Where to Stay in Grand Rapids – A Guide to the “River City”
Grand Rapids is a city located in southern Michigan, along the Grand River, in the United States.
In Grand Rapids, there is fun for everyone, with activities including bike rides, playing volleyball by the river or golf.
The best dates to visit Grand Rapids (known as “River City”) are from July to September, in the summer, when temperatures allow you to explore the city and enjoy outdoor activities. However, it must be taken into account that it is the high season and, therefore, it is advisable to book accommodation in advance.
Cycling is not the only form of transportation available to get around the Grand Rapids areas, the city also has bus and taxi services.
Among the places to visit during a stay in Grand Rapids are the well-known Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculptures, where art is combined with nature, as well as the President Gerald R. Ford Museum, where you can learn about American culture from the 70s.
Speaking of museums, without a doubt, the Grand Rapids Art Museum is worth a visit, as it has more than 5,000 works of art, including many from the Renaissance.
Grand Rapids has an international airport located a 20-minute drive from the city center. This air terminal connects with the main cities of the United States.
The best area to stay in Grand Rapids is Downtown. Its restaurants, hotels, shops and lively nightlife make this district ideal for all types of visitors. (See accommodation in Downtown Grand Rapids).
Here’s a guide with the best areas to stay in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
The Best Areas to Stay in Grand Rapids, Michigan
1. Our Favorite Area: Downtown Grand Rapids
Downtown is the best area to stay in Grand Rapids as it concentrates most of the River City’s leisure options.
Among the places to visit in this district, you’ll find the Grand Rapids Art Museum and the main market, where you can buy fresh products and taste the best cuisine in the city.
The fabulous Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park is also in this area of Grand Rapids.
This place looks like an oasis that includes artwork, a natural paradise, many exhibits especially geared toward children, and a tropical greenhouse with the largest butterfly exhibit in the United States.
Getting around Downtown Grand Rapids is possible on foot, by bus, or by taxi if you want to move fast.
Downtown also stands out for its upscale shops and restaurants that make it a recommended area to stay in Grand Rapids for foodies and shopping lovers.
And, if you are looking for nightlife, Downtown is home to the best clubs and bars in Grand Rapids, where you can choose between craft beers, cocktails, and music for all tastes.
Downtown is one of the best areas to stay in Grand Rapids , as it has hotels of all kinds.
Why is this a recommended area to stay in Grand Rapids, MI:
- Best area for sightseeing
- Connected by public transport
- Heart of the city
- Best area for shopping
- Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park
- Pedestrian-friendly
Accommodation in this area
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Top Choice
Holiday Inn Grand Rapids Downtown
With an indoor pool, the Holiday Inn Grand Rapids Downtown is located along the Grand River and across from the Grand Rapids Public Museum. It has a bar and grill on site.
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Budget
Days Inn & Suites by Wyndham Grand Rapids Near Downtown
Located in downtown Ann Arbor, Michigan, near the University of Michigan campus, this hotel offers comfortable accommodation.
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Luxury
AC Hotel Grand Rapids Downtown
AC Hotel Grand Rapids Downtown has a restaurant, fitness center, bar and shared lounge in Grand Rapids. This 4-star hotel features free WiFi, a 24-hour reception and a business center.
2. Near Grand Rapids Amtrak Station
Grand Rapids Amtrak Station is located in the south of the city, just a few minutes from Downtown.
The station is part of one of the most effective rail systems in the United States, with connections to cities like Chicago and South Bend.
From here, it is very easy to move to other areas of Grand Rapids, both by car and by bus.
This is one of the best areas to stay in Grand Rapids for those who take a train route through the “industrial belt” of the United States and have little time to explore the city.
If you are looking to eat and shop, the area has some basic stores and many restaurants.
Also, the biggest advantage of staying in this area is that the accommodation is affordable, especially compared to the costs of hotels in Downtown.
The surroundings of the Amtrak station are a recommended area to stay in Grand Rapids since it is easy to move to the main attractions of the city from here.
Why is this a recommended area to stay in Grand Rapids, MI:
- Best area for travelers in transit
- Great transport connections
- Cheap hotels to stay in Grand Rapids
Near Gerald R. Ford International Airport
Gerald R. Ford International Airport offers national and international flights and is an important connection point in the state of Michigan.
The airport is located just 20 minutes southwest of Downtown and, in its surroundings, there are restaurants, shops, places to rent cars and cheap hotels to stay in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
This area is quite affordable and ideal for travelers visiting Grand Rapids on business, for a couple of days, or on a layover.
To enjoy the main attractions of Grand Rapids, you can take the bus from the available stops near the airport or drive to the Downtown area if you visit the city with a car.
Likewise, near the Grand Rapids airport, specifically to the south, there are several university centers and the campus of the University of Davenport, as well as bars.
Why is this a recommended area to stay in GRR:
- Cheap areas to stay in Grand Rapids
- Good area for business travelers
- Conected by public transport
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