An influential gentleman by the name of James Burrill Angell, the longest-serving president of the University of Michigan in the late 1800s, had a passion for world travel and is the inspiration behind this part of the Marriot Autograph Hotel collection. Totally unique and unlike any other hotel, the Vanguard Hotel embodies what the Marriott Autograph collection represents, a sense of pride in creating exclusive experiences for its guests, and the Ann Arbor location does not disappoint. Our design puts a modern twist on a very classic story by pairing contemporary finishes with a historic travel design influence.

Portals separate experiences in spaces with subtle hints of different cultures. The Vanguard Hotel’s design and palette of muted colors is inspired by vintage French travel trunks, with their light wood exterior, luxurious paper or soft fabric interiors, and custom spaces for safekeeping of various goods. The French Brasserie bar and restaurant takes inspiration from Parisian cafés with custom toile upholsteries and light fixtures reminiscent of 1920’s France. The restaurant has unexpected private rooms that transport guests from a bright garden room with suspended plants and natural daylight to a dimly lit wine cave displaying vintages from around the world brought to Ann Arbor.