Detroit Auto Show Fever!

I'm sure I can pinpoint the moment if I really try.  I could blame my newest obsession, love, passion and call myself an enthusiast and put it all on Gayle who sent me out into the wilds of Memphis a few years back.  I could turn a pointed finger on the creator of AutoSavant as well.  Stuck in an airport with Brendan I talked cars, the industry and more for a long while and learned a whole lot. 

I couldn't be stopped.  I wanted more.  My quest for knowledge about cars and the industry is on the newbie level, I know. I wish I could just absorb it all.  I'm not a woman who loves American muscle.  Though I do love a good engine growl.  And I do like my niche and cult cars to be sure. OK, I admit it that is my favorite car.  Could anything be more beautiful than a Morgan? I think not.   I tend towards the luxury level (are you surprised?) and cars tricked out in tech gadgets. 

If you dropped a Silver Ghost in my pathway I might just drop dead from awe. 

I went to the North American International Auto Show this week for the first time.  Ford footed the bill as I went along as green blogger press.  To say I felt like a kid in a candy store would be an understatement.  I have a whole new appreciation for certain brands now and a feeling of lacking for others.  Seeing a Maybach in person and sitting in three separate Bentley's was quite a moment that I would like to repeat again and again. And again. Indeed.  This is some of what I saw this week. 

And there was so much more.  Stewart Brand was there speaking about the environment and the future of cars.  The Ford Explorer was named the truck of the year.  I touched so much leather and gazed upon a ton of rubber you might have thought I had entered into a fantasy store.  It was a bit of that for me actually. I want more.





*Disclosure: Ford Motor Company paid for my travel and accommodations at the 2-day Driving Green Technology event, I was not compensated in any other manner for my time. My opinions here are my own.

MotorCity Casino Hotel

Located in Detroit the MotorCity Casino Hotel is the place to go if you are in town.  Less than two years old it lights up the sky with a rainbow of colors at night giving it that action/casino feel but remains calm inside once you enter the lobby via escalator or elevator. 

I had a basic king room while I stayed at Motor City and found it was quite spacious.  The entry way and bathroom have marble floors.  Upon entering the television was on, which made me wonder if someone was already in the room, but never fear, I was alone.  Low lights abound in this room.  That can be a drawback as can few electrical outlets beyond the desk lamp set up.  However, the closets are plentiful (two), the linens soft and cushy and an extra blanket (thick and a decent size) and a pillow library (choose your style and comfort level) are a nice touch.  The Molton Brown bath products don't hurt either.  There is a large flat screen TV that can be swiveled to different angles.  The ability to move the TV to different angles is something I think most hotels need but not many have right now.  I'm always irritated when I find a flat screen in my room that cannot be moved and watched from beyond the bed. 

I found the bed to be quite comfortable and the addition of two bathrobes and a pair of slippers is also a nice touch.  I enjoyed having a docking station/alarm clock on the night stand, a big picture window, two chairs and a decent size desk.  There was plenty of room all around the room and in the bathroom.  The bathroom not only has ample counter space but a magnifying mirror that lights up and a sunken tub with a free standing shower.  There were many towels (in various sizes) and spaces to place products and other personal items. 
Each bathroom has a rain shower, hair dryer, nightlight and a separate shower and commode.  I loved that the tub was wide, deep and had a cascading waterfall spout.  Adding in bath salts or bubble bath is really a treat with that type of spout. 

The staff at Motor City was friendly and always helpful.  I realized I was out of toothpaste late my first night there and the gift shop was closed. The front desk took care of my needs providing me with a new toothbrush and paste in two seconds flat.  The restaurants are new, clean, and gleaming.  Iridescence is the most popular and features sweeping views of the city and high ceilings.  A bar and large banquette tables are a nice touch.  A wine storage room constructed of illuminated glass and reaching the ceiling is quite unforgettable.  While there I dined at this restaurant twice.  Each time the service was excellent and the food artfully done. 

What made the stay so nice was the ease of service, cleanliness of the facility and the comfort of the rooms.  Space is not an option in my hotel stay unless I'm in New York and the Motor City Casino and Hotel doesn't scrimp on space.  Perhaps it is an homage to all those beautiful, big boats that used to roll off the line here in the past. 



MPR Rating: Four Stars

Disclaimer:  MPR was not paid for this post.  Products received are for review and testing purposes only. Opinions are MPR's only.

NAIAS- Here I Come

It is pretty common knowledge that I love cars.  It started with my first beat up 1984 rust brown Volvo 240 DL and has continued ever since.  Lately, I have been able to parlay that into car reviews and now something just as big has come my way.  I'm headed to Detroit next week for the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) with other green and tech bloggers from around the world.  While there I will not only walk the floor of the auto show and see the latest and greatest in the auto industry but I'll also be touring Ford itself and testing out their greener cars. I will be on Twitter, Facebook and posting here about it all.  Join me! It's going to be an amazing time.


I was invited to participate in this program by Clever Girls Collective, Inc. in partnership with Ford and Ogilvy PR. Ford Motor Company paid for my travel and accommodations at the 2-day Driving Green Technology event, I was not compensated in any other manner for my time.  My opinions posted here are my own.