If you’ve ever flown into Gerald R. Ford International Airport late at night, you know the vibe. You're tired. Your ears are popping. All you want is a bed that doesn’t feel like a workout mat and a shower with decent water pressure. This is where the Clarion Inn and Suites Grand Rapids Airport Michigan usually enters the conversation. It’s located at 4981 28th St SE, which, if you know the area, is basically the "hotel row" of Grand Rapids. It’s not the Ritz-Carlton. It’s not trying to be.
But here’s the thing.
When people look for airport hotels, they usually fall into two camps: the "I just need a place to crash" group and the "I’m here for a three-day business conference and if the Wi-Fi fails I’m going to lose my mind" group. The Clarion sits right in the middle of that tension. It’s a Choice Hotels property, which gives it a certain level of predictability, but like many franchise builds in West Michigan, the experience can vary wildly depending on whether you’re in a renovated suite or one of the older standard rooms.
The Logistics of 28th Street
Location matters more than the thread count sometimes. The Clarion Inn and Suites Grand Rapids Airport Michigan is roughly three miles from the terminal. That’s a five-minute drive if the lights on 28th Street play nice. 28th Street itself is the commercial arteries of Grand Rapids. It’s packed. You’ve got the Woodland Mall nearby, Dave & Buster’s for the kids, and enough chain restaurants to feed a small army.
If you’re staying here, you aren't walking to a scenic park. You’re here for the convenience of being near I-96 and the airport. The shuttle service is the lifeline for most guests. Honestly, if a hotel near GRR doesn’t have a reliable shuttle, it might as well be in Lansing. The Clarion runs one, but you always want to call ahead and confirm the current schedule. Flight times change, and so do driver shifts.
Why the "Suites" Part Matters
The "Suites" designation isn't just marketing fluff here. Unlike some of the budget-tier motels further down the road, this property offers layouts that actually accommodate a family or a business traveler who needs a separate workspace.
Think about it.
👉 See also: Road Conditions I40 Tennessee: What You Need to Know Before Hitting the Asphalt
Standard hotel rooms are cramped. You’re eating pizza on the bed. In the suites here, you get a bit more breathing room. It’s the difference between feeling like you’re in a dorm and feeling like you’re in a temporary apartment. Many of these rooms include microwaves and refrigerators. If you’re trying to save money by not eating every meal at the airport’s overpriced Wolfgang Puck Kitchen + Bar, having a fridge is a massive win.
The Reality of the Amenities
Let’s talk about the pool. For many families traveling through Michigan, an indoor pool is a non-negotiable requirement. The Clarion Inn and Suites Grand Rapids Airport Michigan has one. Is it an Olympic-sized lap pool? No. But it’s heated and indoors, which is essential when Grand Rapids is buried under six inches of lake-effect snow in February.
Then there’s the breakfast.
It’s the classic hotel spread. You know the one. Waffles you make yourself in a rotating iron, yogurt cups, some form of eggs, and coffee that’s strong enough to jumpstart a dead battery. It’s included in the stay, which, let’s be real, is why most people book these mid-range spots. If you’ve got three kids, an "included" breakfast saves you fifty bucks easily.
- Free Wi-Fi: Usually stable enough for Zoom calls, though it can lag when the hotel is at 100% capacity.
- Fitness Center: It exists. It’s basic. A treadmill, some weights. It gets the job done if you just need to move your legs after a long flight.
- Business Center: This is essentially a computer and a printer. Great for printing boarding passes, less great for writing a novel.
Addressing the "Mixed Review" Elephant in the Room
If you spend five minutes on TripAdvisor or Google Maps, you’ll see the Clarion has a bit of a reputation for being "hit or miss." This is the reality of many airport hotels that see high turnover.
Some guests rave about the front desk staff—real people like "Sam" or "Maria" who go out of their way to find a toothbrush you forgot. Others complain about the carpets or a funky smell in the hallway. It’s a bit of a gamble. The property has undergone various refreshes, but in a building this size, maintenance is a constant battle.
✨ Don't miss: Finding Alta West Virginia: Why This Greenbrier County Spot Keeps People Coming Back
If you get a newly renovated room, you’ll likely be very happy. If you get one that hasn’t been touched in a few years, it might feel a bit dated. That’s the trade-off for the price point. You’re paying significantly less than you would at the Amway Grand Plaza downtown, but you’re sacrificing that "pristine" feeling.
Business vs. Leisure: Who is this for?
For the business traveler, the Clarion Inn and Suites Grand Rapids Airport Michigan is a functional home base. You’re close to major corporate offices like Steelcase and Meijer's headquarters. You can get in, do your meetings, and get out without fighting downtown traffic.
For families, it’s about the "extras." The proximity to the Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park is a huge plus. It’s only about a ten-minute drive away. If you haven’t been, the Japanese Garden there is world-class. It’s worth the detour even if you’re just in town for a night.
Understanding the Grand Rapids Market
Grand Rapids has grown up. It’s "Beer City USA." While the Clarion isn’t in the heart of the brewery district, you’re a short Uber ride from Founders Brewing Co. or HopCat. Most people staying at the airport don't realize how accessible the city is. You can be at a high-end steakhouse downtown in 15 minutes.
Pricing and Value Strategy
Prices at the Clarion fluctuate. During ArtPrize or a big convention at DeVos Place, rates everywhere in the city spike.
Generally, you’re looking at a range of $90 to $150 per night. If you see it for under $100, that’s a solid deal for the Grand Rapids market. If it starts creeping toward $200, you might want to compare it against the newer Hilton or Marriott properties nearby to see if the price gap is small enough to justify an "upgrade."
🔗 Read more: The Gwen Luxury Hotel Chicago: What Most People Get Wrong About This Art Deco Icon
One tip: Check the Choice Privileges program. If you stay at Clarions often, the points add up. Sometimes they offer "stay two nights, get one free" promotions that make these airport stays basically pay for themselves.
What to Do Before You Book
Don't just click "reserve" on the first site you see.
First, look at the recent reviews—specifically from the last 30 days. Management changes at hotels happen fast. A place that was struggling six months ago might have a new head of housekeeping who has turned things around. Or vice versa.
Second, call the hotel directly. Ask if the pool is open. Ask if the shuttle is running on the specific hours you need. Websites are often outdated. A two-minute phone call prevents a lot of headaches.
Essential Takeaways for Your Stay
When you arrive at the Clarion Inn and Suites Grand Rapids Airport Michigan, keep your expectations grounded. It’s a service-oriented hub designed for transit and efficiency.
- Request a high floor: It’s usually quieter. 28th Street can be noisy with sirens and traffic.
- Check the shuttle times: Do this the moment you check in, not the morning you're leaving.
- Explore the food: While the hotel has breakfast, 28th Street has everything from authentic Pho to classic Michigan diners.
- Join the loyalty program: Even if you don't stay often, it sometimes gets you later checkout times.
The Grand Rapids area is a hidden gem in the Midwest. Whether you’re here to see the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum or you’re just passing through on your way to the Lake Michigan shoreline, having a reliable place to sleep near the airport is half the battle. The Clarion isn't a destination in itself, but it serves as a functional, affordable gateway to everything West Michigan has to offer.
Actionable Next Steps
Before you finalize your travel plans to Grand Rapids, take these three steps:
- Verify the Shuttle Schedule: Call the front desk at (616) 954-0300. Confirm they have a driver available for your specific arrival/departure window, especially if it’s outside the standard 6:00 AM to 11:00 PM block.
- Compare Direct Rates: Visit the Choice Hotels official website. Frequently, they offer "Member Only" rates that beat Expedia or Booking.com by $10 or $15.
- Map Your Evening: If you have a car, look up "East Grand Rapids" or "Gaslight Village." It’s a 10-minute drive from the hotel and offers a much more "local" feel for dinner than the fast-food chains immediately surrounding the airport.