The Townsend Hotel
Classic European luxury meets Detroit-area business hotel. Think crisp white tablecloths, dark wood, lobby fireplace, and rooms that prioritize quality materials over trendy design. Understated and traditional rather than boutique-chic.
Ask for a room facing Shain Park for the best views over downtown Birmingham
Why It Matters
The only Forbes Four-Star hotel in Metro Detroit and a consistent AAA Four-Diamond property for 33+ consecutive years. Repeatedly named Best Hotel in Michigan by Travel + Leisure. The Rugby Grille is the only Forbes-rated restaurant in Michigan.
The Townsend opened in 1988 in Birmingham, Michigan — an affluent suburban enclave about 20 miles north of downtown Detroit — and has held an AAA Four-Diamond and Forbes Four-Star rating for over a decade running. It's the kind of hotel that feels like it should have a 50-year history even though it doesn't: marble bathrooms, Frette linens, Hastens mattresses in the top suites, and a staff that's earned Travel + Leisure's 'Best Hotel in Michigan' designation multiple times. No pool, no full spa — but the Rugby Grille restaurant alone is a reason to book.
Where You'll Stay
9 room types available
Birmingham Penthouse
Grand penthouse with a marble entrance, full kitchen, and a fireplace. Designed to feel like a home away from home — which, at this size and level of finish, it genuinely does.
King
Executive Suite
750 square feet designed for the business traveler who also wants to actually enjoy the stay. The centerpiece is an 8-person dining table surrounded by panoramic windows — works as a meeting space or an impressive dinner party setting. Two balconies. Full bath with separate glass-enclosed shower and a large jetted tub with brass fixtures. A half bath off the living area keeps guests out of the bedroom.
King · 70 sqmInterior Luxury Suite
Interior-facing suite with option to connect to an adjacent Luxury King or Double room — makes it a practical choice for families who want shared space without a full multi-room booking. Can feel smaller given no exterior-facing windows.
Luxury Double
Same pillowtop Serta mattress quality as the King room but with two double beds — good for families or travel companions who prefer their own sleep space. All standard Townsend amenities included.
Two doublesLuxury King
The entry-level room and still genuinely comfortable. A custom pillowtop Serta mattress made specifically for the hotel, glass-enclosed shower, Evolve smart lighting system to control lights and privacy from the bed, and an evening turndown with chocolate. Every room gets Frette linens, Bose radio, Nespresso machine, Homedics sound machine, 49-inch TV, and plush robes.
KingLuxury Suite
A proper suite with a separate bedroom and living space connected by French doors — 509 square feet total. Steps up from the standard rooms in space and feel without going all-in on a higher tier.
King · 47 sqmPresidential Suite
850 square feet headlined by a custom handmade Hästens mattress — the kind you'll likely think about for weeks after checkout. A dining room table under a grand chandelier seats five, ringed by windows looking into downtown Birmingham. Oversized soaking tub for proper post-dinner wind-down.
King · 79 sqmShain Park Penthouse
Atop the hotel, with marble floors, high ceilings, floor-to-ceiling built-in bookcases, a fireplace, and a gourmet kitchen. The in-house chef can cook for you so you never need to find the elevator. Connects to a Luxury King for additional sleeping capacity. The pull-down king wall bed keeps the living space open when entertaining.
King (wall bed)Townsend Suite
The hotel's largest single room at over 1,200 square feet. A king bedroom with marble bathroom plus a second double-bedded room with its own full bath, a gourmet kitchen with washer/dryer in-unit, and twice-daily housekeeping. The in-house bakery even makes treats for dogs if you bring Fido. This one lives closer to a proper apartment than a hotel room.
King + Double · 111 sqmThe Property
Eat & Drink
3 venues on property
Restaurant
Spa & Wellness
Treatment Menu
On Property
How you'll actually spend your days.
Monthly themed Afternoon Tea events with fine tea blends and sweet and savory bites. Reservations required. Also available as a To-Go package.
Bikes available to explore Birmingham's walkable downtown and surrounding area.
The dedicated concierge team (reach them at 248-642-5591) arranges dinner reservations, theater tickets, spa services, transportation, and more. They publish an Experiences Magazine with curated local recommendations.
Amenities & Practical Info
The details that matter for planning.
Personal computers with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), laser printers, and high-speed internet. Complimentary access for all guests.
Multiple event spaces including a ballroom that accommodates up to 500 people, Salon II & III (theatre-style seating), Hunter Boardroom (large meeting table), and Clancy Room. Convertible event space can be divided into nine configurations.
Basic wireless internet complimentary in all rooms. Premium wireless included with the Business Package.
Nespresso machine standard in every guest room, no request required.
Outdoor terrace available in warmer months for sun-soaked relaxing and al fresco dining from the Rugby Grille.
Dogs welcome with a nonrefundable $150 deposit. The in-house bakery makes dog treats — a genuinely nice touch.
Dedicated concierge available to book restaurants, theater tickets, transportation, and in-room spa appointments. Reachable at 248-642-5591 or concierge1@townsendhotel.com.
Lobby fireplace with a bar and inviting lounge seating — the place to decompress after a long day without committing to a full Rugby Grille dinner.
Certified at 'LEADER' status by Green Lodging Michigan.
Valet parking available on-site. Multiple reviewers note it's fast. A self-park garage is directly across the street for guests watching costs.
Fully equipped gym with two Peloton bikes, Life Fitness treadmills (Elevation Series 95T), recumbent bikes, stair climber, elliptical trainers, a Life Fitness rower, cable pulley machine, adjustable dumbbells (3–60 lbs), medicine balls, and kettle bells. Cardio machines have individually controlled TVs.
BUILD YOUR THE TOWNSEND HOTEL PLAN
Rooms, dining, spa, and resort experiences — organized into one trip plan.
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