I have nevertheless  been to Detroit and was thinking it would be a great pit stop. I'm going there for IKEA but would love to know a favorite place to stay and eat. I prefer 4-5 star hotels. Let me know what are yours.

Hi. . . Are there any particular areas you are concentrating on?   Detroit is very spread out.   There are areas preferred to the north (Troy, Southfield, Novi, Auburn Hills, etc. )  Lots of High end Shopping.  In the  west (Canton, Airport area, Ann Arbor, Dearborn) interesting museums and sights, college eclectic atmospheres (Michigan / Eastern Michigan).  And of course the East Side (Roseville, Sterling Heights, Gross Pointes) Lake St. Clair / Great Lakes area.  There is also downtown (Casinos, Mexican Village, Greektown, Sporting events).

Bad news is these areas are all spread out with at least 30-45 minutes of travel between.  Each have different recommendations as to what to do.   Glad you are visiting ! !

I think the prior poster highlighted the areas well. One thing to add is that the Washtenaw County prosecutor is no longer arresting people for such events, so I think this should push Ann Arbor to the top of the list as the best option in metro Detroit. In your case it is also not too far from Ikea.

Honestly,  never Been there so not sure which area I'm staying in. I usually like to stay close to airports or downtown, close to shopping and food. I definitely do need to try the Ann Arbor area as well,  I've heard lots of good things. Appreciate the advise.