Top reasons to visit Ann Arbor
- Vibrant Downtown: Ann Arbor boasts a lively downtown filled with diverse restaurants, shops, and art galleries that enhance the urban experience.
- Cultural Richness: The city is home to numerous museums, including science and art venues, catering to various cultural interests.
- University of Michigan: This prestigious university adds vibrancy to the city, offering sports and outdoor activities.
- Family-Friendly Activities: The city features attractions such as the Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum, perfect for family outings.
- Convenient Accommodation: A range of hotels cater to diverse needs, ensuring a comfortable stay for all travellers.
Find great hotels in Ann Arbor
Discover a range of inviting hotels in Ann Arbor, Michigan, tailored to cater to every traveller’s needs. Whether you seek a pet-friendly environment, business amenities, or an LGBTQIA-inclusive atmosphere, you'll find an array of options that promise a memorable stay. Choose from top hotels that blend comfort with convenience, ensuring your visit to this charming city is both enjoyable and productive.
- Red Roof Inn Ann Arbor - U of Michigan South: Situated in the heart of Ann Arbor, the Red Roof Inn offers a budget-friendly accommodation option for travellers seeking a pet-friendly experience. This hotel welcomes pets, allowing guests to enjoy their stay alongside their furry companions. The property features essential amenities, including a comfortable environment for both pets and their owners, ensuring a pleasant visit without breaking the bank. Ideal for budget-conscious tourists, Red Roof Inn provides convenient access to local attractions while fostering a relaxed atmosphere for all guests.
- Days Inn by Wyndham Ann Arbor: Days Inn by Wyndham Ann Arbor is another economical choice for those visiting the area. This hotel caters to a variety of travellers, particularly business guests and pet owners. With its pet-friendly policy, guests can bring their pets along, provided they adhere to some specified restrictions. The hotel offers essential amenities suited for business travel, making it a practical choice for those needing to balance work and leisure. Its convenient location serves as an excellent base for exploring the vibrant city of Ann Arbor.
- Sonesta Simply Suites Detroit Ann Arbor: A 3-star property, Sonesta Simply Suites boasts a commendable guest rating of 8.4 out of 10. Located in the city centre, this hotel is designed for travellers seeking a blend of business and leisure. Its pet-friendly policy, complete with amenities such as food and water bowls and a designated dog exercise area, enhances the experience for pet owners. Guests will appreciate the comfortable and spacious accommodations, making it an excellent choice for those looking to explore the city while enjoying the comforts of home.
Where to stay in Ann Arbor
Ann Arbor offers a delightful blend of urban charm and cultural richness, perfect for city-themed and family vacations. Explore the vibrant downtown area, where you'll find an array of restaurants, shops, and art galleries. The University of Michigan adds a lively atmosphere, making it a hub for sports and outdoor activities. With its convenient location, Ann Arbor is an ideal base for discovering the surrounding regions, ensuring an enriching travel experience.
- Pittsfield: Nestled close to Ann Arbor, Pittsfield is a charming village that offers a delightful mix of urban and outdoor experiences. The area is particularly inviting for families, with its accessible golf courses and educational venues. Visitors often find themselves drawn to the modern college university, local sports facilities, and serene lakes. While the visitor numbers peak in April, July, and September, Pittsfield maintains a steady flow of tourists throughout the year, making it a welcoming destination for those seeking a city-themed getaway surrounded by nature.
- Bryant Pattengill East: This vibrant neighbourhood, located near the heart of Ann Arbor, is perfect for those interested in culture and sports. Its proximity to educational institutions and shopping centres makes it an attractive spot for both residents and visitors alike. The neighbourhood sees a surge of tourists from July to September, drawn by its engaging atmosphere and community spirit. With access to local sports facilities and stunning lakes, Bryant Pattengill East offers a rich array of experiences for all types of travellers, whether you're indulging in retail therapy or soaking up local culture.
- Old West Side: Known for its historical charm, Old West Side is a picturesque neighbourhood that embodies the essence of Ann Arbor. Visitors flock here for its cultural experiences and outdoor adventures, especially during the peak months of July to September. The area boasts recreational spaces, educational facilities, and golf venues, making it an ideal spot for families and culture enthusiasts. With a modern college university and a nearby sports stadium, Old West Side provides a lively atmosphere that perfectly balances leisure and excitement, ensuring visitors leave with cherished memories.
Things to do in Ann Arbor
Shopping
In Ann Arbor, visit the charming local shops along Main Street for unique gifts and souvenirs. If you're up for a drive, explore the Briarwood Mall, located approximately 5km away, featuring a mix of well-known brands and eateries in a spacious setting.
Recreation
The Zen Garden offers a tranquil space for relaxation, featuring meticulously landscaped areas for meditation and reflection. Nearby, the Huron River provides opportunities for kayaking and peaceful riverside strolls, allowing visitors to connect with nature and enjoy the calming sounds of flowing water.
Adventure
Explore the beauty of the Huron River by kayaking or canoeing, offering a serene way to connect with nature. For a thrill, try the climbing walls at the Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum, where adventure meets education in a vibrant atmosphere.
Nightlife
Explore the vibrant nightlife at The Blind Pig on South University Avenue, where you can enjoy live music and a lively atmosphere. For a more relaxed vibe, visit The Last Word on East Liberty Street, offering an impressive selection of cocktails and a cosy setting to unwind.
*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Ann Arbor
To save money during your visit to Ann Arbor, consider travelling between December and February when accommodation prices are lower. Utilise public transport options like buses or bicycles, or simply walk to explore the city, as it is quite compact. Enjoy free attractions such as the University of Michigan and Ypsilanti Water Tower. Book your stay on a Monday for the best rates, and use Expedia’s search tool to find affordable hotels and possible discounts by combining your accommodation with flights and activities.
- The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay in Ann Arbor are December to February, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to August to October, where prices are slightly higher.
- The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay in Ann Arbor is Monday. The most expensive day to stay in Ann Arbor is Saturday.
- Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia's search tool enables you to specify your budget, desired location, and additional preferences. You can arrange your results to display prices from lowest to highest, allowing you to view the most affordable hotels first. Furthermore, you have the option to refine your search by hotel category; for instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels that are available for booking.
- Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel booking in Ann Arbor with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.
Find the best attractions in Ann Arbor
Ann Arbor is an excellent destination for city, culture, and family-themed vacations, featuring attractions such as urban parks, science museums, and art museums. Visitors can enjoy a range of experiences that cater to cultural interests, family activities, and outdoor adventures. For convenient accommodation, consider hotels near Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum, and explore various local attractions to enhance your visit.
- University of Michigan Museum of Art: This vibrant art museum showcases a diverse collection spanning centuries and cultures, offering visitors a chance to immerse themselves in the world of creativity. With its stunning architecture and rotating exhibitions, the museum provides a unique cultural experience in the heart of Ann Arbor.
- Gerald R. Ford Library: Dedicated to the 38th President of the United States, this library offers intriguing insights into American history and politics. Its engaging exhibits and serene atmosphere make it an ideal spot for families and culture enthusiasts to explore Ford's legacy.
- Exhibit Museum of Natural History at the University Of Michigan: This natural history museum captivates visitors with its fascinating exhibits on Michigan's geological and biological history. Families can enjoy interactive displays that educate and inspire a love for the natural world.
Best time to go to Ann Arbor
The best time to visit Ann Arbor can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature in Ann Arbor falls in July, when visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. The coolest average temperature in Ann Arbor falls in January, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.
The nearest major airports for your trip to Ann Arbor
Flying into Ann Arbor, Michigan, is convenient with several nearby airports. Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW) is located 34km away, with excellent hotel options like The Westin Detroit Metropolitan Airport, just 2km from DTW, and DoubleTree by Hilton Detroit - Dearborn, 16km away. Flint Bishop International Airport (FNT) is 77km from Ann Arbor, offering stays at Knob Hill Bed & Breakfast, 5km away, and Hyatt Place Flint / Grand Blanc, 3km away. Finally, Lansing Capital Region International Airport (LAN) is 89km distant, with hotels such as Graduate by Hilton East Lansing and Marriott East Lansing, both 10km from the airport.