Walking into the lobby of the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel Grand Rapids feels like a bit of a time warp, but in the best way possible. You aren’t just checking into a room; you’re stepping into a piece of architectural history that has basically anchored downtown Grand Rapids since the roaring twenties. It’s got that gold-leafed, crystal-chandeliered vibe that you just don't see in modern "minimalist" hotels anymore.
Honestly, it's huge.
The place is a massive sprawling complex that somehow manages to feel intimate in its corners. It started as the Pantlind Hotel back in 1913, designed by the same minds behind Grand Central Terminal in New York. You can see that influence immediately in the ceiling—the gold leaf alone is enough to make your neck hurt if you stare too long. But then, in the early 80s, the Amway Corporation stepped in, poured a ton of money into a massive renovation, and added the glass tower that now dominates the city skyline. It’s this weird, beautiful collision of Gilded Age opulence and 1980s ambition.
The Tale of Two Wings: Pantlind vs. Tower
When you book a stay at the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel Grand Rapids, you're faced with a choice that actually matters. It’s not just about the view; it’s about the soul of your stay.
The Pantlind Wing is where the history lives. If you like crown molding, heavy drapes, and the feeling that a President might have slept in your bed (many have), this is your spot. The ceilings are higher. The floors might creak just a tiny bit in a way that feels expensive. On the flip side, the Glass Tower is all about the "now." Or at least, the "updated now." These rooms were recently renovated to feel much more contemporary, with floor-to-ceiling windows that give you a killer view of the Grand River.
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I’ve heard people complain that the Tower rooms feel a bit "standard corporate," but honestly, when you’re looking at the sunset over the river from the 20th floor, you probably won't care about the carpet pattern.
Where Everyone Actually Eats (And Where They Should)
Let's talk about the food situation because it's genuinely better than most hotel dining scenes. Most people flock to Ruth’s Chris Steak House because it’s familiar. It's fine. It's a steakhouse. But if you're staying here, you're doing yourself a disservice if you don't hit the MDRD on the 27th floor.
MDRD is... a lot. In a good way.
It’s Spanish-influenced, it’s vibrant, and the views are arguably the best in the entire state of Michigan. They serve these incredible tapas and high-end entrees that feel like they belong in Chicago or Madrid rather than a river town in the Midwest. Then there’s The Kitchen by Wolfgang Puck. It sits right along the river. It’s casual, noisy, and perfect for a wood-fired pizza and a beer before a show at Van Andel Arena.
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Don't skip Lumber Baron Bar. It feels like a private club where 19th-century timber magnates would have smoked cigars and discussed railroad monopolies. It’s dark wood, leather chairs, and a fireplace that actually feels cozy. It’s the kind of place where you order a Manhattan and suddenly feel like you’ve made very good life choices.
The Logistics of a Grand Stay
Grand Rapids isn't a massive metropolis, but the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel Grand Rapids acts like a hub for everything nearby. You’re connected to the DeVos Place Convention Center and Van Andel Arena via "The Skywalk." If you’ve never been to Grand Rapids in February, you might think a skywalk is a luxury. Trust me, when it’s 10 degrees out and the wind is whipping off Lake Michigan, that heated glass bridge is a godsend. You can walk for blocks without ever putting on a coat.
Parking is usually the sticking point for people. It’s pricey. Expect to pay around $35 to $45 a day for valet or self-parking in the attached ramp. Some people try to find street parking nearby to save a few bucks, but honestly, unless it’s the weekend when meters are free, just bite the bullet and use the ramp. It’s safer and way more convenient.
Why It Matters Beyond the Bed
There is a certain gravity to this hotel. It’s hosted everyone from Gerald R. Ford (the hometown hero) to Queen Juliana of the Netherlands. When big things happen in Grand Rapids, they happen here. ArtPrize, the massive city-wide art competition, usually turns the lobby into a gallery.
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But it’s not perfect.
Because it’s an older building in the Pantlind section, the elevators can be a bit slow. Sometimes, during a big convention, the lobby feels more like an airport terminal than a five-star hotel. You might find a stray piece of 1980s wallpaper in a hallway that hasn't seen a refresh in a minute. These are small gripes, though. The service is consistently rated as some of the best in the Midwest. The staff actually seems to care, which is a rarity these days.
Real Tips for Your Visit
- Ask for a River View: Even if you’re in the Pantlind wing, some rooms face the river. It makes a huge difference in the "vibe" of your morning coffee.
- Hit the Pool: It’s an indoor pool, but it’s large and usually less crowded in the early mornings. There’s a hot tub and a sauna that actually work.
- The Coffee Situation: There is a Starbucks on-site, but it usually has a line out the door by 8:00 AM. Walk a block over to a local spot like Madcap Coffee if you want better beans and a shorter wait.
- The Secret Roof: While MDRD is the famous one, there are often events or access points to other balcony areas if you ask the concierge nicely.
The Reality of the "Grand" Experience
Is it the most modern hotel in the world? No. Is it the cheapest? Definitely not. But the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel Grand Rapids is the soul of the city. You stay here because you want to feel the history of a city that was built on furniture making and grit. You stay here because you want to be in the center of the action.
Whether you’re in town for a wedding, a business trip, or just to explore the local breweries, this place provides a sense of "place" that a Marriott or a Hilton just can't replicate. It’s a landmark. It’s a maze. It’s a little bit fancy and a little bit old-school.
Basically, it's Grand Rapids.
To make the most of your stay, book your dinner reservations at MDRD at least three weeks in advance, especially on weekends. If you're visiting for ArtPrize, book your room six months out. When you arrive, take ten minutes to just sit in the lobby and look up at the sunburst on the ceiling. It’s one of the few places left that reminds you that travel used to be an occasion.
Actionable Steps for Your Trip
- Check the Van Andel Arena schedule before booking; prices spike during major concerts.
- Sign up for the Curio Collection by Hilton loyalty program before you go to earn points on your stay.
- If you're sensitive to noise, request a room on a higher floor in the Tower to avoid late-night sounds from the downtown bars.
- Use the Skywalk to visit the Grand Rapids Art Museum without ever stepping outside.