For those who’d prefer not to stay overnight in downtown Detroit, the city’s suburbs offer a number of lodging options. Hampton Inn (20061 Michigan Ave., Dearborn, 313/436-9600, www.hamptoninn.com, $117–155 d) has a terrific location, overlooking Greenfield Village. The 119 simple but comfortable guest rooms also make this chain a good bet for the budget-minded. Amenities include an indoor pool, free local calls, a continental breakfast, and in-room coffee makers.

Also in Dearborn, the Hyatt Regency (600 Town Center Dr., 313/593-1234, www.dearborn.hyatt.com, $109–229 d) is a large steel-and-glass monolith with more than 771 rooms. It’s one of the largest in the Hyatt chain. The hotel restaurant, Giulio & Sons, has a lavish Italian-style buffet that’s a real bargain.

Not far away, the Ritz-Carlton Hotel (300 Town Center Dr., 313/441-2000, www.ritzcarlton.com, $249–479 d) was built by Ford money, which still drives this understated 308-room hotel. It attracts power brokers from across the country as well as a few understated rock stars and visiting celebrities. The clubby Grille is known for its excellent, if pricey, continental cuisine.

In Bloomfield Hills, Radisson (39475 N. Woodward Ave., 248/644-1400, www.radisson.com, $110–229 d) is a AAA four-diamond property in a prime location.

In nearby Birmingham, the Townsend Hotel (100 Townsend St., 248/642-7900, www.townsendhotel.com, $300–500 d) is the posh—if pretentious—European-style hostelry where Paul McCartney stayed when he performed in Detroit on his last tour. Nothing but the best is good enough here—Belgian linens, pillows of the fluffiest down, yards of marble in the baths, and a restaurant staffed with world-class chefs who cater to the guests’ every whim. You’ll feel as if you’ve stepped into a Ralph Lauren ad. Located near Birmingham’s fashionable shops and galleries, it’s also a favorite stop for afternoon tea, served every afternoon.