Hotel Review: Residence Inn Grand Rapids Downtown – Retro Burgers, Skybridges & Sweet City Views
If you’re heading to Grand Rapids, Michigan and want a downtown hotel with style, space, and serious breakfast game, the Residence Inn Grand Rapids Downtown should be on your radar. We stayed here for one night during our summer road trip, and while the Wi-Fi was a letdown, pretty much everything else impressed.
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First Impressions & Arrival Tips
We pulled in around 4 p.m. and used the temporary parking zone on Ottawa Street for check-in. From there, we entered through a side entrance, took the elevator up one floor, and found the check-in desk around the corner. Evan greeted us and made the process quick and easy.
Parking Tip: The hotel’s garage is across the street, connected by a skybridge.
- If you’re packing light, park on the 2nd floor and take a short staircase up to the bridge.
- If you’ve got heavy bags or a cart, park on the 3rd floor for a ramp across.
Bonus: there were plenty of luggage carts waiting when we arrived.
Not Your Average Residence Inn Lobby
This lobby? Huge win. It’s bright, modern, and super spacious, with:
- Tons of natural light
- Cozy cubbies and comfy armchairs
- Table setups for meals, work, or games
- A tucked-away breakfast zone
- And even an outdoor patio with seating, a fire table, and BBQ grill (ask the front desk for supplies)
This was easily one of my favorite Residence Inn lobbies so far.
The Room: Double Queen Suite = Downtown Apartment Vibes
We were placed in a Double Queen Suite with a really nice view. Here’s the breakdown:
- Kitchenette: full fridge, microwave, stovetop, dishwasher
- Dining nook: two chairs and a table
- Living area: sofa bed, desk, swivel TV, floor-to-ceiling windows
- Bedroom: two queen beds, another big TV, and even more city views
- Bathroom: stand-up shower and a separate luggage/vanity nook
The room was super clean and felt like our own little downtown apartment. Plenty of space for the four of us!
Wi-Fi & Console Setup: Mixed Results
This is where the stay hit a snag.
The Wi-Fi was tricky to connect, and we had to go down to the lobby to get help. Huge shoutout to Tasha at the front desk—she called tech support and stayed with us until everything was sorted out. Once connected, I ran a speed test… and yeah—it wasn’t great. As of this review, the hotel ranks second last on my Hotel Wi-Fi Speed Leaderboard.
Console/Device Setup:
- I forgot my Switch dock (oops), so I tested with my laptop.
- The TV in the bedroom was on a swing mount but didn’t have outlets nearby.
- The TV in the living room was perfect—outlets on the desk made connection easy.
📦 Pro tip: always pack an extension cord and power bar!
Pool & Gym Vibes
The indoor pool had a lot of natural light thanks to full-window walls. It felt bright and open—big win.
The gym was solid too, with:
- Cardio machines
- Free weights
- A multi-gym machine (or whatever it’s officially called 😄)
Food, Breakfast & Epic Dinner Spots
Let’s start with breakfast—because this one impressed. Free with your stay (classic Residence Inn), and one of the best I’ve had this year. They had:
- Scrambled eggs, sausage, and bacon
- Egg & cheese English muffin sandwiches
- Mini quiches
- Waffle station & oatmeal bar with toppings
- Cold brew coffee + flavored syrups = my mom was happy
As for other meals:
- In the building:
- Social Misfits – fancy waffles + cocktails in a modern space
- Nearby walkable spots:
- HopCat – brewpub
- Max’s South Seas Hideaway – tiki bar & restaurant
- Peppino’s – family-friendly sports bar
- Insomnia Cookies / Elsa’s at Studio Park – dessert options
We ate at Stella’s Lounge—and it was 🔥. Retro vibe, pinball machines, and arcade games. I got a walking taco, and everyone else loved their food too. My dad had the Government Cheese Burger, my mom went for a fried bologna sandwich, and my sister’s “plain” burger was loaded with toppings. I’d absolutely go back.
Things To Do Nearby
There’s a ton to see and do all within walking distance:
- Van Andel Arena – right across the street
- Celebration Cinema Studio Park – dine-in movies + outdoor plaza (5 min walk)
- Museums: Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum, Grand Rapids Public Museum, and Grand Rapids Art Museum (all within 10–15 mins)
- Heritage Hill – historic homes & architecture buffs, check this out!
- Tanger Outlets – 15 min drive if you’re in a shopping mood
Final Thoughts: This Teen Travelz Approved
This hotel had some standout moments:
✅ Spacious and modern room
✅ Awesome downtown location
✅ One of the best breakfasts of the year
✅ Super helpful staff (huge shoutout to Tasha and Evan!)
The Wi-Fi was the only weak spot, but honestly, I’d still stay here again. I really liked the vibe, the design, and how much there was to do and eat nearby. It felt like a full downtown experience—just with a kitchen and free breakfast.
Residence Inn Grand Rapids Downtown = This Teen Travelz Approved.
– Mateo / This Teen Travelz
👉 Want to see all my Michigan hotel stays in one place? Check out my Michigan Hotels roundup