My wife and I are traveling to the US around Christmas, first staying a couple of nights at Sonder Gabriel Richard in Downtown Detroit before heading on to NYC. We were initially unbothered by what we considered overblown and outdated stereotypes about the area.

Now my wife is hearing from coworkers and family, including family who live in Detroit, about the grave danger she’s in if she stays in downtown.I’m irritated by the anxiety these people have spawned out of nothing. Maybe I’m naive but my gut still says that they’re blowing things out of proportion, and at worst it’s a little seedy around there.

Would any locals like to comment on how poor a choice we made staying in downtown Detroit as first time travellers to the US? We’re Australian if that matters somehow.

  • @[email protected]
    1•3 hours ago

    I saw your post in two different places so I am also adding my comment here:

    I currently live in Detroit and have lived in several different areas within the city, including downtown. The area you’re staying in is safe.

    Within a few blocks of you are high end restaurants and bars, hotels, the winter market and Christmas tree, and stores (including Gucci and and Shinoa) and a heavily guarded FBI building is visible from your hotel.

    You’re staying not far from where major events have taken place including the NFL draft as well as large music festivals which have attracted millions of people to the city, in addition to the regular sports games that bring in tourism. Downtown has very much shifted to cater towards visitors and getting people to stay and spend money.

    As others have said, midtown also has a lot to offer including the DIA. Eastern Market can be fun on the weekends but in the winter it’s less active. The surrounding metro area also has things like Greenfield Village and the Ford museum depending on what kinds of things you’re interested in.

    Will you see homeless folks and potentially asked if you have spare change? Yes, it’s a bigger city in America. Will you be attacked by exploring the downtown area? No.

    If you want any specific recommendations please let me know and I’d be happy to help.