This hotel in Detroit is bringing a whole new meaning to the word “exclusive.”
Located in the historic neighborhood of Corktown, the aptly named 1RoomHotel has just one room on offer. It isn’t just any room, though: It is one of the largest penthouses in Detroit proper.
Positioned at the top of a storied 20th-century building on Michigan Avenue, the new suite spans some 3,000 square feet and offers all the amenities one would expect to find at a five-star hotel. To add to the exclusivity, the exact location of the property is intentionally undisclosed and bookings are by referral only.
Image courtesy of The1RoomHotel
The brainchild of Doug Schwartz, the penthouse was designed primarily for corporate stays, with the idea being that businesspeople from abroad could use it as a crash pad of sorts while in Detroit. To that end, the space is outfitted for both work and play.
Schwartz’s family business went to great lengths to preserve the original 1900s architecture, footprint, and details. (The hotel is located in the oldest neighbourhood in Detroit, after all.) The classic mouldings and hardwood floors are further accentuated with vintage-inspired furnishings and a rich colour palette.
Image courtesy of The1RoomHotel
The generous floor plan includes a large primary suite with a walk-in wardrobe and en-suite, a guest bedroom, two separate lounges, a powder room, and a chef’s kitchen. In addition, the living quarters include a wellness room with an infrared sauna, a library full of curated Taschen tomes, a podcast area, and a dry bar. Other highlights include a two-car private garage that can be stocked with a 1972 Bronco upon request and a rooftop terrace that measures 1,000 square feet, no less.
Some of the typical white-glove service may be missing, but you will have access to a 24-hour concierge that can get you a reservation at the best spots in the city. The hotel says it has an amazing relationship with Detroit’s restaurants and already has reserved tables for clients. In addition, the concierge can organise one of several incredible private chefs to cook for you in the penthouse.
Image courtesy of The1RoomHotel
There are little touches throughout the property that help create the feel of a luxury hotel, too, such as branded robes and slippers, an international snack bar, Aimé Leon Dore umbrellas, Kith board games, and amenity kits by La Bottega.
As for the fine print, the hotel is limiting stays to 50 annually (one booking per week). The penthouse costs US$1,950 (HK$15,230) per night on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, or US$1,800 (HK$14,060) per night Monday to Thursday. The minimum stay is two nights and guests are capped at four. Reservations open on 15 January—if you can snag that referral, that is.
