Ford Motor Company’s historic Dearborn Inn gets new life

DEARBORN, MICH. – A new chapter unfolds for the storied Dearborn Inn as it reopens its doors March 19 as a part of Marriott Bonvoy’s Autograph Collection, debuting an extensive restoration and renovation that elevates the nearly century-old property with thoughtful design and upscale amenities.

Originally built in 1931 by Henry Ford and designed by the esteemed Albert Kahn – playfully dubbed “the architect of Detroit” for his expansive design work across the city (Ford’s Highland Park Plant, Ford Rouge Factory, Eleanor Ford House), the 135-key hotel has been meticulously restored by Ford Land’s design and Ford Motor Company’s archival teams in collaboration with the Ford family and partners including AvroKO, Dash Design, and Kraemer Design Group, along with restoration architect Quinn Evans. The renovation carefully preserves Dearborn Inn’s historic grandeur, restoring original elements and inviting today’s travelers to walk the same halls as the dreamers, disruptors, and dignitaries who came before them.

Front Desk, rendering.

Listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1982, the Dearborn Inn was one of the country’s first airport hotels, built across from what was once the Ford Airport. The Georgian-style inn was inspired by the New England inns that the Fords frequented and quickly became a beloved retreat for notable changemakers, inventors, and creatives who came into town to collaborate with Ford such as Walt Disney, Orville Wright, Norman Rockwell, Eleanor Roosevelt, and President Ronald Reagan. Nestled on 23 serene acres, the property features two signature dining concepts – a farm-to-table restaurant, Clara’s Table, named after Henry Ford’s wife, Clara Jane Bryant Ford, and innovative cocktail bar, Four Vagabonds. In summer 2025, Dearborn Inn will introduce five standalone homes with distinctive guest suites themed around creatives and notable former guests like Edgar Allan Poe, along with 17,000 square feet of event space.

“Since 1931, the Dearborn Inn has been a significant piece of Dearborn’s history, and an important place for my family and the Ford community. I could not be happier that the Inn is reopening in service of Ford employees, and our broader community,” said Bill Ford, executive chair of Ford Motor Company. “But even more important than its past, the Dearborn Inn is part of Ford’s broader commitment to building for the future. I am thrilled to include the Dearborn Inn on the growing list of buildings across Ford and the community that we are restoring, which will be critical to our long-term success.”

Per the Ford family’s request, the property’s most storied elements were preserved to maintain the character and integrity of the inn. Upon arrival, guests are immediately greeted with the stunning checkerboard Italian marble flooring selected by Henry Ford himself. As they move through the lobby space, the stately green marble fireplace has also been restored and preserved, lending a sense of warmth and regality to the room, alongside an original antique clock. Guests are invited to commemorate their journey by taking a vintage-style ‘passport’ photo inside a customized photo booth, an original phone booth that has been transformed to look like the historic Ford Tri-Motor airplane.

King Stardard room, rendering

A collection of artifacts from the Ford Archives – curated by art advisory firm Farmboy – is displayed throughout the hotel, including a scrapbook featuring letters from guests who once honeymooned at the inn and vintage Dearborn Inn menus – one with a signature from Walt Disney. The lobby’s design honors Michigan’s legacy of craftsmanship and furniture production, featuring an eclectic mix of original Michigan-made designs, including Platner chairs and bespoke pieces from local artisans that contrast the checkered marble that continues throughout. Vintage bar carts can be found roving in the lobby, serving coffee and tea in the mornings and cocktails and refreshments in the afternoon.

As guests make their way to their rooms, they can find corridors lined with carpeting inspired by the famed tapestries of Loja Saarinen from the Cranbrook Academy of Art, a pillar of Michigan’s craft tradition. The rooms themselves balance refined elegance with warm comfort, each featuring a stately four-poster walnut bed and Eames chairs. Signature touches, such as Ford Pantone blue tiles in the bathrooms and artwork from or inspired by the company archives, subtly weave the Ford legacy into every stay. The guest experience is further enhanced by thoughtful in-room details like a personalized voicemail greeting and open sketch books for sparks of creativity. The inn will also feature 19 suites as well as the grand Presidential Suite, featuring a living room, kitchenette, and dining area for a truly luxe experience.

The hotel’s signature restaurant, Clara’s Table, is Dearborn Inn’s Executive Chef Elliot Patti’s tribute to Clara Ford, a passionate horticulturist and gracious hostess. Drawing on his 15 years of experience in the food and beverage industry, including as a private chef and as Executive Chef at Atheneum Suite Hotel, Patti has crafted a menu that reflects what Clara herself offered guests at her home: Americana cuisine influenced by her and Henry’s travels across the globe. Fresh herbs from the on-site chef’s garden highlight Clara’s love of gardening, while seasonal ingredients from Michigan’s best producers ensure an ever-evolving farm-to-table experience for hotel guests and visitors alike. The restaurant’s design complements the restored green marble throughout, with lush plants, fresh flowers, and herbs adorning the tables, all bathed in natural light from arched windows surrounding the dining room. Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, Clara’s Table offers housemade pastries and a la carte classics like Royale Custard French Toast in the morning, simple yet refined dishes such as Rarebit at lunch, and elegant dinner offerings including Cipollini & Pear Tatin, Short Rib Croquettes, and a Prime NY Strip with tallow and herb frites.

The hotel’s intimate cocktail bar and lounge, Four Vagabonds, channels the spirit of the legendary road trips taken by Henry Ford, Thomas Edison, John Burroughs, and Harvey Firestone in the early 1900s. The eponymous bar, designed to mimic one of Ford’s studies, serves small plates inspired by what the Vagabonds themselves may have enjoyed around a campfire, such as smoked meat plates and house-pickled vegetables. Guests can also indulge in local beers and craft cocktails named for the Vagabonds’ adventures, such as the Georgia Bound, made with Fords Gin, Michigan honey, lemon, peach, rosemary, and orange bitters or the Smoky Trail, a twist on a classic mule using Los Vecinos Mezcal.

Four Vagabonds Bar, rendering.

The private dining room at the Dearborn Inn will pay homage to Clara Ford’s meticulous hospitality, as she was known for remembering guests’ preferences and ensuring everything was on hand to recreate cherished memories. Mirroring that level of thoughtfulness, the space, which can accommodate up to 20 guests, is designed for a fully bespoke experience and is adorned with a mural from Detroit artist Ryan Herberholz, depicting the Four Vagabonds amidst an autumnal landscape. Chef Patti will work with each guest to curate their private dining experience, creating bespoke menus designed to resemble leather-bound books for each occasion.

“From the moment guests step through our doors, we want them to feel inspired by the history that surrounds them and by the trailblazers who once walked these halls,” said Joleisha Bradley, General Manager, Dearborn Inn. “The hotel is both a welcoming retreat and living museum, with historic artifacts woven throughout the property. We look forward to continuing the tradition of hospitality that has made Dearborn Inn so beloved.”

Later this year, Dearborn Inn will unveil the next phase of its transformation: five colonial-style homes featuring 18 additional guest rooms, including suites inspired by the homes of literary icons such as Edgar Allan Poe and Walt Whitman – ideal for groups or guests seeking spacious, elevated accommodations. The property will also introduce 17,000 square feet of versatile indoor and outdoor event space for gatherings of up to 850 guests.

Dearborn Inn joins Marriott Bonvoy’s Autograph Collection, which includes over 300 independent hotels across the world – each hand selected for their inherent craft and distinct perspective on design and hospitality. As a part of Marriott Bonvoy – the award-winning travel program from Marriott International – members can earn and redeem points for their stay at the new hotel, and at other hotels and resorts across Marriott Bonvoy’s extraordinary portfolio of brands. With the Marriott Bonvoy app, members enjoy a level of personalization and a contactless experience that allows them to travel with peace of mind.

Dearborn Inn is just steps away from The Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation and Greenfield Village, and a short drive from downtown Detroit – recently named one of The New York Times’ 52 Places of 2025 and Travel + Leisure’s 50 Best Places to Travel in 2025.

The article Ford Motor Company’s historic Dearborn Inn gets new life first appeared in TravelDailyNews International.