News Summary
Saint John’s Resort in Plymouth, Michigan, has been recognized as the No. 1 Best Hotel in the state by U.S. News & World Report for 2025. The resort also topped the rankings for Best Resort and Best Business Hotel, highlighting its appeal for leisure and corporate events. With its elegant ballrooms, gourmet dining options, and a rich history, the resort is a favored destination for weddings and gatherings. However, it faces ethical scrutiny due to its association with the LIV Golf tournament and the implications of its connection to funding from the Saudi government.
Plymouth, Michigan – Saint John’s Resort has been awarded the title of No. 1 Best Hotel in Michigan by U.S. News & World Report for 2025. Along with this top ranking, the resort also secured first place for both Best Resort and Best Business Hotel in the state. This recognition highlights the resort’s significant appeal as a premier destination for leisure, business, and events.
Located at 44045 Five Mile Road in Metro Detroit, the resort spreads across 200 acres and boasts a rich history as a former seminary. Saint John’s Resort has become a favored location for weddings and various events, thanks in part to its selection of elegant ballrooms. The standout feature is the Monarch Ballroom, providing 24,000 square feet of indoor-outdoor event space that can accommodate up to 1,500 guests.
Guests can enjoy a range of on-site dining options, including the upscale FIVE Steakhouse, the cozy Doyle’s Irish Pub, and the inviting Wine Grotto. The resort also features a spectacular garden pavilion with an outdoor patio that overlooks its champion golf course. A distinctive indoor-outdoor glass ceiling atrium enhances the overall ambiance, making it a memorable venue for any occasion.
The resort is home to The Cardinal, noted as Metro Detroit’s first public championship golf course to be opened in over 20 years. Recently, it hosted the LIV Golf Team Championship in late August 2025, an event that has stirred some controversy due to its connection with the Saudi government.
In comparison to Saint John’s Resort, the Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island ranks No. 2 in both the Best Hotel and Best Resort categories, while the JW Marriott Grand Rapids claims the No. 2 spot for Best Business Hotel in Michigan. U.S. News and World Report bases these rankings on factors like guest reviews, industry awards, and hotel class rankings.
Despite the accolades, concerns have been raised about the ethical implications of hosting the LIV Golf event, particularly regarding its funding sources linked to the Saudi government. A frequent patron, David Chrzanowski, has expressed unease about this connection and the associated human rights issues. However, the Pulte Family Charitable Foundation, which owns Saint John’s Resort, maintains that hosting the tournament aligns with their global humanitarian initiatives, despite criticism surrounding “sportswashing”—a practice where countries utilize sports to improve their international image.
The Pulte Foundation has emphasized its commitment to transparency and their ongoing charitable work within local communities. They assert that the exposure gained from events like the LIV Golf tournament can enhance their mission-related impact globally. While their stance aims to justify the partnership with LIV Golf, critics continue to scrutinize the broader implications of the Saudi connection and the motivations behind hosting such events.
In summary, despite facing ethical scrutiny, Saint John’s Resort has achieved remarkable recognition as the top hotel, resort, and business hotel in Michigan for 2025. It continues to be a prominent destination for a variety of events while actively engaging in discussions about its role in promoting humanitarian efforts amid criticism.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- WKFR: Saint John’s Resort Best Hotel in Michigan
- MLive: Local Resort Hotel Bests Mackinac Island’s Grand Hotel
- Crain’s Detroit: Saint John’s Resort Hopes LIV Golf Launchpad Big Events
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Hotels
- Google Search: Saint John’s Resort
Author: STAFF HERE DETROITMI WRITER
DETROIT STAFF WRITER The DETROIT STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREDetroitMI.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Detroit, Wayne County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Movement Electronic Music Festival, Detroit Grand Prix, and America's Thanksgiving Parade. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Detroit Regional Chamber and Focus HOPE, plus leading businesses in automotive and healthcare that power the local economy such as General Motors, Ford Motor Company, and Henry Ford Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREGrandRapids.com, HERENorthville.com, HERENovi.com, and HEREPlymouth.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Michigan's dynamic landscape.
