Hotel Review: The Dearborn Inn, Autograph Collection – My 100th Different Marriott Stay
Celebrating a major milestone at a hotel that’s packed with history? Sounds like the perfect combo to me. I stayed at The Dearborn Inn, Autograph Collection in Dearborn, Michigan, and this just happened to be the 100th different Marriott property I’ve ever stayed at. Safe to say… this one was a trip I won’t forget.
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Check out my full YouTube video ↓
🎬 Looking for all visual walkthroughs from this stay — including room, suites, gym, restaurant, and bar? Explore the full Dearborn Inn Media Hub for every video tour in one place.
First Impressions & A Warm Welcome
We stayed here during Easter weekend, and it was our first time at this property. The hotel had just reopened after a two-year renovation and it looked incredible. Even with a few spring landscaping projects still in progress out front, the property felt huge and impressive.
Once we stepped under the grand canopy and into the lobby, we were greeted by Michael at the front desk—one of the friendliest and most knowledgeable hotel team members I’ve ever met. He answered all my questions (and I had a lot), and made me feel like my curiosity actually mattered. We also met Destini, who went above and beyond by upgrading us to a 2 Queen Junior Suite. The staff here? Seriously next level.
Where History and Hospitality Meet
Let’s talk about the lobby. It felt grand—but not in a stuffy way. There’s a black-and-white checkerboard marble floor that was actually chosen by Henry Ford himself. The whole space is filled with nods to the past: vintage bookcases with Ford family memorabilia, a green marble fireplace, and even a Walt Disney autograph on display.
There’s also a cozy solarium-style sitting room tucked behind the main lobby, and plenty of power outlets for getting work (or editing) done. My dad and I actually camped out here one evening to catch up on some video editing—and some people-watching.
Room Tour: 2 Queen Junior Suite
Our suite was awesome. It had a bar area with a mini-fridge and coffee station, a hallway with a vanity I turned into my art nook, and two big queen beds with cozy throw blankets. There were two TVs (no fighting over the remote!) and the whole space felt fresh and updated.
But the bathroom? Absolute hotel goals.
We’re talking a massive space with a water closet, Ford Pantone Blue wall tiles, a big marble shower with great water pressure, and a luxurious soaking tub. Bonus: the bathroom had its own thermostat so you could keep it extra warm while getting ready.
Wi-Fi & Gaming Setup
The Wi-Fi was fast—super fast. It currently ranks #2 on my Hotel Wi-Fi Speed Leaderboard, which you can check out at thisteentravelz.com. Streaming, gaming, and Discord all worked perfectly. I hooked up my Nintendo Switch with an extra-long HDMI cable, and everything ran smooth.
Pool Vibes & Hidden Gym History
The pool was still under construction during our stay, but it looked massive. I already added this hotel to my “must re-visit in summer” list just so I can experience the pool for real.
Upstairs, the gym had plenty of workout equipment and… a hidden gem. Literally. Behind a leg press machine was a color photo of what the hotel’s original lobby used to look like. I told the staff they should move it somewhere more people could see it!
Dining Options (and That Mural!)
There are two main dining spots at the hotel:
- Clara’s Table – A farm-to-table restaurant named after Clara Ford (open for all meals).
- Four Vagabonds – A cocktail lounge inspired by the road trips of Ford, Edison, Firestone, and Burroughs. It felt like stepping into a historic study, and there’s a huge mural by Detroit artist Ryan Herberholz that’s insanely detailed and beautiful.
There’s also a self-serve marketplace near the elevators with snacks, robes, books, and other cool souvenirs.
For dinner, we left the property and hit up Buddy’s Pizza, home of my favorite Detroit-style pizza. Another great nearby option is Ford’s Garage.
Nearby Attractions & Local Tips
If you’re staying here, you’re only two blocks from The Henry Ford Museum and Greenfield Village—some of the coolest and most educational attractions in the U.S. I highly recommend checking them out. And don’t leave Greenfield Village without grabbing a frozen custard!
Also: one of the hotel staff members I spoke with, Gabrieal, actually went to high school at the museum. Yep, there’s a school inside the museum! She was awesome to talk to and gave me some great insight into what that was like.
Explore the Area (Map)
If you’re staying at the Dearborn Inn, there’s a lot more around than you might expect. I mapped out the spots I actually mentioned in this review — from food to museums — so you can quickly see what’s close, what’s worth checking out, and how everything connects.
Bonus Moments
There’s a photobooth near Clara’s Table that gives you a souvenir “flight ticket” to remember your stay. It’s located in what used to be the hotel’s phone booth—pretty cool reuse of space!
Also out back: a row of historic colonial-style guest homes. These will be available for booking later in 2025 and are perfect for families or big groups.
And fun fact: Some of the famous guests who have stayed here include Eleanor Roosevelt, Jesse Owens, Marilyn Monroe, Ronald Reagan, and even Lassie the dog. Not kidding.
Teen Travel Tips:
📶 Check my Wi-Fi Speed Leaderboard at thisteentravelz.com to see how this hotel ranks
🛁 Bring a bath bomb—the tub here deserves one
🎮 Don’t forget your HDMI cable if you’re gaming
📸 Stop by the lobby photobooth for a souvenir ticket
🍕 Don’t miss Buddy’s Pizza or frozen custard from Greenfield Village
The Verdict: A Stay I’ll Never Forget
From the amazing staff to the thoughtful design, fast Wi-Fi to future pool vibes, The Dearborn Inn, Autograph Collection made my 100th different Marriott stay something I’ll never forget. This isn’t just a place to sleep—it’s a place with a story, with heart, and with people who truly care about making your visit memorable. Whether you’re into history, luxury, or just want a standout stay near Detroit, this hotel seriously delivers. I can’t wait to come back when the pool is open and maybe even stay in one of the Colonial Homes.
A huge thank you again to Michael, Destini, Gabrieal, Hannah, and GM Joleisha Bradley for making this milestone stay so special. You made me feel seen, welcomed, and inspired.
Here’s to the next 100 stays. Let’s go.
– Mateo / This Teen Travelz
Explore more:
Autograph Collection Hotels – Teen Hotel Reviews
Michigan Hotels – Teen Hotel Reviews
Dearborn Inn video walkthroughs – media hub with all tours