The historic Dearborn Inn has reopened its doors on March 19, marking a new chapter in its storied history as it joins Marriott Bonvoy’s Autograph Collection. This nearly century-old property, built in 1931 by Henry Ford and designed by the renowned Albert Kahn, has undergone an extensive restoration and renovation to blend its rich legacy with modern luxury.
The 135-room hotel, which originally served as a retreat for notable guests like Walt Disney, Orville Wright, and President Ronald Reagan, has been carefully restored by Ford Motor Company’s design team in collaboration with experts like AvroKO, Dash Design, and Kraemer Design Group. The renovation aims to preserve the grandeur of the Dearborn Inn while providing today’s travelers with upscale amenities and an unforgettable experience steeped in history.
Restoration and Design with Legacy in Mind
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1982, the Dearborn Inn was one of the first airport hotels in the United States, originally built across from what was once Ford Airport. The property’s renovation has preserved key elements, including the Italian marble flooring and the iconic green marble fireplace in the lobby, selected by Henry Ford himself. Guests are also welcomed with a unique vintage-style photo booth inspired by the Ford Tri-Motor airplane, adding a touch of nostalgia and history to their visit.
In the hotel’s rooms, guests will find a balance of refined elegance and comfort, with Ford Pantone blue tiles and Eames chairs complementing the classic four-poster walnut beds. Many rooms feature artwork inspired by the Ford archives, while the hotel’s corridors are adorned with carpets that pay homage to Michigan’s craft tradition. The Dearborn Inn also offers 19 suites and a Presidential Suite, complete with a living room, kitchenette, and dining area for an elevated experience.
Dining and Cocktail Experiences with a Nod to History
The Dearborn Inn also introduces two signature dining concepts: Clara’s Table and the Four Vagabonds cocktail bar. Named after Clara Ford, Henry Ford’s wife and a passionate horticulturist, Clara’s Table offers a farm-to-table menu that features seasonal ingredients sourced from local Michigan producers. Dishes like Short Rib Croquettes and Prime NY Strip pay tribute to Clara’s love for fine hospitality and global influences.
The Four Vagabonds cocktail bar is a tribute to the legendary road trips taken by Henry Ford, Thomas Edison, John Burroughs, and Harvey Firestone in the early 1900s. Guests can enjoy small plates like smoked meat plates and cocktails inspired by these early adventurers, including drinks such as the Georgia Bound made with Ford’s Gin and Michigan honey.
Future Additions and Community Impact
The transformation of the Dearborn Inn is not just about restoring a historical landmark; it’s part of a broader commitment by Ford Motor Company to preserve and celebrate its legacy for future generations. The Inn will soon unveil five colonial-style homes with 18 additional guest rooms, including suites inspired by literary icons such as Edgar Allan Poe and Walt Whitman. The Inn will also add 17,000 square feet of event space, offering a versatile setting for gatherings of up to 850 guests.
General Manager Joleisha Bradley emphasized that the hotel is both a retreat and a living museum, designed to inspire guests with its rich history and the trailblazing figures who once stayed there. “We want our guests to feel inspired by the history that surrounds them,” she said.
A Symbol of Excellence and Innovation
With its reopening as part of Marriott Bonvoy’s Autograph Collection, the Dearborn Inn joins over 300 distinctive hotels around the world, each known for their unique craftsmanship and design. The hotel is just steps away from the Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation and Greenfield Village, and a short drive from downtown Detroit, recently named as one of The New York Times’ 52 Places to Visit in 2025.
Guests at the Dearborn Inn can also enjoy the perks of the Marriott Bonvoy program, earning and redeeming points while experiencing the hotel’s historical charm and luxurious amenities.
