeal.

Alongside the homes, the hotel is introducing 17,000 square feet of new meeting and event space. This means the Dearborn Inn will once again be a premier venue for weddings, conferences, and community events in Dearborn. The new event spaces are being designed with flexibility in mind – from grand ballrooms for big celebrations to intimate meeting rooms equipped with the latest tech. Local businesses might host conferences in a place steeped in Ford history, or couples might say “I do” surrounded by the inn’s lush gardens and vintage elegance. With the expansion, the hotel is essentially recommitting itself as a community hub. We wouldn’t be surprised to see local charity galas, classic car shows on the lawn, or Ford family gatherings taking advantage of these facilities.

For Dearborn and Metro Detroit residents, having this additional event space is a big win – it’s another option close to home for hosting memorable events, all in a setting that’s sure to impress. Keep an eye out for announcements from the Dearborn Inn on when these colonial house suites and event venues officially open; they’re bound to be popular for everything from storybook weddings to corporate retreats with a dose of history.

A Perfect Staycation Destination for Metro Detroit Families

With its rejuvenated rooms and new attractions, the Dearborn Inn isn’t just for out-of-town visitors – it’s also perfect for locals looking for a weekend staycation or an evening out. Metro Detroit families and savvy locals will find a lot to love in this update. The hotel’s 23-acre grounds invite exploration: there are beautifully landscaped walking paths, gardens blooming in the warmer months, and even an outdoor swimming pool that’s a hit in summer (yes, you can lounge by a pool in the same place Henry Ford once strolled). Kids will get a kick out of the vintage photo booth and the sense of history all around – it’s not every day you stay in a place where real presidents and pioneers slept. Parents will appreciate the fine dining and craft cocktails on site, as well as the ease of having world-class attractions next door.

Location is a big plus. For those planning to visit Greenfield Village or The Henry Ford Museum, the Dearborn Inn is right next door – you can practically see Greenfield Village from the hotel. Imagine spending a day with the family riding Model T cars and seeing historic homes at Greenfield Village, then simply walking a few minutes back to your hotel to relax in a luxurious historic setting. No long drive home – instead, you can have dinner at Clara’s Table and recount your favorite parts of the day. The next morning, maybe take a dip in the pool or a stroll around the gardens before heading back into the Museum of American Innovation (The Henry Ford) for more exploration. The convenience and charm make it an ideal weekend getaway for those of us living in Southeast Michigan.

Local residents might also use the Dearborn Inn as a base camp for a broader Detroit adventure. Downtown Detroit is only about a 20-minute drive away, so you could enjoy a Tigers game or a show at the Fox Theatre and then retreat to the peaceful Dearborn Inn at night. For aviation enthusiasts, staying at the Dearborn Inn is a treat in itself, given its origin as an airport hotel and all the aviation-themed details (the Tri-Motor plane motifs, etc.). And if you’re a history enthusiast, the immersion continues beyond the museum – your accommodation is part of the story.

In short, the Dearborn Inn’s renovation has transformed it into a local destination in its own right. It’s the kind of place where Metro Detroiters might pop in for Sunday brunch, or surprise the kids with an overnight stay in a historic suite “just because.” The hotel staff are eager to welcome back the community, and you’ll likely hear a few good Henry Ford stories from employees who have been with the inn for decades. There’s a genuine pride of place that shines through here – Dearborn and Detroit have their landmark hotel back, better than ever.

Plan Your Visit to the Newly Reopened Dearborn Inn

With its doors open wide once more, The Dearborn Inn, Autograph Collection is ready to write its next chapter – and you’re invited to be a part of it. Whether you’re planning a stylish staycation, a romantic getaway, or just stopping by for dinner and drinks, this renovated Henry Ford hotel offers an experience that’s both classic and fresh. From the moment you walk in under the Georgian brick facade and see that familiar “Dearborn Inn” awning, you’ll feel the history – and once you step inside, you’ll feel the warm updates that make it welcoming for 2025 and beyond.

If you’re intrigued by the idea of sleeping where famous inventors and presidents once slept, or dining in a restaurant inspired by Clara Ford’s own kitchen, now’s the time to experience it. Explore the newly reopened Dearborn Inn by visiting the official website (and even take a virtual peek at the gallery) or, better yet, stop in to see it firsthand. Book a night or two for a unique historic hotel stay that you simply can’t get anywhere else in Michigan. Enjoy a craft cocktail at Four Vagabonds, take a family photo in the retro photo booth, and soak in the atmosphere of this beautifully restored local treasure.

Ready to step into history with all the comforts of today? Plan your visit or book your stay at the Dearborn Inn – a Detroit-area landmark reborn. With its stunning renovation complete, this Henry Ford hotel is once again open for memories. Don’t just read about the legacy – come experience it for yourself at the Dearborn Inn and be part of Detroit history, present and future. Enjoy your stay!