Henry Ford's Legendary Dearborn Inn, a Marriott Hotel, Celebrates Its 75th Anniversary
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Henry Ford's Legendary Dearborn Inn, a Marriott Hotel, Celebrates Its 75th Anniversary
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Category: North America & West Indies / Carribean islands
This is a press release selected by our editorial committee and published online for free on 2006-04-18
The Dearborn Inn, A Marriott Hotel -- one of Henry Ford's many life accomplishments -- will celebrate its 75th anniversary this year with the kick-off of a multi-million dollar renovation and special offerings for visitors.
"Over the past 75 years, The Dearborn Inn has served as a shining example of what a great American hotel should be," said Bob Pierce, the General Manager. "While the hotel has evolved to meet changing guest needs, it maintains its traditional roots as a business and leisure destination, as well as a community gathering place for countless events and celebrations."
With Henry Ford as its founder, the history of The Dearborn Inn could truly be nothing less than one-of-a-kind. It all began with a vision to create one of the world's first airport hotels, and locate it across the street from the Ford airport, so that out-of-town air travelers would have a nearby place to stay. Ford's dream was realized in July 1931, when The Dearborn Inn welcomed its first guests.
In 1937, five replica homes were constructed on the property creating a small Colonial Village. Guests today can still enjoy a stay in the reproduction home of famous Americans -- Edgar Allan Poe, Walt Whitman, Barbara Fritchie, Oliver Wolcott or Patrick Henry.
The Dearborn Inn flourished and continued to secure its place in hospitality history with many industry "firsts." In 1937, it became the nation's first hotel to have air conditioning, and in 1961, it was the first hotel in Michigan to install a direct-dial telephone system for guests. The Dearborn Inn also influenced the evolution of destination resorts and is considered to be one of the industry's first such properties.
Through the years, the Inn has been visited by numerous famous figures such as Charles Lindbergh, Eleanor Roosevelt, President Ronald Reagan, Bob Hope and canine TV star Lassie.
The future of The Dearborn Inn will be marked by the commencement of a multi-million dollar renovation beginning in January 2007. Designated as both a National and State Historic Site, the biggest challenge of the Inn's remodeling will be to preserve its character and integrity.
Enhancements will be made based on Marriott's extensive customer research, and will include traditional decor, art and accessories that pay tribute to the hotel's rich history. Guest rooms and corridors will undergo a complete makeover to update furnishings, carpet, draperies, wall coverings and baths. A key objective of the renovation will focus on guest room functionality for today's traveler. New amenities for 21st century guests will include 32" LCD TVs in every room, along with an ergonomically-enhanced workstation consisting of a pivot desk and chair with desktop plug-ins for laptop computers and MP3 players.
In addition to the preparation for the renovation, the 75th anniversary of The Dearborn Inn will be marked by charitable activities, special sales and dining promotions, and exciting events that will involve guests from the past, as well as new visitors.
One of the Inn's charitable initiatives will be the establishment of a program to donate guest rooms to local hospitals for patients' out-of-town family members.
In the fall the hotel will also host a wedding vow renewal event for couples who have celebrated their wedding at the hotel.
For the general public, specially discounted room rates and dining promotions will be offered at select times through the remainder of the year.
The Dearborn Inn is owned by Ford Motor Land Development Corporation and managed by Marriott International. It is located two blocks from The Henry Ford Museum and Greenfield Village in Dearborn, Michigan. The property has 228 guest rooms, including the Colonial Homes and suites. The hotel is located 10 minutes from Detroit Metro Airport and 20 minutes from downtown Detroit
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