GM Renaissance Center Detroit
Detroit's iconic skyscraper, GM's world HQ, offering stunning views, a car showroom, and riverfront access.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Experience the vibrant atmosphere
GM Renaissance Center Detroit
Best Time
Experience the vibrant atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Detroit's iconic skyscraper, GM's world HQ, offering stunning views, a car showroom, and riverfront access.
"The GM Renaissance Center is truly the heartbeat of Detroit – a perfect blend of modern architecture, history, and innovation."
🚗 People Mover Access
Utilize the Detroit People Mover for convenient access; a station connects directly to the RenCen.
🏙️ Panoramic Views
Head to The Highlands for unparalleled 360-degree city and river views.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Highlands Restaurant & Bar
Floors 71 & 72
Dine or drink with breathtaking 360-degree views of Detroit, the river, and Windsor, Canada.
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Concept Car Showroom
Lowest Level
Explore a fascinating display of GM concept cars and automotive innovation. A must-see for car enthusiasts.
Detroit Riverwalk Access
Ground Level
Step directly onto the scenic riverfront for a stroll or run with stunning views of the water and city skyline.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Navigating the RenCen
Future Redevelopment
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 People Mover Access
Utilize the Detroit People Mover for convenient access; a station connects directly to the RenCen.
🏙️ Panoramic Views
Head to The Highlands for unparalleled 360-degree city and river views.
🚗 Car Enthusiast's Dream
Don't miss the concept car showroom on the lowest level for a glimpse of automotive history.
🚶♀️ Riverfront Stroll
Easily access the Detroit Riverwalk for a refreshing walk with scenic vistas.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 People Mover Access
Utilize the Detroit People Mover for convenient access; a station connects directly to the RenCen.
🏙️ Panoramic Views
Head to The Highlands for unparalleled 360-degree city and river views.
🚗 Car Enthusiast's Dream
Don't miss the concept car showroom on the lowest level for a glimpse of automotive history.
🚶♀️ Riverfront Stroll
Easily access the Detroit Riverwalk for a refreshing walk with scenic vistas.
⏰ Extended Hours
The building is open daily from 6 AM to 10 PM, offering flexibility for visits.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the GM Renaissance Center for its iconic architecture, breathtaking views from The Highlands, and the fascinating concept car showroom. It's seen as a vibrant hub capturing Detroit's Motor City spirit. Some note that rooms in the hotel can be small, but the overall experience and helpful staff are highly regarded.
"Definitely a very cool and unique building.
It is definitely worth exploring the lobby and the area with all of the cool cars on display.
Also having a Detroit people mover station right next to the building with a connecting tunnel is very convenient as well.
I also like the very unique and futuristic architecture of the building
The hotel and the restaurants in the building are also really good."
Matt McLean
"I love it! The GM Renaissance Center is truly the heartbeat of Detroit – a perfect blend of modern architecture, history, and innovation. The views of the riverfront are breathtaking, the atmosphere is vibrant, and you can feel the Motor City spirit in every corner. Whether you’re here for business, sightseeing, or just to soak in the skyline, this place captures the essence of Detroit like nowhere else. Highly recommended for anyone who wants to experience the real energy of the city!"
Dániel Róbert Tarr-Pintér (PiDRó)
"Loved the city view from the 60th floor. Staff was extremely helpful. Breakfast was a cut above. Rooms are small, especially the bathrooms. But we loved the floor to ceiling, wall to wall exterior window. Amazing!"
Jeff Smalla
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The GM Renaissance Center is easily accessible by car, with parking available. For public transport, the Detroit People Mover has a station directly connected to the building, making it a convenient option for visitors.
Yes, there are parking facilities available at the Renaissance Center. It's advisable to check current rates and availability before your visit.
If you are staying in downtown Detroit, walking to the Renaissance Center is feasible. It's also conveniently located along the Detroit Riverwalk, making it a pleasant walk from nearby attractions.
Absolutely! The Detroit People Mover has a station that directly connects to the Renaissance Center, offering a seamless way to reach the building from other downtown locations.
While not directly connected, the Renaissance Center offers stunning views of Windsor, Canada, from its upper floors, particularly from The Highlands restaurant. You can reach Windsor via the Ambassador Bridge or Detroit-Windsor Tunnel.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
General entry into the public areas of the Renaissance Center, including the lobby and car showroom, is typically free. However, access to specific venues like The Highlands restaurant may require reservations or have cover charges.
The Renaissance Center is generally open to the public from 6 AM to 10 PM daily, providing ample time for exploration.
While there isn't a dedicated public observation deck, The Highlands restaurant on the 71st and 72nd floors offers spectacular panoramic views that serve a similar purpose.
The concept car showroom on the lowest level is usually free to visit, allowing everyone to admire GM's automotive designs.
Yes, you can visit the public areas of the Renaissance Center, including the lobby, shops, and the car showroom, even if you are not a guest at the Detroit Marriott at the Renaissance Center.
🎫 🏙️ Onsite Experience
Inside the RenCen, you can explore shops, dine at various restaurants, visit the concept car showroom, and enjoy the views from The Highlands. The building itself is an architectural marvel.
The Renaissance Center houses a variety of shops, offering everything from souvenirs to everyday necessities. The specific retail mix can change with redevelopment.
Yes, the Renaissance Center features a range of dining options, including casual eateries and upscale restaurants like The Highlands.
The Renaissance Center is known for its unique and futuristic architecture, consisting of seven interconnected skyscrapers. It's considered a significant landmark in Detroit's skyline.
While downtown Detroit has had safety concerns in the past, the Renaissance Center itself is generally considered safe, especially during operating hours. The riverwalk area also feels secure during the day.
🎫 🚗 Automotive Focus
Yes, the GM Renaissance Center serves as the world headquarters for General Motors (GM). It's a symbol of the company's presence in Detroit.
Indeed! There's a concept car showroom on the lowest level where you can admire various GM vehicles, including Chevrolets and other brands.
As GM's headquarters, the Renaissance Center is associated with all its brands, including Chevrolet, Cadillac, Buick, and GMC.
The Renaissance Center was originally built as a mixed-use complex and later purchased by General Motors in 1996 to serve as their global headquarters.
Some TikTok videos discuss issues like buybacks and lemon laws related to GM vehicles, though these are general consumer concerns and not specific to visiting the Renaissance Center itself. +2
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While dining options are varied, look for more casual eateries within the complex to accommodate younger palates. The People Mover can also be an exciting ride for kids, providing a novel way to navigate downtown Detroit.
🚗 Car Enthusiasts
Beyond the showroom, simply being at the heart of GM's operations offers a unique atmosphere. You'll be surrounded by the legacy of brands like Chevrolet, Cadillac, and GMC.
+1 Consider visiting The Highlands for a drink and enjoying the panoramic views that overlook the city that built the automotive industry.🏙️ Sightseers & Photographers
+1 The building's unique, futuristic architecture itself is a subject for photographers. Don't forget to explore the Detroit Riverwalk adjacent to the RenCen for excellent vantage points of the complex and the city skyline. The interior of the RenCen, with its grand lobby and the car showroom, also offers interesting photographic subjects.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Architecture and Evolution of the RenCen
Currently, the RenCen is undergoing significant redevelopment. Plans include the demolition of two of its towers to make way for new residential spaces and public areas. While GM will continue to occupy a substantial portion of the complex, these changes signal a new chapter for the building, aiming to integrate it more seamlessly with the surrounding urban landscape and riverfront.
Visitors can still appreciate the RenCen's unique architecture, explore its public spaces, and enjoy the amenities it offers. The ongoing transformation ensures that the Renaissance Center remains a dynamic and evolving part of Detroit's identity.
Experiencing the Views: The Highlands
+1Many visitors rave about the stunning scenery from The Highlands, describing it as a must-visit for anyone wanting to capture the essence of Detroit from above. The floor-to-ceiling windows ensure that every seat provides an incredible perspective. While it's a higher-end establishment, the views alone are often considered worth the visit.
It's important to note that while The Highlands offers these spectacular views, it is a restaurant and bar. Reservations are highly recommended, especially during peak times, to ensure you can experience these incredible sights.
A Hub for Automotive Enthusiasts
This showroom is a popular attraction for those interested in cars, providing a unique opportunity to see vehicles up close that might otherwise be inaccessible. It’s a testament to Detroit’s legacy as the Motor City and GM’s central role in it.
While the RenCen is primarily a corporate headquarters, the presence of this showroom and the general association with GM brands like Chevrolet, Cadillac, and GMC make it a pilgrimage site for car lovers visiting Detroit.
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Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit