Anybody familiar with Grand Rapids, Michigan?

[Orlando76]

Seems like a lot of skiers in Michigan. Have a quick get away for my wife and I to GR. We never leave home without the camper except now. Hotel choices in downtown were really limited and booked. Staying at Grand River Hotel west of 131/Grand River and south of I-96. Looking at the aerials I have some hesitation about the area. Lots of junk cars and looks rough. I can imagine accidentally booking at a hotel that also rents rooms hourly if you catch my drift. Anybody familiar? TIA.

[WIRiverRat]

I lived in Grand Rapids for 25 years. That is not that most desirable part of town. Not that there are terrible parts of towns, you will most likely still be safe there but it is more industrial in that area. Either go to the east side of town or go far enough west to be in the Grandville/Hudsonville area.

[BraceMaker]

@TFIN broadcast episode 2 of Distance from center from a Hampton in GR.

 

 

I would think that if you're going to be going out downtown you might want to be nearer.

[LakeOneSkier]

Don't know much about GR accommodations or skiing, but Founders Brewing Company is a nice place to hang out. :)

[Orlando76]

@BraceMaker gonna be at the arena Friday and Saturday and this hotel is 3.5 miles away and so far closest I could. Everything else was booked or twice the distance.

@WIRiverRat industrial makes sense. I see clearly a junk yard across the street. Hotel amenities don’t really scream ghetto. I made sure it was clear from the 1960’s area activists who’s name is commonly used on the rough side of town.

@LakeOneSkier oh alcohol will be involved. Any relation with you and the brewery?

[dvskier]

I’d check TripAdvisor reviews for the hotel. Usually the best indicator of what to expect. Never let me down.

[2Valve]

Grand Rapids is one of the nicer medium population towns in the country. Lots of beautiful curvy roads around, with tons of lakes and rivers for the water sports enthusiasts.

[DaveD]

@Orlando76 Grand Rapids is a micro brew Mecca. Founders is an awesome place to hang out but there are tons of other options all over the area.

 

Don’t worry about the distance your hotel is away from downtown. There are tons of hotel options around 28th St. and I-96. It will take less than 15 minutes to get downtown from there.

[kurt]

@Orlando76 when are you coming?

check the grandville holiday inn or others in hudsonville grandville area

easy to get to the arena from there

if it s still nice bring your ski and stop by my house

[jakecuz23]

I would stay in Allendale, that's where Grand Valley State University is and it a super nice town. Allendale is the perfect midpoint because it's 20 mins away from downtown grand rapids, and 20 mins away from west shore ski club.

[Kwoody51]

Have stayed in Grand Rapids plenty of times for work.

 

Lots of nice hotels near the airport, pretty much all the major names. Some nicer/ newer than others but all good enough.

 

As others mentioned Founders Brewery is an amazing spot and there are other micro brews around as well.

[Orlando76]

@kurt That’s An awesome offer but it’s a super short visit (Oct4-6) and I’m not set up to pack my ski. How far are you from downtown?

[kurt]

@Orlando76 20-25min depending on time of day and road construction