City of Ann Arbor
Ann Arbor is a city of about 114,000 residents, not counting UM students. It is conveniently served by the Detroit Metro Airport, which is only 30 minutes away from UM and has plenty of direct flights to all over the world. Ann Arbor is a treed river city built on moderately hilly land that slopes down to the Huron River. Rental boating and other recreational activities on the river are popular and there is a large UM Arboretum along the banks of the river, within walking distance of the UM central campus.
Hotels
The workshop venue is at the UM North Campus (NCRC Building 10). A few hotel options near this venue include (all around 1 mile from the venue, walkable):
(i) Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham – Ann Arbor, 3610 Plymouth, Ann Arbor, MI 48105, (734)-997-9100. This is the local number and usually gets you better rates. This is a cost-effective option which is usually around $110/night for 2 queen beds, with complementary breakfast, and free shuttles.
(ii) Doubletree by Hilton – Ann Arbor North, 3600 Plymouth Rd, Ann Arbor, 48105, (734)769-9800. This is a step up. Renovated 2000-2001. There’s an executive floor that’s quieter (no kids allowed). There’s a nice pool that is indoor/outdoor. Restaurant onsite. Rates are around $125/night for two queen beds (~$175 with all taxes). Shuttle available.
(iii) Residence Inn by Marriott – Ann Arbor North, 3535 Green Ct, Ann Arbor, MI. 48105, (734)432-0011. A big step up. Recently renovated – pool, fitness center, breakfast, etc. Rates usually run around $240/night (taxes included).
There are also more choices around downtown Ann Arbor, which is about 10 minutes drive from the meeting venue. A few good ones include The Graduate Hotel Ann Arbor , The Bell Tower Hotel, The Inn at the Michigan League (which is in a University of Michigan building) and the Residence Inn by Marriott Ann Arbor Downtown. These choices offer proximity to the beautiful downtown Ann Arbor, and the UM Central Campus.
Parking
Parking in Ann Arbor
From Detroit Metro Airport to Ann Arbor
The trip between Detroit Metro Airport and Ann Arbor takes approximately 30-40 minutes. Taxis are available at the airport and cost around $80.
The most economical option is to take a shuttle: