My Best Friend and I Went On The Hunt for the Best Bathtub in Downtown Detroit and This is What We Found

Are you a mom? Or maybe you’ve got some friends who are? When was the last time you truly got away? And I’m not talking about a family vacation where you’re the one holding everything together: packing, repacking, ensuring no one forgets the snacks. I mean an actual escape, where you don’t have to remind anyone to put their shoes on. For me, those family vacation days feel like a lifetime ago. My kids are all grown, and on vacation, I get to relish the sweet, sweet freedom of a night away from all the chaos.

When my best friend Breanna (mom to a little one) told me she was coming into town this spring, I knew exactly what we were going to do. See, Breanna and I are both obsessed with one thing: baths. And not just any bath. We’re talking about a massive, old-school, non-jetted tub big enough for two. No jets, no bubbles... just pure, uninterrupted floating.

So, I did what any best friend would do: I booked a suite at the Atheneum Suite Hotel in Greektown. I didn’t even have to think about it. The hotel is this cool mix of futuristic meets old-school, with just the right amount of quirk to make it fun. And, more importantly, it’s got a bathtub big enough to lounge in for hours.

We kicked off the weekend with pizza and a deep conversation about 1996's "The Last Supper" (don’t ask, just go with it). The pizza was great, the garlic knots were perfect, and the night ended with us sitting on my stoop, talking about life and catching up on the craziness of the world. Detroit weather was serving that perfect “spring is here” vibe, and I was already feeling pretty smug about this weekend.

Saturday morning, we dropped our bags at the hotel, and we were ready to get the day going. We were about to call a Lyft when our shuttle driver asked, “Where are you headed?” I said, “The best museum in the country, the Detroit Institute of Arts.” He didn’t even blink. “Hop in,” he said, and off we went. I get it. I’d probably drop everything too to see the DIA.

We didn’t have any plans... just meandering around the museum, letting the art take us where it would. We ended up in front of Tiff Massey’s exhibit, and let me tell you, I spent time with those pieces all day. The way she plays with size, it’s like the heart of Detroit itself is inside every piece. One of my favorites was a wall of bright, geometric hair—totally captivating, like standing inside an abstract dream.

Breanna, on the other hand, was in awe when she saw the Van Gogh. She had recently watched the Doctor Who episode about Vincent, and when we turned the corner and she spotted the self-portrait, she poked me and whispered, “Is that the real one?” I nodded, but I knew the real magic was her texting her daughter about it immediately. It was a total fangirl moment.

But okay, let’s get back to the bath.

The hotel itself is the place for a little Detroit indulgence. The lobby is full of geometric designs and bold, modern lines that make you feel like you’ve stepped into a cool sci-fi movie. The rooms are just as sleek, but what really stood out was the bathtub. It wasn’t just a bath; it was an experience. A long, spacious tub with enough room for both of us to relax, float, and let our minds wander.

The space was just right for our bath-time ritual. Let me break it down for you: I’m neurodivergent, so I’m all about creating the perfect vibe. If I’m taking a bath, I need it to be right. First, we’ve got the music. I brought my trusty waterproof JBL speaker—because nothing says “bath goals” like listening to your favorite playlist without the worry of the sound bouncing off the walls. Breanna brought a floating jellyfish light—yes, you heard that right. A glowing jellyfish that sits atop the water and makes everything feel like an underwater dream. It was the perfect vibe. I can't find anything quite as cool online, but this floating lotus flower gets pretty close.

The best addition to the vibe, though, was the galaxy lamp I brought along—a little machine that splashed hundreds of tiny blue stars across the ceiling and walls. Floating there, with soft starlight above us, it felt like our minds could drift right out of the tub and into the universe.

Of course, we didn’t just soak. We brought snacks: Detroit snacks, mind you. Better Made chips, Sanders Caramels, and not one, but two Dubai chocolate bars. If there’s one thing I love, it’s curating the perfect snack situation. We spent the next few hours floating, talking, refilling the water (because, of course, it cooled off), and just sinking into the warmth of the moment. There were bubbles, bath bombs, and so many deep conversations. It was the kind of bath you don’t want to end. And when the water got too cold? We’d refill it, top up our drinks, and start the conversation again.

By the way, the water in that tub wasn’t the only thing staying warm. We take bath time seriously—like a curated experience seriously. Knowing how jarring it can be to go from steamy water to chilly air, we both came armed with thick, spa-style bathrobes and the kind of plush slippers that make you feel a little delighted just wearing them. Wrapping up in those right after a long soak wasn’t just a luxury... it was a necessity. Floating from tub to bed, cocooned in soft cotton, we kept the cozy vibes alive long after the water drained away.

So, was this the best bathtub in Detroit? Look, I haven’t done an exhaustive bathtub tour (yet), so I can’t say for sure. But it was definitely one of the best. The hotel was an easy walk to some of the city’s best food and entertainment, and the staff, especially Corey, made the experience even better. It’s clear they love what they do, and that kind of service is hard to come by.

And here’s the best part: as we woke up the next morning, we spotted a roller derby team doing their morning pep rally in a parking lot nearby. Talk about girl power! If that’s not the perfect way to wrap up a weekend of relaxation, I don’t know what is.

If you’re looking for a perfect weekend getaway in Detroit, check out the Atheneum Suite Hotel. And hey, if you know of any other amazing bathtubs in the city, let me know. I think I need to do some more testing.