After a two-year restoration, The Dearborn Inn has officially reopened—ushering in a new era for one of Michigan’s most iconic hospitality properties. Originally commissioned in 1931 by Henry Ford and designed by renowned architect Albert Kahn, the inn now reemerges as a flagship member of Marriott’s Autograph Collection, delivering a unique blend of historic charm and elevated design.

Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the 94-year-old property stands across from the former Ford Airport and has long been a symbol of innovation, hospitality, and design excellence in the region.

A Reimagined Landmark with Purpose

“This was always a Marriott property, but joining the Autograph Collection brings it into a new league,” said William McGowan of Marriott’s Global Design Division during the March reopening. “These hotels are curated for their strong sense of place, narrative-rich design, and distinctive identity.”

Preservation was central to the renovation strategy. Signature architectural elements — like the lobby’s green marble fireplace — were meticulously restored. While originally slated for replacement, the fireplace was saved, preserving one of the inn’s most visually arresting details.

Design That Honors Legacy and Looks Forward

Led by a collaboration between Ford Motor Company, the Ford Land Design Team, and design firms including AvroKO, Dash Design, Kraemer Design Group, and Quinn Evans Architects, the renovation blends old-world elegance with contemporary touches.

Detroit-based creative firm BasedOn oversaw the inn’s refreshed identity, curating a guest experience rooted in Michigan’s design heritage. Interior details include:

• Eames chairs, Platner seating, and walnut four-poster beds
• Hallway carpets inspired by Loja Saarinen’s textiles
• Vintage photo booth reimagined as a passport-style souvenir station
• Guestroom sketchbooks—a nod to Henry Ford’s idea-filled napkin sketches

Each room also features Sackcloth + Ashes blankets, part of a buy-one-give-one initiative that supports local homeless shelters—available for purchase in the hotel’s gift shop.

Culinary Concepts With Character

Dining at the new Clara’s Table is a tribute to Clara Ford, Henry’s wife and a devoted gardener. The space is wrapped in lush green finishes, with plans to grow herbs and vegetables directly outside the windows. Next door, The Four Vagabonds Lounge takes its name from Ford’s famed circle of innovators — Thomas Edison, Harvey Firestone, and John Burroughs — and features a bold mural by Detroit artist Ryan Herberholz.

Preserved knotty pine paneling, deep navy tones, and curated details help transport guests into a space that celebrates conversation, history, and invention.

Expansion and Experience-Driven Amenities Ahead

The 135-room hotel is just the beginning. Five standalone guesthouses, each themed after notable guests such as Walt Disney, Walt Whitman, and Edgar Allan Poe, are set to debut later this summer. The expansion will also include additional event space, further positioning the inn as a top-tier destination for gatherings, weddings, and corporate retreats.

“I think Henry would say it’s charming,” said Jim Dobleske, Chairman and CEO of Ford Land. “It honors its past while confidently stepping into the future.”

The reopening of The Dearborn Inn represents more than a luxury hotel comeback—it reflects intentional investment in cultural preservation, design innovation, and the revitalization of regional hospitality assets. For travelers, locals, and developers alike, it signals confidence in Michigan’s enduring heritage and its evolving place in the national hospitality market.