The Vanguard Hotel, part of Marriott International’s Autograph Collection, is now open in downtown Ann Arbor, Mich. The 188-room property was developed by Robert Finvarb Companies and Milford Singer & Company and is located near the University of Michigan campus and designed to serve university visitors, alumni and business travelers.
The hotel includes 24 one-bedroom suites, 10 of which offer two king beds. Some suites feature private patios with lounge seating. Room amenities include Dyson hairdryers, Le Labo bath products and in-room espresso machines.
“For years, we navigated the complexities of bringing a new hotel to Ann Arbor, one of the highest barriers to entry development markets in the country,” said Craig Singer, co-founder of Milford Singer & Company. “Overcoming those challenges to deliver a project of this caliber is truly rewarding, and I’m thrilled to see it become a reality.”
Food and beverage are led by La Serre, a French-inspired brasserie open three meals a day. The restaurant includes two private dining rooms and a wine list. Menu highlights include short rib and a raw bar. The brasserie was inspired by the work of naturalist John James Audubon.
“The Vanguard Hotel is not just a luxury destination—it’s a tribute to the independent spirit and academic excellence that define Ann Arbor,” said Jason Nelson, GM at The Vanguard.
The hotel includes 11,062 square feet of meeting and event space across five rooms. Floor-to-ceiling windows offer views of Ann Arbor. Meeting packages feature customizable menus and locally sourced ingredients.
“With The Vanguard, we saw an opportunity to create something truly special—an upscale, yet welcoming destination that embodies the intellectual energy and vibrant culture of Ann Arbor,” said Robert Finvarb, founder of Robert Finvarb Companies. “Our goal has always been to develop high-quality hospitality experiences that not only serve travelers but also enhance the communities they’re in. We are excited to bring The Vanguard to life and look forward to welcoming guests to this one-of-a-kind hotel.”
The property joins Marriott Bonvoy’s Autograph Collection, a portfolio of more than 330 hotels globally. Each hotel is independently owned and selected for design and guest experience. The Vanguard adds to the brand’s U.S. footprint, which includes hotels in college towns and cultural centers.
Guests have walkable access to the university’s museums, downtown restaurants and the Ann Arbor Farmers Market. The hotel also provides proximity to university events, research conferences and sports weekends, targeting both leisure and business travelers.
