Michigan’s second-largest city Grand Rapids not only straddles the Grand River but also sits close to Lake Michigan’s eastern shores. It’s perhaps most known for its profusion of craft breweries. Similarly, Grand Rapids also has a delectable food scene with lots of farm-to-table dining popping up. However, that’s not all. It’s one of Western Michigan’s most popular cities and is famous for its amazing outdoor activities. So, it’s no surprise then that Grand Rapids’ Airport is kept very busy by travelers heading here round the year. If you’ve early or late flights, then hotels near Gerald Ford Grand Rapids Airport Michigan are your best bet. Since it lies hardly 10 minutes from the city, most hotels lie midway between the airport and the city. And unlike many other larger cities, you have the choice of not only chain hotels and big brands, but a B&B or two as well.
While Grand Rapids might not seem like your first choice for a Michigan destination, you now know otherwise. Culture, history, Midwestern cuisine, and craft beer make it one of those great underrated cities. If that wasn’t enough, one of the World’s Most Iconic Lighthouses on the banks of Lake Michigan is a mere 40-minute drive from town! All-in-all, Grand Rapids is serene enough that unwinding and relaxing, and yet there’s enough to fill your plate of things to do here. To that end, here are the 11 best hotels near Gerald Ford Grand Rapids Airport Michigan
Where to Stay near Grand Rapids airport?
The Gerald R Ford International Airport lies around 14 mi (22 km) southeast of the city of Grand Rapids, close to the Thornapple community. The area surrounding it is mostly scenic with lush vegetation, streams, and small residential communities that lie around the city. So, which is the best neighborhood to stay close to the airport?
To begin with, the cluster of hotels that lie closest to the airport is in the suburb of East Paris, which lies five minutes away from the airport. A neighborhood filled with green spaces, the area is most known for its native gardens and preserves that have wildlife viewing and nature trails. Moreover, it even has shopping centers and a plethora of dining options. Secondly, there’s East Beltline, which lies just north of East Paris and is mostly a lush, wooded residential region with a smattering of hotels. You’ll also find a lake, hiking trails, shops, and restaurants in this quaint community.
Finally, there’s East Grand Rapids, which lies almost midway between the town and the airport. It’s centered around Reeds Lake and is home to a great number of gorgeous parks and gardens. What’s more, you’ll find lovely houses sitting along tree-lined boulevards, along with charming lakeside restaurants. If you’re exploring the region, then Detroit and Chicago are just 2-3 hours away from Grand Rapids in the opposite directions. So, you might also want to check out the Best Hotels In Detroit as well as Chicago’s Best Hotels too.
Residence Inn By Marriott Grand Rapids Airport
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Located in East Paris, Residence Inn By Marriott is one of the best hotels near Grand Rapids Airport Michigan. Located just off the I-96, this lovely hotel is just what you need for a short stay close to the airport. You’ll find spacious rooms, all of which come with full kitchens. So, a hot meal is never far off and you can cook to your heart’s content. However, that doesn’t mean you need to start whipping stuff up the minute you wake up. For, the hotel serves a complimentary and rather delicious continental breakfast every morning. Moreover, the rooms also have free Wi-Fi and cable TV for your entrainment.
Even though it’s an all-suite hotel, the Residence Inn is not without amenities. So, you’ll find an excellent fitness center on the property which perfectly aids your workout goals. If you’re a leisure lad, then head straight to the lovely indoor swimming pool, after which you can soak your muscles in the hot tub.
- Airport Shuttle Service: Free, available 24/7.
- Nearest Airport: Gerald Fort International (Grand Rapids) Airport at 3.1mi (5km).
- Estimated Drive Time: 6 minutes.
Staybridge Suites Grand Rapids-Kentwood
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One of the most charming hotels near Gerald Ford Airport, Staybridge Suites is tucked into the equally cozy Kentwood in East Rapids. What’s more, some of the best restaurants and shops in the area are just one block down, and the hotel even offers a free local shuttle. Best of all, it offers a free shuttle to the airport, so you don’t have to worry about reaching in time for your flight. There’s a lot more to like about this hotel, starting with the daily hot breakfast that it serves. The cute-as-a-button outdoor pool area is made for unwinding and relaxing, especially coupled with the hot tub beside it. The standout feature is the small library, a rarity for an airport hotel, complete with a selection of books and board games. Finally, you’ll also find a car rental desk, a business, and a fitness center too.
All suites at the hotel are capacious to boot and come with fully equipped kitchenettes to whip up meals of all sizes and kinds. Free Wi-Fi, a DVD player, and a cable TV take care of the entertainment factor. Cushy sofas in seating areas and soft beds ensure a restful sleep. Meanwhile, bath amenities and work desks are real perks.
- Airport Shuttle Service: Free, available 24/7.
- Nearest Airport: Gerald Fort International (Grand Rapids) Airport at 3.5mi (5.6km).
- Estimated Drive Time: 7 minutes.
Homewood Suites by Hilton Grand Rapids
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Homewood Suites By Hilton is one of the best hotels near Grand Rapids Airport Michigan for business travelers. Since there are tons of corporate offices nearby, this hotel makes for the perfect base to crash after a long day of work. It’s equipped with all the comforts of a home, complete with separate sleeping and living areas with fireplaces, and full kitchens. So, you can cook food at any time you want without worrying about where to head for your next meal. You’ll even find a vending machine with snacks and beverages on the property if you want to snack during the day.
After a fitful sleep, head down to the hotel for a complimentary hot breakfast. After that, you can either head to the indoor pool for a relaxing swim or to the fitness center for a workout session. The hotel even has a business center with all services in case you need to catch up on work urgently.
- Airport Shuttle Service: No.
- Nearest Airport: Gerald Fort International (Grand Rapids) Airport at 3.8mi (6.1km).
- Estimated Drive Time: 8 minutes.
Tru By Hilton Grand Rapids Airport Kentwood
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If a spiffy, modern hotel near Gerald Ford Airport is what you’re looking for, then turn to Tru by Hilton. The contemporary Kentwood hotel has all the necessary amenities you need for a short pre or post-flight stay, including a free shuttle to/from the airport. As you enter, you’ll find a bright and cheery shared lounge. It’s not only an excellent place to relax but also wait for your shuttle, no matter the time since the hotel has a 24-hour desk. Free Wi-Fi throughout the property allows you to stay online and connected all the time. Moreover, the hotel serves a superb continental breakfast, which is a great way to start the day, After that, you can even play a round of pool or head to the lovely indoor pool are for a swim. Rounding up the facilities are a business and fitness center.
All units at Tru by Hilton come with chic ensuite bathrooms and modern flourishes like flat-screen TVs, cloud-like beds, and wooden flooring. Modern lighting, sheer drapes, and lots of space make the room excellent to stay in for the night.
- Airport Shuttle Service: Free, available 24/7.
- Nearest Airport: Gerald Fort International (Grand Rapids) Airport at 3.1mi (5km).
- Estimated Drive Time: 6 minutes.
The Leonard At Logan House
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If you want to take a break from all cookie-cutter hotels near Grand Rapids Airport Michigan, then The Leonard At Logan House awaits you. The gorgeous bed-&-breakfast lies at the northwestern end of East Grand Rapids, closer to town than the airport. However, if you’re a culture vulture, then you’ll love staying at this historic inn, even if it’s for one night. The former home of the wealthy 1900s Leonard family, the inn is filled with vintage antiques as well as modern amenities. On weekdays, the place serves a delicious continental breakfast. However, it’s the weekends and the scrumptious full breakfast to watch out for. Rounding up the amenities here is the free laundry service, a rare service at a B&B.
Each of the seven rooms at the B&B is individual and unique with regal names such as The Princess Cecille and The Grand Duke. Additionally, all rooms come with free Wi-Fi, pillow-top mattresses, flatscreen TVs, and especially luxurious baths with hot tubs. If you want to splurge, then go for the largest King’s Keep suite with a sitting area.
- Airport Shuttle Service: No.
- Nearest Airport: Gerald Fort International (Grand Rapids) Airport at 10.5mi (16.9km).
- Estimated Drive Time: 20 minutes.
DoubleTree By Hilton Grand Rapids Airport
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The DoubleTree By Hilton is one of the most luxe hotels near Gerald Ford Airport, complete with a free shuttle. What makes the hotel a deluxe experience is its plethora of amenities, starting with a nice indoor swimming pool. No matter the season, you can enjoy a swim after a long day or before retiring to your room. If you’re a fitness fanatic, then you’ll enjoy the state-of-the-art fitness center. The on-site restaurant Spinnaker not only serves a delicious breakfast but other meals as well.
All rooms, including the entry-level ones at the DoubleTree by Hilton, are spacious, with the suites even having separate living and dining areas. Standard mod-cons such as cable TV and free Wi-Fi aside, the room is awash with comfortable living aspects such as soft linens and contemporary bathrooms, come even with bathtubs.
- Airport Shuttle Service: Free, available 24/7.
- Nearest Airport: Gerald Fort International (Grand Rapids) Airport at 2.7mi (4.3km).
- Estimated Drive Time: 5 minutes.
Hampton Inn & Suites
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The Hampton Inn & Suites is one of the best value-for-money hotels near Grand Rapids Airport. Located in the southern part of East Paris, it’s also one of the hotels closest to the Gerald Ford airport. What’s more, you’re surrounded by options for entertainment, restaurants, and shops. So, if you have a longer layover, then staying here is a great experience. Begin every morning with a hearty spread for breakfast before getting some exercise at the sleek fitness center on the property. If you’d rather relax, then it can’t get any better than the indoor swimming pool with a large pool deck and a hot tub to the side.
You’ll be pleasantly surprised at the spaciousness of the rooms and suites at the Hampton Inn, which features free Wi-fi just about everywhere. Besides soft beds, you’ll also find seating areas and plush bathrooms with toiletries in every room. In addition, standard mod-cons are mainstay everywhere.
- Airport Shuttle Service: Free, available 24/7.
- Nearest Airport: Gerald Fort International (Grand Rapids) Airport at 2.7mi (4.3km).
- Estimated Drive Time: 5 minutes.
Country Inn & Suites by Radisson Grand Rapids
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Stepping into the Country Inn & Suites by Radisson is like stepping into a huge country mansion. it’s what makes it one of the most gorgeous hotels near Gerald Ford Airport, with a very picturesque setting. There’s a lot to love about this hotel, starting with a bright and light-filled indoor pool area with a large pool deck. it overlooks the surrounding greenery and is a very relaxing place to unwind on the property. The complimentary daily breakfast is a big plus point, as is the fitness center for those who want to get in some exercise. Also, you’ll find free weekday newspapers brought to your rooms as well as a business center.
All rooms at the hotel have free Wi-Fi, which is very useful if you want to explore the surrounding area. Work desks and cable TVs aside, you’ll also find fridges and microwaves as mainstays in all rooms.
- Airport Shuttle Service: Free, available 24/7.
- Nearest Airport: Gerald Fort International (Grand Rapids) Airport at 3.5mi (5.6km).
- Estimated Drive Time: 6 minutes.
The Plaza Grand Rapids Airport Hotel
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A smattering of Western Michigan foliage welcomes you to the Plaza Airport Hotel, one of the most luxurious hotels near Grand Rapids Airport Michigan. The conference center hotel, albeit popular with business travelers, is equally popular with leisure travelers as well. For instance, it’s one of the few hotels around to boast both indoor and outdoor pools. the outdoor pool area is particularly gorgeous and features hedges and trees surrounding the pool deck. The hotel is also pet-friendly, which means your furry friend can accompany you. The on-site restaurant and lounge serve delicious meals. Finally, you’ll also find a business center, a mini-market, and even a gift shop on the property.
The rooms and suites at this property are cozy, with windows overlooking the surrounding greenery making for a welcome change. Standard mod-cons like cable TVs and free Wi-Fi aside, you’ll find plush beds and heavy drapes to enjoy a fitful sleep before a flight.
- Airport Shuttle Service: Free, available 24/7.
- Nearest Airport: Gerald Fort International (Grand Rapids) Airport at 3.5mi (5.6km).
- Estimated Drive Time: 6 minutes.
Holiday Inn Grand Rapids Airport
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Holiday Inn is one of the best chain hotels near Gerald Ford Airport. So, you’ll find all essentials of a good airport here, and then some. Apart from a free shuttle to the airport, the hotel also has an indoor pool and a fitness center. Hence, if you have time and energy to spare, a relaxing swim or an invigorating workout might just do the trick. The hotel boasts a particularly nice on-site restaurant that serves American fare for breakfast and dinner.
All said and done, it’s the rooms that are the highlight at this property. Large windows with seating areas next to them make for comfy spaces to relax within the room that’s not your bed. The bed itself is plush and guarantees a good night’s sleep before you hop onto a long flight. the cherry on top is the refrigerators, free Wi-Fi, and cable TV with video games.
- Airport Shuttle Service: Free, available 24/7.
- Nearest Airport: Gerald Fort International (Grand Rapids) Airport at 3.7mi (5.9km).
- Estimated Drive Time: 7 minutes.
Hilton Garden Inn Grand Rapids East
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Of them all, the Hilton Garden Inn is the best hotel near Grand Rapids Airport Michigan. There’s a lot that you’ll absolutely love about this hotel, especially the cleverly designed pool areas. While one pool is a completely indoor one, the other is an indoor-outdoor one with glass separation. So, you can enjoy a swim no matter the season or the time of the day. The on-site restaurant serves a delicious buffet breakfast, as well as excellent options for lunch. There’s even a bar where you can enjoy a sundowner or nightcap before you cart off to bed. Rounding up the facilities are the business center, gift shop, and hot tub.
You’ll like the rooms and suites at the hotel, which feature plush carpets, soft beds, and all standard mod-cons needed for a comfortable night’s stay.
- Airport Shuttle Service: No.
- Nearest Airport: Gerald Fort International (Grand Rapids) Airport at 5.1mi (8.2km).
- Estimated Drive Time: 10 minutes.
Recommended Restaurants / Bars near Grand Rapids Airport:
- Noto’s Old World Italian Dining – Tuck into delicious Italian fare at this family-owned restaurant in Southeast Grand Rapids. Besides an award-winning wine list, some must-eat dishes at Noto’s include filet mignon, Salmon all’Arrancia, chicken Marsala, veal piccata, and spaghetti with homemade meatballs.
- Bagger Dave’s Burger Tavern – What sounds better than burger before hopping onto a long, long flight? A delicious burger washed down with drinks. Bagger Dave’s casual tavern ambiance is the perfect place to dig into creative burgers along with lip-smacking sides, cocktails, wine, and craft beer.
Recommended Activities near Grand Rapids Airport:
- Grand Rapids Scavenger Hunt – There’s no way to explore a town better than a scavenger hunt. This thrilling and fun-filled app-led scavenger hunt allows you to solve challengers and answer trivia questions. All this, while walking around the hidden gems and iconic landmarks of Grand Rapids.
