The Westin Book Cadillac Detroit will undergo a $20-million renovation, which will start in January and be completed in early summer 2023, based on an announcement today by Oxford Property Group.
The project will feature a new, contemporary design of the hotel’s 453 guest rooms and suites, 36,000 square feet of meeting and banquet space, and all public spaces within the property, in addition to introducing a new dining experience next year.
Chicago-based Gettys Group will oversee the hotel transformation, which is located at the northeast corner of Michigan and Washington boulevards. The hotel will remain open and operational throughout the renovation period.
“We are extremely excited about the renovation plan,” says Debra Schultz, general manager of The Westin Book Cadillac. “Our guests have always enjoyed our iconic hotel’s welcoming and elegant experience, and when we emerge from our renovation, we look forward to amplifying that familiar experience with a rejuvenated one that invites guests to create new, inspiring memories.”
The renovation includes conversion of 133 Double Double guest rooms to 133 Double Double Queen rooms; and the addition of pull-out sofa beds in 32 executive suites, conversion of the majority of guest bathrooms with tubs to walk-in showers with the water-saving Heavenly Rainhead and dual-function hand-shower, plus the addition of illuminated vanity mirrors, along with the redesign of two, 1,500-square-foot luxury suites.
Rooms include Westin’s Heavenly Bed and Heavenly Bath; in-room spa services; an oversized work desk; a 55-inch Smart TV; a laptop safe; a mini-fridge; wireless Internet; dual-line cordless telephones; a hair dryer, and an iron/ironing board.
In addition, the Westin Concierge Lounge will offer a new design, furnishings, and window and flooring treatments, while new flooring, seating, and window treatments will be added to 17 meeting rooms, including the Crystal Ballroom, Italian Garden, Woodward Ballroom, and Venetian Ballroom.
Other improvements include:
— The Boulevard Room breakfast restaurant and The Motor Bar will offer new furnishings, seating, flooring, and window treatments.
— A new design of the Washington Boulevard entrance lobby and the second-floor guest reception lobby will receive new furnishings and lighting.
— The fitness center will add new workout equipment, a mural design, flooring, and pool furnishings/greenery.
When the hotel opened in 1924, it was considered the most extravagant hotel in the city and acknowledged as the tallest hotel in the world at the time. The hotel was built by the Book brothers — J.B. Jr., Herbert, and Frank — who also built the Book Tower, Book Building, and other downtown landmarks.
Throughout its history, it has welcomed prominent figures including several presidents, top entertainers, professional athletes, and hosted major social galas.
Following its closure in 1984, the hotel re-emerged as The Westin Book Cadillac Detroit in 2008 after a two-year, multi-million-dollar restoration that proved to be a catalyst for the city’s rejuvenation.
“We are excited to comprehensively refresh this beautiful asset to ensure its accommodations and amenities remain at the leading edge of the dynamic Detroit market,” says John W. Rutledge, founder, chairman, and CEO of Oxford Capital Group and Oxford Hotels & Resorts.
The hotel’s redesign will pay homage to its Italian Renaissance style from original architect Louis Kamper with a fresh, contemporary aesthetic. A new color palette and patterns, and much more will be introduced to enrich the refreshed new look.
“Our concept is to retain the property’s beauty by balancing the strong architectural motifs and patterns with soft natural forms, and dynamic flowing movement,” said Ryan Schommer, a director at Gettys Group. “Spaces will offer varied comfortable, yet refined, furnishings and styling that honors classical elegance in a new way. Combining the storied details with an enlivened natural approach will result in an inviting residential feel.”
The Westin Book Cadillac Detroit participates in Marriott Bonvoy — an award-winning travel program from Marriott International — which allows members to earn and redeem points for their stay at the new hotel, and at other hotels and resorts across Marriott Bonvoy’s portfolio of brands. With the Marriott Bonvoy app, members enjoy a level of personalization and a contactless experience.
The Westin Book Cadillac Detroit also offers 64 luxury living units on floors 24-32 in which residents have access to hotel amenities including restaurants, the fitness center, housekeeping and valet services.
Oxford Capital Group, LLC is an international real estate investment, development, and management firm that focuses on large-scale acquisitions, developments, redevelopments, and operationally intensive real estate.
Oxford, its affiliates, and principals have been involved in more than $3 billion of real estate and private equity investments, with a primary focus on hospitality (16,000+ hotel rooms); hospitality anchored mixed use projects including multi-family (2,000+ units); senior housing (3,000+ units); urban retail; and parking.
Westin Hotels & Resorts, operates more than 230 hotels and resorts in 40 countries and territories.
For more information, visit www.bookcadillacwestin.com or for reservations call 313-442-1600.
