{"id":6964,"date":"2023-04-09T05:14:00","date_gmt":"2023-04-09T05:14:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.shinola.com\/our-stories\/?p=6964"},"modified":"2023-07-27T20:18:29","modified_gmt":"2023-07-27T20:18:29","slug":"detroits-living-room-a-look-inside-the-shinola-hotel-with-tom-forrest","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ourstories.shinola.com\/our-stories\/detroits-living-room-a-look-inside-the-shinola-hotel-with-tom-forrest\/","title":{"rendered":"Detroit\u2019s Living Room: A Look Inside the Shinola Hotel with Tom Forrest"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<pre class=\"wp-block-verse has-text-align-center\">On a moody, rainy April afternoon in Detroit, we met with\nTom Forrest, Shinola\u2019s Executive Guest Manager for an\nunforgettable glimpse inside the Shinola Hotel.  <\/pre>\n\n\n\n<p>Nestled in the heart of Detroit, on the busiest corner of Woodward Avenue, stands a bright red building. It holds its own amongst the city\u2019s most storied architectural gems. Just like the rest of them, it has walls that have endless history to tell. If you want to hear them talk, all you have to do is walk in the door.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large image-768\"><img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1229\" height=\"1586\" src=\"https:\/\/shinola-wordpress.imgix.net\/2023\/04\/EEBerger_ShinolaHotel_Nov21_232.png?auto=format&fit=crop&h=1080&ixlib=php-3.3.0&w=1920&wpsize=article\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-6965\" srcset=\"https:\/\/shinola-wordpress.imgix.net\/2023\/04\/EEBerger_ShinolaHotel_Nov21_232.png?auto=format&amp;fit=scale&amp;h=300&amp;ixlib=php-3.3.0&amp;w=232&amp;wpsize=medium 232w, https:\/\/shinola-wordpress.imgix.net\/2023\/04\/EEBerger_ShinolaHotel_Nov21_232.png?auto=format&amp;fit=scale&amp;h=1024&amp;ixlib=php-3.3.0&amp;w=794&amp;wpsize=large 794w, https:\/\/shinola-wordpress.imgix.net\/2023\/04\/EEBerger_ShinolaHotel_Nov21_232.png?auto=format&amp;fit=scale&amp;h=150&amp;ixlib=php-3.3.0&amp;w=116&amp;wpsize=thumbnail 116w, https:\/\/shinola-wordpress.imgix.net\/2023\/04\/EEBerger_ShinolaHotel_Nov21_232.png?auto=format&amp;fit=scale&amp;h=991&amp;ixlib=php-3.3.0&amp;w=768&amp;wpsize=medium_large 768w, https:\/\/shinola-wordpress.imgix.net\/2023\/04\/EEBerger_ShinolaHotel_Nov21_232.png?auto=format&amp;fit=scale&amp;h=1536&amp;ixlib=php-3.3.0&amp;w=1190&amp;wpsize=1536x1536 1190w, https:\/\/shinola-wordpress.imgix.net\/2023\/04\/EEBerger_ShinolaHotel_Nov21_232.png?auto=format&amp;fit=scale&amp;h=2048&amp;ixlib=php-3.3.0&amp;w=1587&amp;wpsize=2048x2048 1587w, https:\/\/shinola-wordpress.imgix.net\/2023\/04\/EEBerger_ShinolaHotel_Nov21_232.png?auto=format&amp;ixlib=php-3.3.0 1229w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1229px) 100vw, 1229px\" \/><figcaption>Outside of the Shinola Hotel, on the busiest corner of downtown Detroit.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\"><strong>LET THE WALLS DO THE TALKING<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Dodging the heavy drops of spring rain on a gloomy April afternoon, I dashed through the doors of the Shinola Hotel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I found myself in the lobby, appropriately named \u201cThe Living Room.\u201d Perhaps this is because it effortlessly fits the collective definition of what we imagine our dream home to look and feel like.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns two-col-image-right-small\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column\">\n<p>Its walls are filled with art, reflecting<br>the talent of today while honoring the artists of yesterday. The collection is curated by Library Street Collective. Meanwhile, a mix of vintage and custom-made furniture offers equal parts beauty and comfort to those looking to take a load off. Shinola\u2019s signature hotel scent subtly sets the mood.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Sitting beneath the focal point of the entire room\u2014a glimmering beaded masterpiece called \u201cTondo\u201d by Nick Cave\u2014was Tom Forrest, Shinola\u2019s Executive Guest Manager, a proud Detroit transplant, and one of the friendliest faces you\u2019ll encounter during<br>your stay.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"615\" height=\"711\" src=\"https:\/\/shinola-wordpress.imgix.net\/2023\/04\/02_livingroom.png?auto=format&fit=crop&h=702&ixlib=php-3.3.0&w=890&wpsize=home-feature-mobile\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-6971\" srcset=\"https:\/\/shinola-wordpress.imgix.net\/2023\/04\/02_livingroom.png?auto=format&amp;fit=scale&amp;h=300&amp;ixlib=php-3.3.0&amp;w=259&amp;wpsize=medium 259w, https:\/\/shinola-wordpress.imgix.net\/2023\/04\/02_livingroom.png?auto=format&amp;fit=scale&amp;h=150&amp;ixlib=php-3.3.0&amp;w=130&amp;wpsize=thumbnail 130w, https:\/\/shinola-wordpress.imgix.net\/2023\/04\/02_livingroom.png?auto=format&amp;fit=scale&amp;h=1024&amp;ixlib=php-3.3.0&amp;w=886&amp;wpsize=large 886w, https:\/\/shinola-wordpress.imgix.net\/2023\/04\/02_livingroom.png?auto=format&amp;fit=scale&amp;h=1536&amp;ixlib=php-3.3.0&amp;w=1329&amp;wpsize=1536x1536 1329w, https:\/\/shinola-wordpress.imgix.net\/2023\/04\/02_livingroom.png?auto=format&amp;fit=scale&amp;h=2048&amp;ixlib=php-3.3.0&amp;w=1771&amp;wpsize=2048x2048 1771w, https:\/\/shinola-wordpress.imgix.net\/2023\/04\/02_livingroom.png?auto=format&amp;ixlib=php-3.3.0 615w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 615px) 100vw, 615px\" \/><figcaption>The Living Room.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns two-col-image-left-small\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"615\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/shinola-wordpress.imgix.net\/2023\/04\/03_tom.png?auto=format&fit=crop&h=353&ixlib=php-3.3.0&w=696&wpsize=home-cat-short\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-6978\" srcset=\"https:\/\/shinola-wordpress.imgix.net\/2023\/04\/03_tom.png?auto=format&amp;fit=scale&amp;h=300&amp;ixlib=php-3.3.0&amp;w=270&amp;wpsize=medium 270w, https:\/\/shinola-wordpress.imgix.net\/2023\/04\/03_tom.png?auto=format&amp;fit=scale&amp;h=150&amp;ixlib=php-3.3.0&amp;w=135&amp;wpsize=thumbnail 135w, https:\/\/shinola-wordpress.imgix.net\/2023\/04\/03_tom.png?auto=format&amp;fit=scale&amp;h=1024&amp;ixlib=php-3.3.0&amp;w=922&amp;wpsize=large 922w, https:\/\/shinola-wordpress.imgix.net\/2023\/04\/03_tom.png?auto=format&amp;fit=scale&amp;h=1536&amp;ixlib=php-3.3.0&amp;w=1383&amp;wpsize=1536x1536 1383w, https:\/\/shinola-wordpress.imgix.net\/2023\/04\/03_tom.png?auto=format&amp;fit=scale&amp;h=2048&amp;ixlib=php-3.3.0&amp;w=1844&amp;wpsize=2048x2048 1844w, https:\/\/shinola-wordpress.imgix.net\/2023\/04\/03_tom.png?auto=format&amp;ixlib=php-3.3.0 615w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 615px) 100vw, 615px\" \/><figcaption>Tom Forrest, Shinola\u2019s Executive Guest Manager.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column\">\n<p>The hotel is Forrest\u2019s office. On any given day, you\u2019ll find him working in the Living Room, tucked away in the Mezzanine, also known as Saksey\u2019s Lounge, or walking about the halls. A key part of his job is to ensure the happiness of the hotel\u2019s guests. But if you happen to stop and chat, what you\u2019ll leave with is a story you\u2019ll never forget.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cHospitality is important to me because I moved around a lot and was always the new kid,\u201d Forrest said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For Forrest, hospitality is more than just making people comfortable and happy, it\u2019s about being there to make the magic happen. It\u2019s a story he tells well.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<pre class=\"wp-block-verse has-text-align-center\">\u201cI\u2019ve always been able to pick up on things and\n put myself in other\u2019s shoes. I don\u2019t think it\u2019s something\n that you can be taught, it\u2019s just who you are.\u201d<\/pre>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\"><strong>BUILDING IT LIKE THEY USED TO<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Like everything we make, the hotel is built with the same timeless style and obsessive<br>attention to detail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The building\u2019s history was the first thing Tom taught me as we climbed the grand staircase to Saksey\u2019s Lounge, one of the only original pieces left from when it was built in 1915. It was carefully restored as the Hotel was being constructed about a half-decade ago.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large image-768\"><img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1229\" height=\"615\" src=\"https:\/\/shinola-wordpress.imgix.net\/2023\/04\/04_Shinola_Mezzanin.png?auto=format&fit=scale&h=512&ixlib=php-3.3.0&w=1024&wpsize=large\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-6972\" srcset=\"https:\/\/shinola-wordpress.imgix.net\/2023\/04\/04_Shinola_Mezzanin.png?auto=format&amp;fit=scale&amp;h=150&amp;ixlib=php-3.3.0&amp;w=300&amp;wpsize=medium 300w, https:\/\/shinola-wordpress.imgix.net\/2023\/04\/04_Shinola_Mezzanin.png?auto=format&amp;fit=crop&amp;h=935&amp;ixlib=php-3.3.0&amp;w=1024&amp;wpsize=cat-feature-mobile 1024w, https:\/\/shinola-wordpress.imgix.net\/2023\/04\/04_Shinola_Mezzanin.png?auto=format&amp;fit=scale&amp;h=75&amp;ixlib=php-3.3.0&amp;w=150&amp;wpsize=thumbnail 150w, https:\/\/shinola-wordpress.imgix.net\/2023\/04\/04_Shinola_Mezzanin.png?auto=format&amp;fit=scale&amp;h=384&amp;ixlib=php-3.3.0&amp;w=768&amp;wpsize=medium_large 768w, https:\/\/shinola-wordpress.imgix.net\/2023\/04\/04_Shinola_Mezzanin.png?auto=format&amp;fit=scale&amp;h=769&amp;ixlib=php-3.3.0&amp;w=1536&amp;wpsize=1536x1536 1536w, https:\/\/shinola-wordpress.imgix.net\/2023\/04\/04_Shinola_Mezzanin.png?auto=format&amp;fit=scale&amp;h=1025&amp;ixlib=php-3.3.0&amp;w=2048&amp;wpsize=2048x2048 2048w, https:\/\/shinola-wordpress.imgix.net\/2023\/04\/04_Shinola_Mezzanin.png?auto=format&amp;ixlib=php-3.3.0 1229w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1229px) 100vw, 1229px\" \/><figcaption>Saksey\u2019s Lounge.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns two-col-image-right-small\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column\">\n<p>The hotel\u2019s main structure was built by the T.B. Rayl Company in 1915, a hardware and sporting goods store. Wirt Rowland was the architect behind the elaborate, red-tiled fa\u00e7ade and was known for exploring new design methods and materials. His use of terra cotta on Rayl\u2019s became distinctive<br>in Detroit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Rowland would later go on to design some of Detroit\u2019s most recognizable structures: the Guardian Building\u2014adorned with Pewabic tile and Parducci sculpture\u2014and the Penobscot Building\u2014known for the glowing red sphere topping its spire.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"615\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/shinola-wordpress.imgix.net\/2023\/04\/05_historic.png?auto=format&fit=crop&h=353&ixlib=php-3.3.0&w=696&wpsize=home-cat-short\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-6973\" srcset=\"https:\/\/shinola-wordpress.imgix.net\/2023\/04\/05_historic.png?auto=format&amp;fit=scale&amp;h=300&amp;ixlib=php-3.3.0&amp;w=270&amp;wpsize=medium 270w, https:\/\/shinola-wordpress.imgix.net\/2023\/04\/05_historic.png?auto=format&amp;fit=scale&amp;h=150&amp;ixlib=php-3.3.0&amp;w=135&amp;wpsize=thumbnail 135w, https:\/\/shinola-wordpress.imgix.net\/2023\/04\/05_historic.png?auto=format&amp;fit=scale&amp;h=1024&amp;ixlib=php-3.3.0&amp;w=922&amp;wpsize=large 922w, https:\/\/shinola-wordpress.imgix.net\/2023\/04\/05_historic.png?auto=format&amp;fit=scale&amp;h=1536&amp;ixlib=php-3.3.0&amp;w=1383&amp;wpsize=1536x1536 1383w, https:\/\/shinola-wordpress.imgix.net\/2023\/04\/05_historic.png?auto=format&amp;fit=scale&amp;h=2048&amp;ixlib=php-3.3.0&amp;w=1844&amp;wpsize=2048x2048 1844w, https:\/\/shinola-wordpress.imgix.net\/2023\/04\/05_historic.png?auto=format&amp;ixlib=php-3.3.0 615w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 615px) 100vw, 615px\" \/><figcaption>The building before the hotel circa 1925.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Over the years, the current Shinola Hotel property housed many retailers, including Liggett\u2019s Drug Store, Lloyd\u2019s Furs, and Sally Frocks. It\u2019s believed that the hand-painted sign nestled in the wall today in the quiet Mezzanine may have belonged to the Meyer Jewelry Company. Although Forrest reminds me, that factoid is still up for debate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>During the construction of the hotel, builders found many hidden treasures of the past, including unique wallpaper from the 1920s that designers replicated and incorporated all throughout the modernized building. Most of the wallpaper within the hotel is designed by Detroit Wallpaper.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Tom then turned my attention to the floor we stood on. He referenced the lines that separated the rooms, representing the threshold of where history was made, and new craft began.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Today, the Shinola Hotel property occupies five buildings, including the historic former Singer Building in addition to Rayl\u2019s. \u202f The adjacent Singer Building was home to the Singer Sewing Machine Company in 1936. The company sold sewing machines, fabric, and patterns. It was designed by Detroit-based Smith, Hinchman and Grylls. Now called the SmithGroup, it\u2019s the nation\u2019s oldest continuously operating architectural engineering planning firm. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cThe construction guys who worked on this hotel would tell me \u2018You know, Tom, no one is building things like this anymore,\u201d\u2019 Forrest laughed. More than a century later, Shinola has helped prove that the era of quality craftsmanship is still alive in Detroit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\"><strong>A ROOM WITH A VIEW<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Shinola\u2019s commitment to quality and craft can be felt throughout the Hotel. The magic happens when you realize every room frames that commitment in a different perspective.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The elevator encased in solid white oak stopped on the 5th floor. The doors slid open to reveal windows looking out on the Motor City. I realized that we were truly in the heart of it all, from the colorful and bustling Parker\u2019s Alley below to the wonderous view of the Book Tower above.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As I walked down the hallway, I began to see the brand painted in a new light, quite literally\u2014the iconic Shinola blue hue covers the walls, creating a calming atmosphere. The guest suites give a whole new meaning to the Shinola promise: Built to be lived in, worn out and well loved.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large image-768\"><img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1236\" height=\"825\" src=\"https:\/\/shinola-wordpress.imgix.net\/2023\/04\/06_kingsuite.png?auto=format&fit=scale&h=683&ixlib=php-3.3.0&w=1024&wpsize=large\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-6974\" srcset=\"https:\/\/shinola-wordpress.imgix.net\/2023\/04\/06_kingsuite.png?auto=format&amp;fit=scale&amp;h=200&amp;ixlib=php-3.3.0&amp;w=300&amp;wpsize=medium 300w, https:\/\/shinola-wordpress.imgix.net\/2023\/04\/06_kingsuite.png?auto=format&amp;fit=crop&amp;h=935&amp;ixlib=php-3.3.0&amp;w=1024&amp;wpsize=cat-feature-mobile 1024w, https:\/\/shinola-wordpress.imgix.net\/2023\/04\/06_kingsuite.png?auto=format&amp;fit=scale&amp;h=100&amp;ixlib=php-3.3.0&amp;w=150&amp;wpsize=thumbnail 150w, https:\/\/shinola-wordpress.imgix.net\/2023\/04\/06_kingsuite.png?auto=format&amp;fit=scale&amp;h=513&amp;ixlib=php-3.3.0&amp;w=768&amp;wpsize=medium_large 768w, https:\/\/shinola-wordpress.imgix.net\/2023\/04\/06_kingsuite.png?auto=format&amp;fit=scale&amp;h=1025&amp;ixlib=php-3.3.0&amp;w=1536&amp;wpsize=1536x1536 1536w, https:\/\/shinola-wordpress.imgix.net\/2023\/04\/06_kingsuite.png?auto=format&amp;fit=scale&amp;h=1367&amp;ixlib=php-3.3.0&amp;w=2048&amp;wpsize=2048x2048 2048w, https:\/\/shinola-wordpress.imgix.net\/2023\/04\/06_kingsuite.png?auto=format&amp;ixlib=php-3.3.0 1236w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1236px) 100vw, 1236px\" \/><figcaption>A room with a stunning view.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns two-col-image-left-small\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"615\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/shinola-wordpress.imgix.net\/2023\/04\/07_robe.png?auto=format&fit=crop&h=353&ixlib=php-3.3.0&w=696&wpsize=home-cat-short\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-6975\" srcset=\"https:\/\/shinola-wordpress.imgix.net\/2023\/04\/07_robe.png?auto=format&amp;fit=scale&amp;h=300&amp;ixlib=php-3.3.0&amp;w=270&amp;wpsize=medium 270w, https:\/\/shinola-wordpress.imgix.net\/2023\/04\/07_robe.png?auto=format&amp;fit=scale&amp;h=150&amp;ixlib=php-3.3.0&amp;w=135&amp;wpsize=thumbnail 135w, https:\/\/shinola-wordpress.imgix.net\/2023\/04\/07_robe.png?auto=format&amp;fit=scale&amp;h=1024&amp;ixlib=php-3.3.0&amp;w=922&amp;wpsize=large 922w, https:\/\/shinola-wordpress.imgix.net\/2023\/04\/07_robe.png?auto=format&amp;fit=scale&amp;h=1536&amp;ixlib=php-3.3.0&amp;w=1383&amp;wpsize=1536x1536 1383w, https:\/\/shinola-wordpress.imgix.net\/2023\/04\/07_robe.png?auto=format&amp;fit=scale&amp;h=2048&amp;ixlib=php-3.3.0&amp;w=1844&amp;wpsize=2048x2048 1844w, https:\/\/shinola-wordpress.imgix.net\/2023\/04\/07_robe.png?auto=format&amp;ixlib=php-3.3.0 615w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 615px) 100vw, 615px\" \/><figcaption>Thoughtful touches of home.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column\">\n<p>Every room is crafted to feel like home, welcoming you in with humble touches of Shinola. The details indulge all five senses\u2014from the plush feel of robes with \u201cDetroit\u201d emblazed on them, chevron wallpaper taken from our handcrafted Clue gameboard to the smooth sounds coming from the turntable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cEvery time you look, you\u2019ll find a hint of Shinola that you didn\u2019t see before,\u201d Forrest said. I looked again and saw my favorite detail, the bathroom sink faucets modeled after watch casebacks, a stunning collaboration with Waterworks.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Even the soap is thoughtfully adorned with the Rayl\u2019s name, an everyday reminder of the greatness that came before.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cI look at this place and don\u2019t think it will ever go out of style,\u201d Tom said with a knowing smile.<br>\u201cIt lives up to everything we do\u2014making things that are built to last forever.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It true, even though the hotel is little more than four years old, it feels like it has been a part of Detroit for decades.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\"><strong>A FULL CIRCLE STAY<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Telling Shinola\u2019s story and bringing it full circle for guests is Forrest\u2019s favorite part of the job.\u201cPeople think we\u2019re just a hotel, but when they find out about Shinola it\u2019s an amazing discovery.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The hotel is only a part of what the brand has had the opportunity to build in Detroit. To Forrest, no trip to the city is complete without seeing where it all began, so he turned the Shinola watch factory, located just north of the hotel, into a must-see destination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cWhen I take guests to tour the factory, I can see it all click for them. The factory could be completely empty on the weekends, and you can still feel the passion and understand what we\u2019re all about.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large image-768\"><img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1236\" height=\"615\" src=\"https:\/\/shinola-wordpress.imgix.net\/2023\/04\/09_factory.png?auto=format&fit=scale&h=510&ixlib=php-3.3.0&w=1024&wpsize=large\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-6976\" srcset=\"https:\/\/shinola-wordpress.imgix.net\/2023\/04\/09_factory.png?auto=format&amp;fit=scale&amp;h=149&amp;ixlib=php-3.3.0&amp;w=300&amp;wpsize=medium 300w, https:\/\/shinola-wordpress.imgix.net\/2023\/04\/09_factory.png?auto=format&amp;fit=crop&amp;h=935&amp;ixlib=php-3.3.0&amp;w=1024&amp;wpsize=cat-feature-mobile 1024w, https:\/\/shinola-wordpress.imgix.net\/2023\/04\/09_factory.png?auto=format&amp;fit=scale&amp;h=75&amp;ixlib=php-3.3.0&amp;w=150&amp;wpsize=thumbnail 150w, https:\/\/shinola-wordpress.imgix.net\/2023\/04\/09_factory.png?auto=format&amp;fit=scale&amp;h=382&amp;ixlib=php-3.3.0&amp;w=768&amp;wpsize=medium_large 768w, https:\/\/shinola-wordpress.imgix.net\/2023\/04\/09_factory.png?auto=format&amp;fit=scale&amp;h=764&amp;ixlib=php-3.3.0&amp;w=1536&amp;wpsize=1536x1536 1536w, https:\/\/shinola-wordpress.imgix.net\/2023\/04\/09_factory.png?auto=format&amp;fit=scale&amp;h=1019&amp;ixlib=php-3.3.0&amp;w=2048&amp;wpsize=2048x2048 2048w, https:\/\/shinola-wordpress.imgix.net\/2023\/04\/09_factory.png?auto=format&amp;ixlib=php-3.3.0 1236w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1236px) 100vw, 1236px\" \/><figcaption>A watchmaker at work in the Shinola Factory.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns two-col-image-right-small\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column\">\n<p>Just as Shinola is defined by the hard work at the factory, the hotel wouldn\u2019t be what it is today without the people who built it and continue to craft its story every day. Its sincere, warm, and timeless nature are all thanks to people like Tom Forrest and those who work in our stores and factory.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The hardest part of that April afternoon had arrived, and it was time to say goodbye. My head still buzzing with the stories I heard, I stepped back out on to that lively corner of the city with a new one of my own to tell.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color\">I could go on about that special place in Detroit where quality craftsmanship and hospitality are alive and well, but it\u2019s best that you <span class=\"has-inline-color has-vivid-cyan-blue-color\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.shinolahotel.com\/\">see it for yourself.<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"615\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/shinola-wordpress.imgix.net\/2023\/04\/10_hotel.png?auto=format&fit=crop&h=353&ixlib=php-3.3.0&w=696&wpsize=home-cat-short\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-6977\" srcset=\"https:\/\/shinola-wordpress.imgix.net\/2023\/04\/10_hotel.png?auto=format&amp;fit=scale&amp;h=300&amp;ixlib=php-3.3.0&amp;w=270&amp;wpsize=medium 270w, https:\/\/shinola-wordpress.imgix.net\/2023\/04\/10_hotel.png?auto=format&amp;fit=scale&amp;h=150&amp;ixlib=php-3.3.0&amp;w=135&amp;wpsize=thumbnail 135w, https:\/\/shinola-wordpress.imgix.net\/2023\/04\/10_hotel.png?auto=format&amp;fit=scale&amp;h=1024&amp;ixlib=php-3.3.0&amp;w=922&amp;wpsize=large 922w, https:\/\/shinola-wordpress.imgix.net\/2023\/04\/10_hotel.png?auto=format&amp;fit=scale&amp;h=1536&amp;ixlib=php-3.3.0&amp;w=1383&amp;wpsize=1536x1536 1383w, https:\/\/shinola-wordpress.imgix.net\/2023\/04\/10_hotel.png?auto=format&amp;fit=scale&amp;h=2048&amp;ixlib=php-3.3.0&amp;w=1844&amp;wpsize=2048x2048 1844w, https:\/\/shinola-wordpress.imgix.net\/2023\/04\/10_hotel.png?auto=format&amp;ixlib=php-3.3.0 615w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 615px) 100vw, 615px\" \/><figcaption>The Shinola Hotel in all its glory.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>On a moody, rainy April afternoon in Detroit, we met with Tom Forrest, Shinola\u2019s Executive Guest Manager for an unforgettable glimpse inside the Shinola Hotel. Nestled in the heart of Detroit, on the busiest corner of Woodward Avenue, stands a bright red building. It holds its own amongst the city\u2019s most storied architectural gems. Just [&#8230;]<\/p>\n<p><a class=\"btn btn-secondary understrap-read-more-link\" href=\"https:\/\/ourstories.shinola.com\/our-stories\/detroits-living-room-a-look-inside-the-shinola-hotel-with-tom-forrest\/\">Read More&#8230;<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":72,"featured_media":6967,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[117],"tags":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v16.9 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Detroit\u2019s Living Room: A Look Inside the Shinola Hotel with Tom Forrest - Our Stories<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/ourstories.shinola.com\/our-stories\/detroits-living-room-a-look-inside-the-shinola-hotel-with-tom-forrest\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Detroit\u2019s Living Room: A Look Inside the Shinola Hotel with Tom Forrest - Our Stories\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"On a moody, rainy April afternoon in Detroit, we met with Tom Forrest, Shinola\u2019s Executive Guest Manager for an unforgettable glimpse inside the Shinola Hotel. Nestled in the heart of Detroit, on the busiest corner of Woodward Avenue, stands a bright red building. It holds its own amongst the city\u2019s most storied architectural gems. 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