Ann Arbor is best known as the home of the University of Michigan. As a proud Wolverine, I keep a strong personal connection to Ann Arbor and visit often because it’s so much more than a college town!
Ann Arbor is a vibrant city with a mix of culture, outdoor activities, and a welcoming atmosphere.
With so much to explore on campus and off, the first thing you’ll need to find is a comfortable place to stay. And for me, that’s always been the Bell Town Hotel. The Bell Tower Hotel has been and continues to be a preferred destination for locals and visitors alike and is especially esteemed by visiting parents for its convenient Central Campus location and its affordability.
Located on South Thayer Street adjacent to the historic Burton Memorial Tower (aka the Bell Tower), this boutique hotel is within walking distance of shopping, restaurants, theaters, and university landmarks.
Traditional English décor and the use of real room keys gives the hotel its Old-World charm! Inside you’ll be surrounded by all the modern amenities you could ask for – complimentary full American breakfast, same business day dry cleaning service, 24-hour fitness room, complimentary New York Times provided daily, and so much more.
:: Explore campus – Folks love to take in a football game at The Big House during the fall or enjoy Ann Arbor’s famous Art Fair during the spring. Many people consider it a must to visit the Tudor Gothic law quad, the Michigan Museum of Art, and the Museum of Natural History.
:: Shop ‘til you drop – I can’t resist grabbing a “Go Blue” t-shirt at a campus bookstore and visiting the shops, boutiques, and galleries in Nickels Arcade – a 261-foot-long free-standing commercial arcade that links State Street with Maynard Street.
:: I don’t miss a chance to catch a show – Take my advice and catch a campus production or a major touring act at Hill Auditorium or visit the Michigan Theater, Ann Arbor’s historic movie palace.
:: I love downtown – The Main Street District features outstanding restaurants, shops, and galleries – and feels a world away from campus. Next door is the historic Kerrytown District, home to the world-famous Zingerman’s Delicatessen.
:: Lots of natural beauty – I enjoy walking or hiking at Nicholas Arboretum. Known as the Arb, it’s especially stunning during spring and fall. (It’s also the place where we’d go sledding during the winter on trays that we “borrowed” from a dining hall.) Another beautiful spot for a stroll is Matthei Botanical Gardens.
