The Kensington Hotel

Hotels
8.3 (1122 reviews)
3500 South State Street , Ann Arbor , us

Free
Children allowed
Pets allowed

Facilities

Offsite parking discounted rates available
Fitness facilities (surcharge)
Non-smoking rooms
Air conditioning
Swimming pool
Restaurant
Terrace
Family rooms
Pets allowed
Lift / Elevator
See all facilities

Review Highlights

Pros:
Friendly staff
Great location
Good amenities
Cons:
Cleanliness issues
Room quality concerns

Categories

Cleanliness
6.34
Several reviews mentioned issues with cleanliness, including hair in the bathtub.
Service
9.31
Consistently praised for outstanding and friendly service, particularly by staff members like William and Phillip.
Location
8.85
Guests appreciated the great location near Briarwood Mall and other amenities.
Room Quality
7.3
Generally well-regarded, but some mentioned issues like temperature control and small room size.
Amenities
8.83
Facilities such as the pool and business amenities received positive remarks.
Value for Money
8.79
Good price-quality relation was noted in reviews.
Food and Beverage
8.34
Breakfast and on-site dining received positive feedback.
Overall Experience
8.61
Mixed reviews overall, but many guests indicated a desire to return.
* This sentiment is summarized by AI based on user reviews.
Updated at: 2026-01-06 00:45

Property Description

Luxurious Amenities
Experience comfort and convenience at The Kensington Hotel with air-conditioned rooms, flat-screen TVs, and a wellness area featuring an indoor pool and fitness centre.

Culinary Delights
Indulge in American cuisine at the on-site restaurant and savor a buffet or vegetarian breakfast in the breakfast area during your stay.

Convenient Location
Situated just 3.2 km from the University of Michigan, The Kensington Hotel offers easy access to nearby attractions like Yost Ice Arena and Crisler Arena.

Book now for a delightful stay at The Kensington Hotel and enjoy all that Ann Arbor has to offer!

Important information:

Guests must be at least 21 years old to check-in at this property.
Reservations that include 5 rooms or more are subject to different deposit and cancellation policies.Guests are required to show a photo ID and credit card upon check-in. Please note that all Special Requests are subject to availability and additional charges may apply.

Check-in and check-out hours:
Check-out: 11:00 AM
Airport code: DTW

Property Policies

  • Parking

    Free public parking is possible on site (reservation is not needed).

  • Internet

    WiFi is available in all areas and is free of charge.

  • Children and extra bed policy

    Children of any age are allowed.
    Children up to and including 1 year old stay for free when using an available cot.
    Children up to and including 15 years old stay for free when using an existing bed.
    People no matter the age stay for free when using an available extra bed.
    Any type of extra bed or child's cot/crib is upon request and needs to be confirmed by management.

  • Pets

    Pets are allowed. Charges may be applicable.

Location

Guest Reviews

8.3
Based on 1122 reviews
Cleanliness: 6.34
Service: 9.31
Location: 8.85
Room Quality: 7.3
Amenities: 8.83
Value for Money: 8.79
Food and Beverage: 8.34
Overall Experience: 8.61
M
McPherson couple us
10
Amazing every single time!
Pros:

I love love love Will and the morning shift guys. They are the absolute best! Katie is my favorite girl, and so is Terra these girls know their stuff. They make me very happy! Last but not least Cortney who holds the night shift down and goes above and beyond to make sure were comfortable. We can’t thank you guys enough for your hospitality, courtesy, and amazing vibes. We love The Kensington!

Cons:

Everything, the swimming pool is my favorite feature along with the champagne toast upon checkin

2026-04-18 via Nuitee
L
Louise solo_traveller us
10
2026-04-17 via Nuitee
K
Kaitlyn couple us
5
Kinda poopy. Felt lied to.
Pros:

Nothing really.

Cons:

The breakfast was available but not provided. Coffee only in Your room. No coffee all day like most hotels you stay at. No air conditioning, wasn’t mentioned anywhere on the site or when we checked in.

2026-04-16 via Nuitee
K
Kevin couple us
1
WARNING, NO A/C
Pros:

Rooms were relatively nice and linens were clean

Cons:

MISLEADING INFO ON BOOKING PAGE. Whole hotel smelled off; elevators are slow and if you get the wrong room, you could end up with a long walk. But the main downside: THIS “renovated” hotel does not have air conditioning! The details on booking are inaccurate: they’ve give you a little plastic fan, but I would avoid this hotel at all costs unless traveling in the winter. Right off the highway so opening your window invites tons of noise and pollution

2026-04-16 via Nuitee
D
Duarte solo_traveller us
5
Pros:

The location was great for what we needed and the hotel itself was beautiful.

Cons:

We stayed mid December and our room was incredibly warm even with the ac on, which we suspect just didn't work and we ended up having our window cracked all night. Also went down to enjoy the adults only time at the pool and there were kids down there with their parents so we were not able to enjoy that either.

2026-04-15 via Nuitee
R
Rytis family_with_children us
10
2026-04-11 via Nuitee
E
Edward couple us
10
It was affordable!
2026-04-09 via Nuitee
L
LAVAUDA family_with_children us
10
2026-04-09 via Nuitee
O
Omar couple us
10
2026-04-09 via Nuitee
S
Shawn88 family_with_children us
10
Amazing place
Pros:

Great location, property was clean, staff was great and room was huge and clean.

Cons:

Not a dislike really but if your taller then 6'2 pay attention to the ceilings when walking to your room. The hallway ceilings on floor 2 at least was very low

2026-04-08 via Nuitee
D
Donald couple us
7
Great Location, But Could Use Some Maintenance
Pros:

Check-in was simple and efficient. The front desk staff made us aware of all the services and options available for our stay.

Cons:

The maintenance of the room and pool facilities could be better. The openable window in our room leaked the first night during a rainstorm; it was obviously in need of replacement (cloudy glass). In the pool area, the sauna was not working properly and benches within it had loose boards, creating a hazard. In addition, there is no longer complimentary coffee in the morning hours in the lobby, only a small cafe-style kiosk with rather expensive drinks, sandwiches, and cakes.

2026-04-08 via Nuitee
T
Thomas couple us
10
2026-04-06 via Nuitee
M
Maryam couple us
3
Horrible, not coming back
Cons:

The room was not clean at all. The bed was not comfortable and the guy who checked me in was rude. I could stay in other places with higher customer satisfaction with the lower prices
Lots of stains on my sofa and bed as well as on the floor
A strange smell that I couldn’t sleep well
Worst matters and pillows I have ever tried in my life

2026-04-06 via Nuitee
M
Moore couple us
8
2026-04-06 via Nuitee
M
Martinez family_with_children us
10
Pros:

.

Cons:

.

2026-04-06 via Nuitee
M
Manique solo_traveller us
7
2026-04-06 via Nuitee
S
Stevens family_with_children us
10
2026-04-06 via Nuitee
E
erichU8476OV Couples
10
Great spot
Pros:

A lovely stay for my wife and I. Paid breakfast downstairs was really amazing!

2026-04-04 via Tripadvisor
T
TracyCoe Family Traverse City, Grand Traverse County, Michigan
10
Old Charm
Pros:

The Kensington is our “go to” when visiting our daughter at UMich. The hotel in general is quite dated but we appreciate the charm and like to imagine how beautiful it was in its prime. Chandeliers, champagne, and great service (special shout out to Cade!). One of our favorite features is the large table in the lobby where we play cards and enjoy happy hour before heading out to one of AA’s many amazing restaurants!

2026-04-04 via Tripadvisor
P
paultT4197XO Solo travel
10
The Kensington Hotel, my Go To hotel in Ann Arbor
Pros:

The Kensington Hotel has become my go to hotel in Ann Arbor. I have never been disappointed there, and having a daughter at Michigan I want a place to stay that is nice but also does not help Michigan break the bank any further! ;-) The staff is always friendly and helpful, the rooms have always been clean and very nice. I great place to stay and that free glass of champaign on check in is always a nice treat also!

2026-04-04 via Tripadvisor