187 Monroe Ave NW, Grand Rapids, Michigan, United States | (618) 248-8274
Historic early 20th-century property plus a modern addition
In downtown Grand Rapids, within walking distance of most everything
Rooms range from handsome and classic to sleek and modern
Indoor pool, large fitness center, and outdoor tennis court
Drinking and dining options include two Wolfgang Puck restaurants
Spa offers massages, aromatherapy, beauty treatments, and scrubs
Starbucks in the lobby plus stylish boutiques on-site
Business center, meeting rooms, and a ballroom
24-hour room service available
Smoke-free property (a con for some)
Free Wi-Fi
Hotel can feel massive and busy, especially during conventions
Fee for parking, whether self or valet
The 682-room Amway Grand Plaza Hotel
is many things at once: upscale, historic, architecturally impressive -- all of these combine to make it a landmark in Grand Rapids. Guests can choose between the faithfully restored Old World atmosphere of the original hotel tower or the new building, with its airy, sleek vibe and modern decor. With lots of ballroom and meeting space on-site, this is a popular pick for business travelers, though tourist sights like the Gerald Ford Museum are only a five-minute walk away. The property is home to an indoor pool and hot tubs, outdoor tennis court, a large fitness center, and a spa. There are eight on-site options for dining and drinking, and the property is within walking distance of more restaurant options in Grand Rapids.
Disclaimer: This content was accurate at the time the hotel was reviewed. Please check our partner sites when booking to verify that details are still correct.
Scene
Historic landmark hotel with modern and traditional styles and a busy atmosphere
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.
Location
Near museums, galleries, sports venues, and major corporate offices
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.
Rooms
Traditional or modern rooms with plenty of space and style
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.
Features
Several dining and drinking options, indoor pool, tennis courts, and fitness center
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.
