Amway Grand Plaza, Curio Collection by Hilton

The four-pearl Amway Grand Plaza Hotel lives up to its name, with a striking Old World lobby that has innumerable period touches, from the massive chandeliers to the sweeping staircases and vaulted gold leaf ceilings -- even the picturesque brass letterbox by the elevators. Founded in the early 20th century as the Pantlind Hotel, the Grand Plaza has such an extensive past that guests are offered historic walking tours of the vast building. The hotel is a destination in its own right, offering a slice of Grand Rapids’ former glory combined with a modern look of the city’s renaissance, all with sweeping views of the Grand River. There are two separate towers: the original Pantlind structure -- with its clubby bars, high-end steakhouse, and elaborate wood details -- and the new Glass Tower, which is bright, open, and sparkling white. There's a lot to see and explore throughout the hotel, a rarity in city-center properties. Just keep in mind that it can be busy -- the hotel hosts frequent conventions and is a popular wedding venue. 

The Amway Grand Plaza Hotel is located in Grand Rapids’ downtown Heartside neighborhood, known for its art galleries sits next to the Grand River. The hotel is surrounded by hotels, museums, office buildings, and a large, kid-friendly park, making it an excellent location for tourists and business travelers alike. The Gerald R. Ford Museum is a five-minute walk directly across the river via a picturesque footbridge, and the Public Museum of Grand Rapids and DeVos Place Convention Center and Performance Hall are both a five-minute walk from the hotel as well. The Grand Rapids Art Museum is a three-minute walk from the hotel. While there are many options for dining on-site, this hotel is also within walking distance of a variety of restaurants. Gerald R. Ford International Airport is a 20-minute from the hotel.

The Amway Grand Plaza Hotel offers a wide variety of fresh, clean rooms, from sharp Classic Rooms to classically elegant Superior Rooms or super-modern, glass-walled luxury suites with whirlpool tubs and other high-end touches. Guests can choose between the large but cozy traditional rooms of the original Pantlind Wing -- with vaulted ceilings, carefully restored moldings, period artwork, and fine wood furnishings -- or the modern sunlit elegance of the Glass Tower. The more modern rooms have sweeping Grand River or city views and silver, black, and white decor that combines 1920s chic with 21st century style -- expect to see streamlined furniture, damask prints, and sharp wall art in these units. All rooms offer pillowtop beds, nightly turndown service, large closets, and roomy, up-to-date bathrooms with either walk-in shower stalls or shower/tub combos. Amenities include 42-inch flat-screen TVs with cable channels, free Wi-Fi, safes, and individual climate control; Pantlind rooms even include handsome long-handled shoehorns, a nod to the hotel’s lengthy history. 

The Amway Grand Plaza Hotel features eight restaurants, including a Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse, and two Wolfgang Puck outposts: The Kitchen and the Kitchen Counter -- both serving breakfast, lunch, and snacks throughout the day. The Lumber Baron Bar has an old-fashioned men’s club feel, with a roaring fireplace, leather club chairs, a trophy case, lots of oil paintings, and plenty of rich woods. Cygnus27 is the Lumber Baron’s polar opposite; it is a bright, modern restaurant in the newer Glass Tower, serving brunch and dinner in a dining room decorated in reds, whites, blacks, and chrome, with abstract art and sculptures and a comprehensive wine cellar on display. The themed GP Sports Bar is decorated with sports memorabilia and is home to many large TVs around the space; it has an extensive craft beer menu and offers a family-friendly environment. The lobby has a Starbucks and a spacious lounge with private tables and lush indoor gardens. 

The Grand Plaza’s health club is as big as an indenpendent gym, with a large, skylit indoor pool, sauna, steam room, and a huge variety of cardio and weight equipment. There are sundecks and comfortable lounges around the pool, as well as outside by the tennis court. There is a full-service spa and salon on site, which offers a comprehensive menu of massage and body treatments; packages for men, women, and brides-to-be; as well as beauty treatments. In the hotel lobby, guests will find a shoeshine stand, a flower shop, a menswear store, and more. The hotel’s business and event facilities include a variety of ballrooms, as well as concierge and wedding services. Wi-Fi is available throughout for free.