I booked a room at The Westin Detroit Metropolitan Airport for my wife, Sharon, as an overnight stay during her 25 for 25 JetBlue trips. She was arriving late—around 9:00 p.m.—and had a 6:00 a.m. flight the next morning, so she spent less than eight hours at the hotel. Even so, she still managed to take some photos for this review, so I thank her for her sacrifice.
I used a 35,000-point free night certificate plus 11,000 Marriott Bonvoy points to pay for the room. Given the short layover and early departure, staying right at the airport made the most sense.
While the Westin is connected to the airport, it’s more accurate to say it’s connected to the McNamara Terminal—primarily Delta’s hub. Since Sharon was flying with JetBlue, she landed and departed from the Evans Terminal instead. That meant a quick ride on the airport bus. Fortunately, the shuttle runs continuously between both terminals and stops directly at the Westin, so the transfer was easy and quick.
First Impressions and Public Spaces
Sharon’s first words when she walked in were, “This place is huge.” And she wasn’t exaggerating.
The Westin Detroit Metropolitan Airport is centered around a massive open atrium that immediately gives the property an upscale, airy feel. The lobby area spreads across multiple levels, with the restaurant and bar occupying the central space beside a reflecting pool. Surrounding that are clusters of modern seating areas divided by decorative screens, giving guests a bit of privacy even in such a large, open environment.
From the upper floors, you can look down over the atrium and see just how expansive it really is — soaring ceilings, polished stone, and contemporary lighting that feels more like a convention-style hotel than a typical airport property.
The check-in desk sits just off to the side, while elevators, meeting rooms, and access points to the airport terminal fan out from the lobby. Even late at night, the space feels bright and calm — exactly the kind of atmosphere you’d hope for after a long travel day.
Guest Room
After checking in, Sharon headed up to her room on the fifth floor. Like the rest of the hotel, the room had a clean, modern design that fit well with the upscale Westin brand.
Award nights at this property book into the Traditional King room category, which is exactly what she received.
The space was smartly appointed — neutral tones, soft lighting, and Westin’s signature Heavenly Bed front and center.
A large desk and flat-screen TV occupied one wall, while a comfortable chair and small sofa provided extra seating. The room also included a coffee maker, mini-fridge, and bottled water, which was a nice touch for a short stay.
While the stay was brief, Sharon said the room felt peaceful and quiet — not always a given for an airport hotel. The carpeting and furnishings looked fresh, and the large piece of wall art above the bed (which I guess is a stylized aerial map of Detroit Metro Airport) was a clever design nod to the hotel’s location.
Bathroom and Overall Impressions
The bathroom was spacious enough, with a combination shower and tub, a well-lit vanity, and Westin-branded amenities. Everything was clean, functional, and consistent with what you’d expect from a full-service airport property.
With her limited time at the hotel, Sharon didn’t have the chance to explore additional amenities such as the fitness center or pool. Still, she came away impressed. After staying at more than a few airport hotels recently, she said this was one of the nicest — right up there with the Grand Hyatt at SFO and the Hyatt Regency at Orlando International Airport.
Private TSA Checkpoint
One of the standout features of the Westin Detroit Metropolitan Airport is its private TSA security checkpoint—a perk that’s practically unmatched among U.S. airport hotels. Guests staying at the hotel can clear security directly from the property and enter the McNamara Terminal without having to rejoin the main passenger lines.
It’s a huge time-saver if you’re flying on Delta or any other airline departing from McNamara. Unfortunately, since Sharon’s flights were on JetBlue from the Evans Terminal, she couldn’t take advantage of it this time. But for travelers using McNamara, it’s easily one of the hotel’s biggest selling points.
Final Thoughts
Even though Sharon was only there for a few hours, the Westin Detroit Metropolitan Airport left a lasting impression. The hotel is sleek, quiet, and far more polished than most airport properties. Between the spacious rooms, the impressive atrium, and the unbeatable location inside the terminal complex, it’s hard to find a more convenient place to stay before an early flight or after a late arrival.
If you’re flying out of the McNamara Terminal, the dedicated TSA checkpoint makes this hotel an especially smart choice. While it’s not quite as handy for travelers using the Evans Terminal, the continuous shuttle service keeps the commute quick and painless.
Overall, it’s a great use of a free night certificate or points for anyone looking for a restful airport stay — particularly when convenience and comfort are top priorities.
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