University of Michigan Health  Travel Guide

Overview and Travel Assistance


Ann Arbor, Michigan is situated along the Huron River, on the state’s Southeast Lower Peninsula. Located 45 miles west of Detroit and the Great Lake Erie, Ann Arbor is much closer to Canada than it is to Chicago. Since its founding, the culture and industry of the city has been shaped by the University of Michigan’s presence. The Main Campus, which includes the Medical School (founded in 1850) and the North Campus make it a vibrant college town. The North Campus is home to the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library. Michigan Stadium, home of the U of M Wolverines, is called “The Big House” because it is the largest football stadium in the country. Ann Arbor is nicknamed A2 or A-squared, as well as “Tree Town,” due to its extensive forests and parks. 


The weather in Ann Arbor is seasonal. Winters are cold and often have a lot of snow. Summers are hot and humid. The Spring and Fall are more temperate and transitional. Michigan is subject to Lake effect weather. Don’t forget to check the weather a few days before you visit.


To learn the basics for the University of Michigan Medicine Frankel Cardiovascular Center Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Program, click here. For a deep dive into all of your travel and housing options, expand each of the categories provided on this page. 


To dig into local lodging, including hotels and short-term rentals click on the tab of your choice.


Travel Assistance

General tips

  • Use points from credit cards or other loyalty programs to cover some or all of your travel costs.
  • Sign up for loyalty programs with credit cards, airlines, and hotels in order to earn points for your travel. This is particularly useful if you know you will be visiting your COE multiple times and can continue to accrue those points.
  • Considering joining AAA. Members receive excellent discounts, especially at hotels.

Lori Fund 

  • The HCMA Lori Fund will provide micro travel grants to HCM patients traveling to an HCMA-recognized Center of Excellence for care or HCM patients traveling to a facility for heart transplant care. Awards up to $600.00 are available per calendar year. 
  • Michigan Medicine Lodging helps patients and families who are seeking care find overnight lodging during their time at Michigan Medicine. For assistance in making reservations, contact Michigan Medicine Lodging (Med Inn) at 800-544-8684 or 734-936-0100.

To see all five tabs below on mobile, scroll to the right.

Getting to & Getting Around Arbor

Getting To Ann Arbor


Air Travel

International Airports within 100 miles:


Domestic airports within 100 miles

  • Ann Arbor Airport (ARB) in Ann Arbor is 6 miles from the HCMA-recognized Center of Excellence (COE) and serves private and corporate aircraft.
  • Willow Run Airport (YIP) in Superior Township, MI is 15 miles from Ann Arbor and serves private and corporate aircraft.
  • Toledo Express Airport (TOL) in Toledo, OH is 60 miles from Ann Arbor, MI and is served by Allegiant Airlines

Angel Flight East (215-358-1900) provides free air transportation to qualified patients and their families by arranging flights to distant medical facilities. Mention that you are affiliated with the HCMA.


MiracleFlights (800-359-1711) provides free flights to those in need of life-changing medical care not available in their local communities.


Car

  • East-West highway routes: Interstate 94 and Routes 14 and 153
  • North-South highway routes: Route 23

Approximate driving times to Ann Arbor are:

45 minutes from Detroit, MI

  • 1 hour from Toledo, OH
  • 2 hours 15 minutes from Fort Wayne, IN
  • 3 hours 30 minutes from Chicago, IL
  • 4 hours 30 minutes from Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Rental car


Amtrak

Click here to navigate to the HCM Center of Excellence via public transportation.


Bus

Click here to navigate to the HCM Center of Excellence via public transportation.


Navigating the COE & Accessibility

Michigan Medicine Frankel Cardiovascular Center Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Program

1500 East Medical Center Drive

Level 3, Reception C

Ann Arbor, MI 48109

Phone: 888-287-1082 (select option 1 for New or Existing Cardiology Patients)


The Michigan Medicine Frankel Cardiovascular Center Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Program is located on Level 3 of the Frankel Cardiovascular Center (CVC), at 1500 East Medical Center Drive, Ann Arbor, MI 48109. Patients should park in Parking Structure P5, take the elevator up to Level 3, and check in at Reception Desk C. The CVC’s address is used for many facilities on the University of Michigan Medical Campus. For better GPS results, you may use the Cardiovascular Center's unofficial street address: 1425 East Ann Street, Ann Arbor, MI 48109. (Please do not use this address as a mailing address.)


Frankel Cardiovascular Center is part of the University of Michigan Medical Center on the U of M Main campus in Ann Arbor. The CVC building is behind University Hospital, which is also at 1500 East Medical Center Drive, Ann Arbor, MI 48109. The buildings are connected by a pedestrian bridge on Floor 2. Patient imaging, testing, and procedures are conducted either in the CVC or University Hospital. Some local satellite locations are also available for testing and imaging, when those locations are more convenient for the patient.


Driving Directions

  • Several facilities on the University of Michigan Medical Campus have the same official address (1500 East Medical Center Drive) as the Frankel Cardiovascular Center. For better GPS results, you may use the Cardiovascular Center's unofficial street address: 1425 East Ann Street, Ann Arbor, MI 48109. (Please do not use this address as a mailing address.) Follow signs once you are on the U of M Medical Campus for the specific building you need.
  • Please allow extra time for traffic and parking, as this is a busy area with some ongoing construction projects.

Maps


The HCM Center of Excellence check-in is at Reception Desk C.

This is the main entrance level for the Cardiovascular Center, where most people will enter from the corner of Ann and Observatory Streets. The first thing visitors encounter in the main lobby is the welcome desk, with friendly staff who can help give directions and answer questions from 5:30 am-midnight, Monday-Friday, and from 8:00 am-9:00 pm on Saturday and Sunday. The valet parking office is just inside the door.


Parking

Self-Parking

Parking Structure P5 is recommended for patients going to the HCM Center of Excellence in the Frankel Cardiovascular Center. 

  • Parking Structure P5 is located below the Cardiovascular Center, and is designated parking for staff, visitors, and patients. The entrance is below street level off of Observatory and Ann Streets. Street signs off East Medical Center Drive will help direct you to the Cardiovascular Center. For more specific directions, visit the Driving Directions to the Frankel Cardiovascular Center page.

Rates

  • Less than 1 hour: free; 1-8 hours: $5; 8+ hours: $20 
  • For those who park 8 hours or less, there is no need to have your parking ticket validated; the parking rate is $5.00 regardless. 
  • For patients and visitors who park longer than 8 hours, your parking ticket may be validated for a $5.00 daily rate (free for infusion patients).

Valet Parking

  • Valet service is available for patients, families, and other visitors for a fee at the circle drive main entrance to the Cardiovascular Center from Monday-Friday, 5:30 am-6:00 pm, and on Saturday-Sunday, 8:00 am-5:00 pm.

Other Parking Options

  • Two other parking structures are available off East Medical Center Drive, giving you access to University Hospital. Valet service is available at University Hospital. Signage to an indoor walkway on Level 2 of University Hospital will help direct you to the Cardiovascular Center. 

RV Parking

  • RV parking is permitted on a first-come, first-served basis in the M29 lot on Nichols Drive (near the Arboretum). They do not take reservations, and there is no guarantee that there will be an available space.
  • RV parking requires a $2 per day parking permit, which can be obtained from the Entrance Program, which is located just inside the entrance at the University Hospital Circle Drive.
  • There are NO electrical/water hook-ups available; vehicles must be self-contained and should not discharge any kind of liquid. 
  • Call 734-936-6641 for more information.

Shuttle Services

The University of Michigan’s Transit system provides service to the Ann Arbor campus, as well as various Michigan Medicine facilities located in Ann Arbor. U of M Transit operates 12 bus routes that are open and free to the general public. No ID is necessary to ride and no fare is required. In addition, Transit Services runs or oversees several on-demand services that are available to members of the University community. 



Accessibility


Interpreter Services (734-936-7021)

  • Interpreters are available 24 hours per day, 7 days per week. They provide interpretation services in more than 40 languages and service for patients who are Deaf, Deaf/Blind, or Hard of Hearing or who are Limited English Proficient (LEP).
  • University of Michigan Transportation Services Paratransit
  • Patients must complete a request form in advance, in order to use this service.

Accessible (Handicap-Designated) Parking

  • Accessible parking spaces are available at all parking structures. Current parking fees apply. The only exception is for individuals with a "FREE PARKING" decal affixed to their State-issued handicap placard. Upon exit, please ask the parking attendant for "free" accessible parking options.


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Hotels and Lodging

Lodging


There are plenty of lodging options in the Ann Arbor, MI area. The Michigan Medicine Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Program is located in the Frankel Cardiovascular Center (CVC) at 1500 East Medical Center Drive, Level 3, Reception C, Ann Arbor, MI 48109. It is behind Michigan Medicine’s University Hospital, which is also located at 1500 East Medical Center Drive, Ann Arbor, MI 48109. Several facilities on the University of Michigan Medical Campus have the same official address, so for better GPS results, you may use the CVC’s unofficial street address: 1425 East Ann Street, Ann Arbor, MI 48109. (Please do not use this address as a mailing address.) Click on the tabs above for our specific recommendations.


Specialized Accommodations

Families of children receiving care at Michigan Medicine can find low-cost rooms in this community-run facility located next to the medical campus. A donation per family per night is requested. 

Provides lodging for patients and families travelling to Michigan Medicine for appointments or hospitalization. The home provides continental breakfast, shuttle service (for a fee), washer/dryer, and kitchen access. Children must be 16 years of age to stay at the Guest Home. 

A non-profit hospitality house designed to offer temporary lodging for out-of-town patients and families receiving care at one of the local medical centers, including University of Michigan Hospital (Michigan Medicine). 

A “home away from home” where military and Veterans’ families may stay at no cost while their loved one is receiving care at the VA Ann Arbor Medical Center (or are receiving care at a local hospital authorized by the Veterans Health Administration VHA). Visit the website or call to learn more about eligibility criteria.


A few items of note:

  • The Michigan Medicine Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Program is located in the Frankel Cardiovascular Center (CVC) at 1500 East Medical Center Drive, Level 3, Reception C, Ann Arbor, MI 48109. It is behind Michigan Medicine’s University Hospital, which is also located at 1500 East Medical Center Drive, Ann Arbor, MI 48109. Several facilities on the University of Michigan Medical Campus have the same official address, so for better GPS results, you may use the CVC’s unofficial street address: 1425 East Ann Street, Ann Arbor, MI 48109. (Please do not use this address as a mailing address.)

Michigan Medicine Lodging (800-544-8684 or 734-936-0100)

A travel agency/concierge service that helps patients and families who are seeking care find overnight lodging during their time at Michigan Medicine.

Best Rates for the Options You Want: Their team members will work with you to match your preferences with a local lodging option at the best rates possible.

Onsite Reservations for Med Inn: They make reservations for the 30-room on-site Med Inn hotel.

  • Partnership with Area Hotels and Motels: Michigan Medicine Lodging also partners with more than 30 hotels and motels, to provide uniquely tailored services matched to your specific needs. They will take your information and preferences on accommodations, make your reservations at the best rate, provide you with information about hotel amenities, give directions to the hotel and answer any questions you may have. Michigan Medicine Lodging can help you make arrangements at many of the hotels and organizations often at a better rate than what you might otherwise receive.
  • Click here to complete their online reservation request form.

The following services are available if you need durable medical equipment at your lodging location:


Hotels


The annual average nightly hotel room rate in the Ann Arbor, MI area (excluding taxes) in 2025 is: $125 from September 1-March 31 and $146 from April 1-August 31. To find the best deals on hotels that don’t offer a COE discount, check the Offers or Specials page of the hotel website. 


Many lodging options that do not include a kitchenette do have refrigerators and/or microwaves available to guests. You may need to request them in advance.


We’ve researched some HCM patient-friendly amenities you may wish to take advantage of, including patient pricing discounts, connecting rooms, kitchenettes, and courtesy shuttles. While you can use the Michigan Medicine Lodging List, our list of hotel recommendations is below.


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We hope you’ll use the list below to assist in your hotel search:


NOTE: Contact Michigan Medicine Lodging at 800-544-8684 or 734-936-0100 to receive the best rates on our recommended hotels and many others.


Residence Inn Ann Arbor Downtown (734-662-9999)

3-star hotel; There is a "University Hospital Rate," which is $189/night plus tax for a Standard Studio King Room (King bed and a pull-out sofa); call the hotel directly to book. Some connecting rooms are available (Studio King to 1-Bedroom Suite) but cannot be guaranteed. This is an all-suites hotel with full kitchens in every room. Parking is available off site, one block (0.1 miles) north of the hotel in the Ashley Ann Public Parking Garage.

  • COE Discount Available
  • Connecting Rooms Available
  • Kitchenette
  • Handicap Accessible
  • TripAdvisor Top 10 Reviews
  • Google Top 10 Reviews

Graduate by Hilton Ann Arbor (734-769-2200)

4-star hotel; There is a Michigan Medicine room rate of $189/night plus tax for any room type; this can only be booked via Michigan Medicine Lodging (Med Inn) at 800-544-8684 or 734-936-0100. Connecting rooms are available but cannot be guaranteed. There is a fridge in every room, while communal microwaves are available on select floors of the hotel. Some suites have sofas. Valet parking, with unlimited in/out privileges, is available on site. 

  • COE Discount Available
  • Connecting Rooms Available
  • Handicap Accessible
  • Valet Parking Available On Site

Bell Tower Hotel (800-562-3559)

3-star hotel; There is a "Hospital Rate," available Sunday-Thursday nights, of 10% off the best available rate, based on occupancy. Connecting rooms are available in the form of King Atrium Suites, which are on the historic side of the hotel, so they are not handicap-accessible and cannot have the discounted room rate applied. Mini fridges and microwaves are available upon request for an additional fee; the fridge fee can be waived if you need it for medical reasons. Valet parking, with unlimited in/out privileges, is available on site.

  • COE Discount Available
  • Connecting Rooms Available
  • Handicap Accessible
  • Valet Parking Available On Site
  • TripAdvisor Top 10 Reviews
  • Google Top 10 Reviews

Hyatt Place Ann Arbor (734-995-1234)

3-star hotel; There is a Michigan Medicine room rate, which varies nightly; this can only be booked via Michigan Medicine Lodging (Med Inn) at 800-544-8684 or 734-936-0100. Connecting rooms are available (1 King to 2 King) but cannot be guaranteed. There is a mini fridge available in every room, while microwaves are available upon request. There are sofas in every room, some of which are pull-outs. There is a Hotel Courtesy Shuttle, which operates 7:30 am-9:00 pm, 7 days a week, every 30 minutes; it travels anywhere within a 3-mile radius of the hotel, plus the University of Michigan Medical Center Campus. Free self-parking is available on site.

  • COE Discount Available
  • Connecting Rooms Available
  • Handicap Accessible
  • Hotel Courtesy Shuttle
  • Self-Parking Available On Site (free)
  • TripAdvisor Top 10 Reviews
  • Google Top 10 Reviews

Short-term rentals


Short-term rentals are available in the Ann Arbor, MI area, and the list below includes sole occupancy/single unit properties, some of which have one or more accessibility features. Review each individual listing for specifics. 


Contact Michigan Medicine Lodging at 800-544-8684 or 734-936-0100 for information regarding local short-term leases, including McKinley Suites, Signature Club Apartments, Woodbury Gardens, and other temporary housing.


The Garden Flat - Central Downtown Ann Arbor

  • Average review (1-5): 4.91
  • House
  • Self check-in
  • Kitchen
  • On site parking

Tranquil Farmhouse - Kerrytown Historic District

  • Average review (1-5): 4.82
  • House
  • Self check-in
  • Kitchen
  • On site parking

Apartment near Kerrytown Concert House

  • Average review (1-10): 9
  • Apartment/Condo
  • Onsite laundry
  • Kitchen
  • On site parking

Modern apartment with fitness center

  • Average review (1-10): 9.8
  • Apartment/Condo
  • Onsite laundry
  • Kitchen
  • On site parking


Places to Eat & Amenities

Places To Eat


At University of Michigan Health

  • Atrium Heart Healthy Cafe - Located in the Cardiovascular Center on Floor 2 Open Monday-Friday from 6:30 am-2:00 pm
  • UH Cafeteria -Located in the University Hospital on Floor 2. Open 24/7
  • Einstein Brothers Bagels - Located in the University Hospital Cafeteria .Open Monday-Friday, 6:00 am-4:00 pm and Saturday-Sunday, 6:00 am-2:00 pm

Restaurants

Grocery Stores

Delivery Services

Download these food delivery apps to your phone to see local rates and services:

  • Grub Hub
  • Doordash
  • Postmates
  • Uber Eats
  • EatStreet

Amenities


Pharmacy

University of Michigan Health Community Pharmacy (Ambulatory Care) in the Taubman Center at 1500 E. Medical Center Drive, Ann Arbor, MI 48109

Walgreens at 317 S State Street, Ann Arbor, MI 48104


US POst Office 

US Post Office at 200 E Liberty Street Lobby, Ann Arbor, MI 48104


Shopping areas

Briarwood Mall at 100 Briarwood Circle, Ann Arbor, MI 48108 

Kerrytown Market and Shops at 407 N 5th Avenue, Ann Arbor, MI 48104

Arbor Hills at 3010 Washtenaw Avenue, Ann Arbor, MI 48104


Tourism & Recreational Destimations

Tourism/Recreational Destinations


Visitor Information

Sports

Outdoor Activities/Scenic hiking/trails

Parks and Playgrounds

Museums and galleries

Performing Arts

Music

Attractions


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Travel information is provided through a collaboration between The Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Association and Reasonable Accommodations LLC.

The HCMA and Reasonable Accommodations will make their best effort to keep the Patient Travel Planning Guide as current as possible. The HCMA cannot give any guarantees with regard to the prices, opening times, and availability of any specified facilities. Additionally, just because facilities are mentioned does not necessarily mean that these will always be available. Changes may also have been made to the specified prices, opening times, and availability.