Suburban Detroit offers a pleasant alternative to the Motor City, set among leafy neighborhoods with a smattering of lakes nearby. It’s a typical American settler community made good over 200 years. The handsome civic hall is a former colonial mansion and the city center is gradually being rejuvenated as a heritage district. However, your main reason for visiting may be to watch a game against the Detroit Pistons whose stadium is based here.
Things to see
The Palace of Auburn Hills is home to the Detroit Pistons, drawing huge crowds on a regular basis. If this is your reason for coming, be prepared for a modern stadium and an exciting evening of ‘three pointers’. It’s also used as a concert venue for national and international bands and artistes.
The Silverdome in nearby Pontiac is another favorite for its hosting of the Detroit Lions. One of the original indoor stadiums, this legend was the nation’s biggest stadium for 20 years, has hosted a Superbowl, World Cup football games, WWF titles and seen thrilling games from the Lions, Pistons and Panthers.
Oakland University’s massive campus is shared between Auburn Hills, Pontiac and nearby Rochester Hills. It’s known as a major research university and boasts the historic house museum of Meadow Brook Hall and its vast collection of antique furniture and fine arts.
Auburn Hills is also home to the Chrysler Headquarters and Technology Center, which is the automobile manufacturer’s primary development and research hub.
Hotels in Auburn Hills
Hotels in Auburn Hill range from three-star properties to budget motels and smaller accommodation, located conveniently for business visitors. Local versions of well-known chains offer good service at reasonable prices in modern settings. If you’re just in town for the game, these accommodations are ideal.
Larger hotels such as the Crowne Plaza and Hyatt Place Detroit offer the best business facilities. Meeting rooms, reliable internet access and 24- hour business centers are offered, and the venues are set close to the city’s landmarks as well as the various company offices and a good selection of restaurants.
Where to stay
Downtown is a good location for nearby River Woods Park and its river walks as well as for business travelers looking for convenient transportation. Not surprisingly, a raft of comfortable and affordable hotel options are found within easy access of the stadiums.
Families will be comfortable in suite hotels away from the busy central area. The freedom to self-cater if necessary and enough room to allow the kids their own space is an advantage, and nature trails and a skateboarding park are nearby.
Getting away from it all for a romantic weekend is best done close by the Clinton River Trail or the Hawk Woods Nature Center with its 80 acres of natural beauty and walking trails.
How to get to Auburn Hills
Auburn Hills is an extension of Detroit, located northeast of the city. Getting in by car is via a network of many urban highways running across Oakland County.
The best way to get around the city is by taxi or car, as the bus service is slow and complicated as regards routes.
Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport is the closest major air arrivals hub, serving international as well as domestic flights. It’s a 50 minute drive from Auburn Hills.
