Birmingham’s Townsend Hotel named best in Michigan

Posted on February 3, 2017

Whether it’s the Egyptian cotton sheets or world-class Rugby Grille restaurant, everything about the Townsend Hotel stands out.

Now, it can claim to be the best of the best.

Located in downtown Birmingham, the five-star Townsend has been named the top hotel in Michigan, according to a survey of Travel + Leisure readers.

“It’s always an honor to receive industry accolades, but customer-awarded recognition is especially gratifying,” said Steven Kalczynski, managing director of the Townsend. “Customer satisfaction is job No. 1 for our team, so to know that well-informed travelers, such as the readers of T+L magazine, find the Townsend to be the ‘best of the best’ confirms that we’re doing something right.”

As part of its annual “World’s Best” travel awards program, T+L magazine each year asks readers to share opinions on top hotels, resorts, cities, islands, spas, airlines, cruise lines and more. Readers taking the survey ranked U.S. hotels for value, service, location, amenities and attention to detail.

According to survey results, one reader described the Townsend as, “A five-star hotel on the outskirts of Detroit that offers the best service, accommodations, restaurant and surroundings in Michigan.” Another respondent is quoted as more concisely saying, “The best place to stay in Michigan, period!”

Swanky is the best way to describe the Townsend, which opened in 1988. The rooms (complete with marble bathrooms and deep-soaking tubs) start out at $309 a night, while the top burger at Rugby — the Foie Burger — is priced at a sizzling $55.

Kalczynski said the hotel prides itself on impeccable customer service that’s provided by a top-notch staff. Of the 200 or so employees at the Townsend, more than half have worked there longer than 10 years.

“We measure ourselves by our guest comments,” he said.

Plus, it’s a pet-friendly hotel. But only dogs are welcome — no cats, ferrets or gerbils. Like we said, standards are in place.