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3-star hotel Check-in 15:00 · Check-out 12:00

Element Detroit at the Metropolitan

Stay at Element Detroit at the Metropolitan, featuring kitchenettes, a gym, free breakfast, and LGBTQ+ friendly service steps from Comerica Park and Detroit attractions.

33 John R St, Detroit, MI 48226, United States View on map
9.2/10
Exceptional Based on 626 recent guest reviews
Free Wi-Fi Free breakfast Paid parking Accessible Air-conditioned
What recent guests emphasize

Element Detroit at the Metropolitan

Visitors appreciate the convenient location and friendly service, highlighting the hotel’s comfortable accommodations and thoughtful amenities in the heart of downtown Detroit.

Guests often praise

  • Excellent location within walking distance to significant attractions and public transportation.
  • Warm, welcoming, and professional staff providing attentive service, especially at check-in and valet.
  • Rooms with bright, open views and kitchenettes, contributing to a comfortable stay.
  • Complimentary breakfast featuring fresh options, including made-to-order omelets.
  • Rooftop bar offering great city views and a lively atmosphere.

Worth knowing

  • Valet parking is mostly necessary and can be costly, with limited alternative parking options nearby.
  • Breakfast hours may feel short for some guests who prefer a later start.
  • The rooftop bar can be pricey and may require reservations during busy times.
  • Some guests noted difficulty contacting the hotel for post-stay inquiries.
  • The free breakfast and coffee options may not satisfy true coffee aficionados.

Best for

  • Visitors looking to explore downtown Detroit by foot or public transit.
  • Travelers seeking a relaxed yet stylish urban hotel experience.
  • Adults and business travelers appreciating efficient service and a quiet atmosphere.
  • Guests wanting easy access to entertainment venues, museums, and restaurants.
  • LGBTQ+ friendly travelers due to welcoming and inclusive environment.
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About this property

Welcome to Element Detroit at the Metropolitan

Element Detroit at the Metropolitan offers straightforward accommodations featuring kitchenettes, designed for comfort rather than luxury. The informal atmosphere is complemented by practical amenities such as a bar, a gym, and complimentary breakfast. Guests appreciate the welcoming service, with particular mention of attentive front desk and valet staff.

Located at 33 John R St in downtown Detroit, the hotel benefits from proximity to key city attractions and transportation options. It is a short walk from Comerica Park and Fox Theatre, and just steps away from a light rail station, making exploration of the area convenient for visitors. With the YMCA directly across the street, access to fitness and community spaces is also easily available.

The Monarch Club, a cocktail bar situated in the hotel’s penthouse, provides a social space with city views, attracting guests looking for a relaxed yet vibrant setting. Though reviews acknowledge that the rooftop bar can be busy and sometimes pricey, many enjoy the convenience and atmosphere it offers.

As an LGBTQ+ friendly property, the hotel welcomes a diverse crowd. It appeals especially to business travelers and visitors seeking a central location with practical amenities rather than upscale luxury. Guest feedback highlights the hotel's great location and clean, bright rooms, while some note that breakfast hours and valet costs could be better aligned with guest needs.

Summary compiled by GoHotelly editors from verified guest reviews, partner descriptions and editorial notes.
Facilities & essentials

What's on-site and what you should know before you arrive

The short version: what's available day-to-day, and the key practical details most travelers search for.

Most popular facilities

Free Wi-Fi
Free breakfast
Paid parking
Accessible
Air-conditioned
Business center
Pet-friendly
Kid-friendly
Restaurant
Kitchens in some rooms
Fitness center
Bar
Smoke-free

Not available at this property

Pool
Airport shuttle
Verified guest reviews

What recent guests are actually saying

Reviews from travelers who stayed here in the last 12 months, grouped to help you spot the pattern quickly.

AS
Angelia Salas Apr 16, 2026
10

If you can get in, this hotel checks every single box. Location is perfect. The vibe is elegant old school Detroit and the service is warm and friendly. Thanks to Ricardo for a quick and welcoming check in. You are an excellent ambassador for the hotel and th city.

NM
Nicholas McDonald Mar 07, 2026
8.0

Great location within walking distance to a lot of what downtown Detroit has to offer. Beautiful hotel with amazingly helpful staff. Breakfast was including which was very fresh and even had made to order omelets. The valet staff were efficient and pleasant. Part of our trip included walking to the Lions stadium which was a very quick and safe 3 to 4 block walk. I would absolutely recommend staying at this hotel. Seems to be mostly adults staying here but would still definitely consider this location family friendly for children; there is even a small playground right across the street for the little ones.

JC
Jennifer Chandler Mar 03, 2026
10

I had a great stay at the Element Hotel in Detroit. The room had a beautiful view with lots of windows, which made it feel bright and open. They were also kind enough to let us check in early, which was really appreciated after traveling. The location is excellent—there are plenty of things to do within walking distance, which makes it perfect for visitors who want to explore the city without needing to drive everywhere. The only small thing I wish was different is that breakfast lasted a little longer—11:00 would be nice. Other than that, it was a wonderful stay and I would definitely recommend it.

JB
Jesse Balok Feb 23, 2026
8.0

Great location in downtown Detroit, close to several solid restaurants and stadiums. Valet cost has gone up but their turn around time has improved in recent months. Free breakfast is limited and decent, though for a coffee snob like me you're better off venturing out to a nearby shop. Rooftop bar has great views and pricey drinks, and a bit of an attitude so reservations are recommended if you want to be outside...but walk ups to sit at the bar or small table are usually an option during the week.

AS
Alan Spadoni Feb 12, 2026
10

Hello. Our experience at the Hotel was Excellent! We stayed in Room 410 on 10/05/25 10/06/25. We were actually transferred from the Greektown Casino Hotel to the Element because of an overbooking. When we arrived were pleasantly surprised with the whole facility from the valet parking, staffs top notch service to the beautifully restored architecture. We would love to stay again soon. When we departed from the Hotel, I accidently left a hearing Aid Charging case on the night table. The case is very valuable and if possible I would like to get it back. We could even pick it up. I tried reaching the hotel through its phone service and reservation network, left a message with no return call. I would love to hear back from someone that could check lost and found and confirm with us if its there possibly. It would complete an almost perfect stay with a simple yes or no. Thank you

D
Dan Jan 22, 2026
10

Ricardo was a class act with exceptional customer service and professionalism . I have been a manager for Marriott Hotels for many years and want to express my gratitude for this experience. I came in for my wife’s birthday and we were impressed from start to finish . The hotel has beautiful architecture and elegance. We felt like family . Ricardo answered my questions from before the visit to the day of. We will definitely be back . Thanks again!!! A++++

JC
Jeff Church Jan 07, 2026
10

Nice hotel, good breakfast, good location. Just as a note, since I couldn't find the answer before hand, you pretty much have to valet, there a a couple small surface lots around, but not sure the cost makes sense. Most things are walkable so not a bid deal for me. The rooftop restaurant is nice for drinks and some light food. Great vibes and views.

SH
Sarah Hague Jan 05, 2026
10

I had such a great experience at this hotel! Coincidentally, I had gone to dinner a few nights earlier right next door at Wright & Company, so when I needed a place to stay while visiting town with my son, my godkids, and family friends, this hotel was perfect. I loved that the room had two queen beds and a pull-out couch — it easily accommodated all of us. The free breakfast was a huge plus, and being right next to Wright & Company made it so convenient to grab a quick to-go meal. The location couldn’t have been better. We were right off the QLine and took it straight to the Michigan Science Center. The valet staff and front desk were both super nice, and the entire hotel was spotless. It felt so good to be back in Detroit — I left in the 90s, and every time I return, I’m amazed at how much the city has grown and improved. This stay was truly excellent. The area felt safe, the location was perfect, there were plenty of great restaurant options nearby, and access to public transportation was easy. With the YMCA right across the street, everything you need is within reach. I highly recommend this hotel to anyone visiting Detroit!

Location & neighborhood

Where you'll find Element Detroit at the Metropolitan

Detroit, Michigan, USA

A minute's walk from a light rail station, this informal hotel in a business and entertainment area is 5 minutes on foot from Comerica Park stadium and a 15-minute walk from Fox Theatre.

  • Grand Circus Park 3 min Walk
  • Broadway 1 min Walk
  • Detroit 1 hr 1 Walk
  • Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport 30 min Car · 1 hr 2 Transit
Things to do nearby

Worth the walk or a quick ride

Curated spots travelers usually pair with a stay in Michigan. Distances are rough real-world times, not straight-line.

Detroit Institute of Arts 13,725 reviews

Detroit Institute of Arts

5200 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI 48202, United States

4.8 · Art Museum
Motown Museum 6,611 reviews

Motown Museum

2648 Berry Gordy Jr. Boulevard, 2648 W Grand Blvd, Detroit, MI 48208, United States

4.7 · Museum
Comerica Park 25,781 reviews

Comerica Park

2100 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI 48201, United States

4.7 · Stadium
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