042426 ~ The Vanguard Hotel - Emily MacIntyre & Ashley Schafer
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The Vanguard Hotel in Ann Arbor is redefining the boutique hotel experience with a thoughtfully designed, upscale yet approachable atmosphere that honors the city’s academic roots while serving as a vibrant hub for locals and visitors alike. Emily MacIntyre, Director of Sales and Marketing, reveals how the hotel’s interior—crafted by award-winning DLR Group—blends French brasserie elegance with subtle nods to the University of Michigan, from rotating book displays to portraits of historic university figures. The hotel’s unique selling point? An 'uncommon experience for the common man,' a philosophy rooted in a 19th-century University of Michigan motto, now woven into every detail, from hidden design gems to the greenhouse-inspired restaurant, Le Saire. With 24 spacious suites, four levels of underground valet parking, and a prime location near the U of M hospital and downtown attractions, the Vanguard is positioned not just as a lodging option, but as a lifestyle destination. The upcoming Ladies Night Out on May 16th—featuring hotel stays, wine tastings, and a curated downtown experience—highlights how the hotel is becoming a cornerstone of Ann Arbor’s cultural and social calendar. Despite the city’s limited downtown hotel space, MacIntyre believes the market remains robust, driven by the town’s unique blend of academia, arts, tech, and community energy.
The Vanguard Hotel’s design philosophy centers on 'an uncommon experience for the common man,' a 19th-century University of Michigan motto now embedded in every guest room and public space.
Hidden design details—like rotating book displays themed to the Peony Garden and a constantly changing page in a giant book—invite guests to explore and engage with the hotel’s storytelling.
Le Saire, the hotel’s French-inspired brasserie, now serves brunch on weekends and offers elevated French cuisine with American-friendly twists like burgers and vegetarian dishes.
The hotel’s 24 suites and underground valet parking (built during gas tank removal) make it ideal for extended stays, especially for families visiting the U of M’s aphasia program.
Ann Arbor’s downtown can sustain another hotel due to its unique mix of university life, corporate innovation, arts, and walkable urban energy.
…and 3 more takeaways available in PodZeus
Ladies Night Out: A Downtown Staycation
“We're going to stay overnight. I'm very excited because I feel like a little staycation. I live in Ann Arbor, but just getting out away from the kiddos.”
The Vanguard Hotel: A New Downtown Landmark
Emily MacIntyre introduces the Vanguard Hotel’s design, location, and mission, emphasizing its blend of upscale elegance and Midwest warmth, with a focus on creating a 'home away from home' for guests.
Design Philosophy: Hidden Nods to Ann Arbor’s Identity
“His portrait is actually in all of our guest rooms. We also have a lot of fun little nods to the university, like on each of our guest room floors. There's beautiful, you know, as you open elevator doors, there's these cool built-in cupboards with rotating books.”
Le Saire: French-Inspired Cuisine with a Midwest Twist
The hotel’s restaurant, Le Saire, offers brunch, lunch, dinner, and late-night cocktails. The menu blends French techniques with American comfort food, including a best-selling short rib and a Monte Cristo crepe.
Sustaining Growth in Ann Arbor’s Hotel Market
“I do think that there's based on, you know, my almost, you know, seven years in the downtown Ann Arbor market, there's always room for more. There really is.”
“I do think that there's based on, you know, my almost, you know, seven years in the downtown Ann Arbor market, there's always, there's room for more. There really”
“His portrait is actually in all of our guest rooms. We also have a lot of fun little nods to the university, like on each of our guest room floors. There's beautiful, you know, as you open elevator doors, there's these cool built -in cupboards with rotating”
“overnight. Yes, we are. And I'm very excited because I feel like a little staycation. I live in Ann Arbor, but just getting out away from the kiddos.”
Host
Guests
vanguard hotel
organization
emily macintyre
person
le saire
organization
downtown ann arbor
place
ashley schaefer
person
university of michigan
organization
main street area association
organization
dlr group
organization
robert finvarb companies
organization
milford & associates
organization
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