Grand Rapids hotels

The JW Marriott is one of a few 4-star properties in the city. It’s perched right along the Grand River and is just a block from Rosa Parks Circle (known for its winter ice rink) and the Grand Rapids Art Museum. I love that you can walk to locally loved spots like Founders Brewing Co., which I highly recommend visiting.

When it comes to luxury hotels in Grand Rapids, the JW Marriott is hard to beat. It has a beautiful ‘Wellness Floor’ that includes a spa, fitness centre, and indoor pool and steam rooms. The well-regarded on-site eatery Margaux features herbs from the property garden and a menu filled with local Michigan cuisine.

The Canopy by Hilton is another of the three 4-star properties on this list. It’s set on the edge of the city’s hotel district near Grand Rapids Ballet and The Intersection, a live music venue established in 1972.

I love the Canopy’s use of bright colours in their decor, a mid-century modern touch that’s complemented by Amish furnishings. The downtown hotel also has a fleet of bikes that they lend out to guests (my favourite way to explore a new city), along with a rooftop bar that overlooks downtown Grand Rapids.

In addition to these standout features, the Canopy has everything you’d expect from a Hilton, including free Wi-Fi and pet-friendly rooms. All this goes to support the property’s ranking as one of the best hotels in Grand Rapids.

Ada Village, home to the Ada Hotel, is located directly east of Grand Rapids. It’s not technically in Grand Rapids, but because of the excellence of this property (and its proximity to downtown), I’ve included it as on my list.

This new hotel is just 15 minutes by car from downtown Grand Rapids, yet it’s far enough away from the city to entice travellers who want to stay somewhere quieter during their visit.

I love a good boutique property, and the Ada Hotel is all that and more. It has just 36 rooms, each decorated in a way that far surpasses the standard chain hotel room decor. And as one of 36 potential guests, you’ll be treated to fully customised service and a warm welcome. I love their 'extended rooms', which have a separate sitting area and expansive outdoor seating.

Like the JW Marriott and the Canopy, the Amway Grand Plaza is one of the few 4-star properties in Grand Rapids. It also has a similar riverside location in the city’s hotel district.

What makes the Amway Grand Plaza stand out as one of the best hotels in Grand Rapids is its expansive size – it has nine restaurants and bars and over 650 rooms. It also offers skywalk access to the Van Andel Arena, which has live music, comedy, and sports games on tap. I'm a big hockey fan and the Grand Rapids Griffins are based out of this arena.

The Amway Grand also has a handful of amenities that include things you might expect—such as an indoor pool and spa—and things you might not, like rooftop pickleball courts. One glimpse of the rooftop courts has had me dreaming of playing there ever since.

I’m a sucker for historic inns with a story to tell, which is why Leonard at Logan House ranks on my list of the best hotels in Grand Rapids. The English-style home was built in 1914 by the Leonards, an influential local family, and is located in the city’s Heritage Hill neighbourhood, which is one of the nation’s largest urban historic districts.

In addition to being a great choice for history buffs (the Heritage Hill neighbourhood is full of historical architecture), Leonard at Logan House is perfect for those who appreciate a hot, homemade breakfast and a warm welcome.

In addition, this property, which is easily one of the most unique hotels in Grand Rapids, has free parking and Wi-Fi, an around-the-clock snack bar, and a lovely outdoor patio.

The Residence Inn by Marriott is one of many 3-star hotels in the city, but there are several reasons why I’ve singled it out as one of the best hotels in Grand Rapids. The hotel is located in one of the city’s most iconic buildings – a structure that resembles New York City’s famous Flatiron Building.

In addition to boasting one of the coolest buildings in Grand Rapids, the Residence Inn is set in the heart of the city’s hotel district, between Rosa Parks Circle and Veterans Memorial Park.

Each room is actually a suite with separate sleeping and living areas, and a fully equipped kitchen. For that reason, I highly recommend this property if you’re planning an extended stay in the city. One of the best perks is the hotel’s complimentary grocery delivery and their daily free hot breakfast.

The Embassy Suites by Hilton is in one of my favourite locations in downtown Grand Rapids. It’s set right on Monroe Avenue, just across from the Sixth Street Park and the scenic Grand River.

I love this hotel because you can see greenery and mature trees from your window (as long as you book a river-view room, which I highly recommend) and can walk along the waterfront right from the hotel’s front entrance.

Travellers also love the daily breakfast, which is free and cooked-to-order, and the evening reception, which is a great way to mingle and get tips on where to eat and drink during your time in Grand Rapids. The property also ranks among the most memorable hotels in Grand Rapids for a simple, fairly silly reason: it has an indoor pool that’s the shape of the state of Michigan.

Sleek, modern, and artsy are all adjectives that help describe the look and feel of the Hyatt Place in downtown Grand Rapids. It screams contemporary urban at every turn, from its spacious lobby to its 24-hour coworking stations.

As someone who works on the road often, the hotel’s two workspaces, which are open around the clock and have a printer, sold me on this property. Well, that and the 24-hour espresso bar.

Another perk of the Hyatt Place is the floor-to-ceiling windows found in every room. In addition to providing unobstructed views over the city, the windows make the rooms feel bigger and brighter – a far cry from your average cramped hotel room.

Like the Residence Inn and Embassy Suites above, the Homewood Suites by Hilton is a great choice for travellers who like a little extra space and the option to cook for themselves. As a mum, these are two things I’m always looking for.

The property in downtown Grand Rapids is directly across from Tupelo Honey Southern Kitchen & Bar, a beloved eatery known for its fried chicken and mint juleps. The DeVos Place Convention Center is less than five minutes away on foot.

One of the things that make the Homewood Suites stand out is its complimentary evening social held every Wednesday and the free hot daily breakfast. Complimentary Wi-Fi and a welcoming pet policy go to support this property’s ranking among the best hotels in Grand Rapids.

My favourite thing about this Courtyard by Marriott is its direct access to The Blue Bridge, a pedestrian walkway that crosses over the Grand River to Lacks Park and the Grand Rapids Public Museum. Walking over the bridge is a great way to connect the two sides of the city, people-watch, and get some fresh air.

Bridge aside, the Courtyard is one of the best hotels in Grand Rapids because it's designed to accommodate business travellers (there are workspaces and free Wi-Fi), while also enticing holidaymakers looking for downtown access and river views from their hotel room.

You’ll find all the standard perks seasoned travellers have come to expect from a top hotel, including on-site dining, free Wi-Fi, a pool and hot tub, and a fitness centre.