The Ponchatrain Hotel, in its day, was the place to be. In the 60’s and 70’s this hotel on the corner of Washington and Congress across the street from Cobo Center had everything. Three nightclubs that were packed with customers all night every night. During the Republican National Convention in 1980 you couldn’t even get in. A list guests filled the restaurant called the “Top of the Ponch” located on the highest floor. In the last two decades the Ponch’ has declined into disarray. Owner after owner never put a dime into it. Until now that is.

Now a new flag will be waving at the front door. That of Sheraton. After more than two years of remodeliing she is set to open restored to its original beauty. I just returned from a grand tour of this building and I can tell you first hand it never looked better. 450 rooms, 20,000 sq. ft. of banquet space and a new indoor swimming pool. In additon a gorgeous new bar has been built in the lobby with a huge fireplace deviding the lobby level restaurant. No expense was spared to bring the Ponch’ up to Sheraton standards. Look for the ribbon cutting event next month.