Originally inhabited by the Potawatomi and Wyandot Indian tribes, the area now known as Southgate was later discovered by French explorers, traders, and missionaries, beginning with René-Robert Cavelier in 1679. The first official settler was Pierre Michael Campau, who helped establish a farming community there in 1795. Although historically, Southgate was merely a rural section of Ecorse Township, it began its own urban planning as an independent town in the 1920s. After an influx of World War II veterans and families, Southgate formally incorporated as a city in 1958. It is believed to get its name from the city's southern location relative to Detroit — its "south gate."
Today Southgate is a hub among the Downriver communities, famed for its schools, civic culture and huge outdoor spaces. But to take advantage of all Southgate has to offer, you're going to need to find a great hotel first.
When should you visit Southgate, MI?
The best time of year to visit Southgate is summer, which has an average temperature of 70 degrees throughout June and July. This is when Southgate holds its annual Heritage Days festival, featuring outdoor music, arts, and parades. It's also a great time to take advantage of the town's acres and acres of public activity spaces. But unsurprisingly, this is also when hotel prices — and crowds — hit their peak. Nonetheless, located a bit outside of the high-price crush of Detroit, good deals are still to be had in Southgate.
Southgate is on the same latitude as Chicago and Buffalo (and not far from Toronto), so naturally, its winters can be cold, ranging from the mid-20s to right above 10 degrees. But if you're brave and well-insulated, winter happens to be a great time to get a steal on a hotel room. It's also the time to enjoy the town's Winter Wonderland, a multi-day assortment of skating exhibitions, rides on Santa's Christmas Express train, and a (wisely) indoor holiday crafts show.
This, of course, leaves the spring and fall for those who like their outdoors brisk, with temperatures hovering around the 50s and low 60s. Still, this Michigan town is all about the ice any time of year. You can take part in games of "Drop-In Hockey" at local rinks in June, and a local school's famous ice show is presented every year for April.
Below is a chart of the current pricing seasonality of hotels and motels in Southgate, MI:
Southgate, MI: Prices by Star Rating Class
Below we've posted 3 graphs illustrating avg. price patterns by star rating class in Southgate, MI. Browse these line graphs to determine the best months to book in Southgate for your upcoming travels.
What luxury hotels can you find in Southgate, MI?
4 Star Average Prices: $125.00
Just a few miles away in Dearborn, the Dearborn Inn A Marriott Hotel is a historic jewel and a green getaway. The historic Main Inn building used to be the headquarters of Ford Motor Company and now sits on 23 acres of gorgeously manicured landscapes. Guests can choose from a variety of historically appointed room types in the Main Inn, two Colonial lodges, and five Colonial guest homes. There are also concierge floors with bigger rooms and morning and evening receptions for visitors.
And don't be fooled by the name Detroit Metro Airport Marriott! Although admittedly not near too many things on foot (besides, of course, Detroit Metropolitan Airport), this bright, spacious, and luxurious hotel in Romulus offers complimentary shuttles to a range of nearby destinations, as well as an indoor pool, free high-speed Wi-Fi, and fine dining at its New American-style restaurant, North.
What are the most affordable hotels around Southgate, Michigan?
3 Star Average Prices: $111.62
Looking for a well-reviewed place with a rate that will put a smile on your face? Look no further than the La Quinta Inn Detroit / Southgate. This hotel is highly praised for its clean rooms, courteous staff, and the waffles available at the free breakfast.
As the name indicates, the Red Roof Inn Detroit Metro Airport Bellville is not exactly downtown Southgate. But for just a few extra minutes on the road, you get a really good price on a room in a hotel that's revered for thoughtful service and is in a quiet location but still very close to numerous restaurants and attractions.
2 Star Average Prices: $92.33
What hotels in Southgate, MI offer the best discounts?
Comfort Suites Southgate has been described by visitors as appreciating veterans, and this trait extends to its long list of military and government discounts, as well as discounts for seniors and AAA members. The suites also offer a lot for your money: in-room microwaves, refrigerators, a business center, and no extra charge for children 18 and under who stay in their parents' or guardians' rooms.
Holiday Inn Southgate also offers decent discounts to government, military, senior citizens, and AAA members, and it packs a lot of punch for the price. It features an arcade/game room, an outdoor garden area, and a pool and hot tub. And for those who can't get enough bubbles, there are also a number of Jacuzzi king suites available.
Where are the best hotels for value in Southgate, Michigan?
For a solid mix of location, comfort, and affordability, you might try the Hampton Inn Detroit Southgate. In this stately and stylish building, you will find tastefully appointed rooms with plush beds. For a little more money, you can also elect to get your room upgraded to a larger room with a whirlpool. The Hampton also offers multiple conveniences like an on-site fitness center, multimedia-equipped conference rooms, and a 24-hour food-to-go mini-store.
Another overall winner is the Holiday Inn Express & Suites Southgate Detroit Area. Part of Holiday Inn Express' new Formula Blue program, this haven of bright colors and eclectic design is a pleasure to the eyes. It also aims to make travel as convenient as possible. Breakfast is complimentary and comes in a choice of breakfast buffet, hot breakfast, or continental. Also of note are the gigantic heated indoor pool, on-site fitness, and 24-hour DIY laundry facilities for guests.
What are the best things to do in Southgate, MI?
No trip to Southgate would be complete without a visit to nearby Dearborn's Henry Ford Museum. It's the only museum where you can see President John F. Kennedy's limousine, the Rosa Parks bus, and a reproduction of the Wright Brothers' bicycle shop — all under one roof! Another historic must-do is the original headquarters of Motown Records, which is nicknamed Hitsville, USA. The Detroit Institute of Art is another worthwhile landmark to check out. Founded in 1885, the Institute is housed in a beautifully preserved mansion and packed with ancient, classical, and modern works from artists both local and global.
But probably the biggest attraction of Southgate is outdoor space. Starting with a park allotment of 36 acres in 1949, Southgate has expanded its recreational areas to 75 acres, including nine parks and numerous baseball diamonds, softball fields, and golf courses. Unsurprisingly, the area is also strong in all ice-based activities. Southgate Ice Arena boasts two sheets of ice, and opportunities are offered throughout the year for drop-in hockey and public skating. Southgate also offers in-line hockey games and multiple venues for casual visitors to learn ice skating or see some master practitioners show off their moves.
Other outdoors-oriented public events beckon as well. Southgate Shopping Center's sweeping Market Center Park is a popular spot where locals gather to see live music concerts, browse at farmers' markets, and take in outdoor movie screenings. Southgate Executive Golf Course is a great 18-hole course to hit a bucket of balls on and then grab a bite at the Clubhouse. Every June. Southgate rolls out its signature public event: Heritage Days. The multi-day event features live marquee bands from around the world, carnival rides, fireworks, a Taste of the Town food festival, a classic car exhibition, and arts and crafts shows.
Being just 6 miles from Detroit, a Southgate visitor has his or her pick of Detroit sports events, from watching Tigers baseball at Tiger Stadium to catching Red Wings hockey at the Little Caesar's Arena. Numerous casinos — from the MGM Grand to the MotorCity Casino to the popular and atmospheric Greektown — offer day and night "play" of a different kind.
Even when the chilly weather sends you indoors, Downriver Family YMCA — the largest Y in the entire metro Detroit area — is a palatial smorgasbord of sport, offering a gleaming modern fitness center, basketball courts, indoor track, and a jaw-dropping indoor-outdoor pool area with a seasonally available splash park for the kids. Another exciting activity is to take in a show put on by one of Southgate's two professional theater troupes: The Open Book Theater and the Southgate Community Players.
For a city in a cold climate, Southgate spends an awful lot of time outdoors and is ready to share all the fun with visitors. The good news is that there are also plenty of hotel options for staying in or near Southgate, MI, that will definitely keep you warm without burning your budget.
FAQs about hotels in Southgate
How much does a cheap hotel in Southgate cost per night?
In the last year, a 2 star hotel in Southgate can be as cheap as $92.33 per night. (based on HotelPlanner prices)
How much does a 3 star hotel in Southgate cost per night?
In the last year, the average 3 star hotel in Southgate has been $111.62 per night. (based on HotelPlanner prices)
How much does a 4-5 star hotel in Southgate cost?
In the last year, the average 4 star hotel in Southgate has been $125.00 per night. (based on HotelPlanner prices)
Verified reviews of the city: Southgate, MI
Below are reviews of the city of Southgate, MI from an actual visitor's perspective.
"Elba Mars Hospitality Room"
Score
5.0 / 5
Breakfast and Elba Mars hospitality room.
Michael C., from 07-Feb-2024
"Great Location"
Score
4.0 / 5
I'm originally from the area and we visit frequently to see family and friends so the location was great!
Cherryl N., from 19-Dec-2023
"Great Location"
Score
4.0 / 5
I'm originally from the area and we visit frequently to see family and friends so the location was great!
Cherryl N., from 19-Dec-2023
"Great Location"
Score
4.0 / 5
Southgate has a lot of nice restaurants and shopping and is close to several tourist attractions.
Cheryl R., from 06-Aug-2023
"Great Restaurants & Music Venue!"
Score
5.0 / 5
Great restaurants and the music venue, District 142, is amazing!
David R., from 26-Mar-2023
"A Good Hotel"
Score
5.0 / 5
Good, fine hotel.
Mark B., from 22-Jan-2023
"Central Location to Detroit, Toledo & Wyandotte"
Score
4.0 / 5
Close to Detroit and Toledo. Not too far from downtown Wyandotte which has a nice river walk.
Robert B., from 16-Oct-2022
"Great Hotel in Great Location"
Score
4.0 / 5
Nice neighborhood with a lot of food places, close to Detroit, great place to stay
April T., from 18-Sep-2022
"Close to Henry Ford Museum"
Score
5.0 / 5
Close to Henry Ford Museum
Beverly T., from 05-Sep-2022
"Super convenient! "
Score
5.0 / 5
I like that your only minutes away from everything.
Melissa E., from 06-Aug-2019
The average traveler rating of the city of Southgate, MI shown above is
4.5 out of 5 based on 10 reviews