Holiday Inn Grand Haven - Spring Lake

The Holiday Inn Grand Haven - Spring Lake is a fun, family-friendly hotel that goes way beyond what most travelers might think of a Holiday Inn. The look throughout is modern and sharp, from the lobby to the rooms. The small reception area is classy, with cream-colored chairs with elegant vintage silhouettes set next to a handsome navy blue couch. This Holiday Inn is a popular wedding venue because of its abundant outdoor spaces, and there are features on-site to keep most guests happy plus views of the Grand River throughout. The indoor and outdoor spaces flow together and capitalize on the waterside setting; even the fitness center has floor-to-ceiling picture windows with marina views. The hotel has a social atmosphere, but business travelers or couples who want more privacy can find it as well. Once a week there is a guest reception with free drinks, and Sunday's brunch buffet is good enough to attract area residents. In sum, this hotel far exceeds standard chain hotel expectations, with an up-market vibe, gorgeous views, and lots of possibilities for socializing, or getting away from it all.

The Holiday Inn Grand Haven - Spring Lake is located on the Grand River, with a private marina for guests who prefer to arrive by boat. Easily accessible off US-31, the hotel is in Spring Lake, a convenient spot for both business travelers and tourists. Downtown Grand Haven is a five-minute drive from the hotel, and is home to several restaurants and cafes. The Grand Haven Golf Club is within a 10-minute drive, as are The Lakes Mall and family activities that include go-karting and mini-golf. Grand Haven State Park, Grand Haven Beach on Lake Michigan, and the Grand Haven Lighthouse and Pier will also take about 10 minutes to reach by car. Kid favorite, Michigan's Adventure amusement park, is 25 minutes away by car. It takes 10 minutes to reach Muskegon County Airport, while Gerald R. Ford International Airport is 50 minutes away, outside of Grand Rapids.

The 120 rooms here are clean, fresh, and contemporary, decorated in shades of beige, brown, and blue, with gauzy curtains hung over floor-to-ceiling windows that lead to furnished balconies or patios.  Dark wood veneer furniture and dark accents like geometric table lamps add a bit of sophistication, while upholstered statement headboards add some class. Beige walls hung with sepia-tone photographs complete the look. Higher-priced rooms have water views, while the rest of the rooms -- including most of the Standard Rooms -- have views of the road. Pool View Rooms are located on the first floor, and have walk-out pool patios, which are popular with families. Beds come in various combinations of king or double, and the guest room desks are large enough to get real work done. Amenities include flat-screen cable TVs with HBO, air-conditioning, free Wi-Fi, and mini-fridges. Bathrooms are small and underwhelming, with shower/tub combinations, toiletries, and awkwardly placed corner sinks with aging granite surfaces. Connecting rooms are available upon request. 

The Holiday Inn Grand Haven - Spring Lake features an indoor and outdoor pool plus a hot tub and decks lined with lounge chairs. There is a beach volleyball court, and during summer months  there are organized activities for kids. The kids' club includes a game zone with Xbox and other video game systems. Water views are available throughout the hotel, including in the bright fitness room, which is stocked with cardio machines but not much weight equipment. Jack's Waterfront Bistro serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The menu is American classic, featuring local, seasonal cuisine, but breakfast is not included in room rates. Jack's serves a Sunday brunch buffet that is popular with guests and locals alike. During the summer months, guests can eat on the outdoor terrace. Fishing fans can take advantage of the hotel's Catch and Cook program in which they go out on a fishing charter in the morning and bring home the catch to be prepared and served to them in the restaurant that evening. Jack's Waterfront Bar offers live music most evenings, and comedy on occasion as well, plus a daily happy hour. During the summer season, the hotel stages outdoor entertainment and operates a tiki bar under a gazebo. The hotel has a four-station business center, and there are water views from the meeting rooms. Wedding and event planning services are available with a planner on-site. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property.