Curated
This Season
A short, considered list of the establishments and experiences that genuinely earn their place in Grand Rapids. Updated seasonally.
SplurgeDowntown
Grand Rapids' crown jewel, operating since 1913. The Pantlind lobby — with its gilded ceiling and marble floors — sets the tone for a stay that feels genuinely historic. The Pearl Street tower is modern; the Pantlind wing is the one to book.
Best for: Business travel, anniversaries, the Pantlind lobby experience
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SplurgeDowntown
Sleek, modern, and positioned directly on the Grand River with unobstructed views. The rooftop and river-facing rooms are the reason to stay here. Service is polished, and the location puts you steps from the GRAM and DeVos Center.
Best for: River views, modern design, ArtPrize proximity
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The Graduate brand does design-forward hotels for curious travelers, and the Grand Rapids location delivers. Locally-referencing art, a lively lobby bar, and a location that makes exploring downtown easy. The best value stay in the city.
Best for: Design-conscious travel, solo trips, weekend getaways
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SplurgeDowntown
The most celebrated table in Grand Rapids. Chef Justin Sutherland's team draws from Michigan farms and the seasons to deliver a menu that changes frequently and impresses constantly. The dining room is intimate without being precious.
Best for: Special occasions, farm-to-table cuisine, seasonal tasting menus
SplurgeDowntown
A proper steakhouse in every sense: dark wood, deep booths, impeccable service, and prime cuts aged correctly. The wine list is serious. This is where Grand Rapids closes deals and celebrates milestones, and it earns every dollar.
Best for: Prime steaks, wine list, power dinners
Good ValueDowntown
Grand Rapids' beloved tapas institution, going strong since 1992. The small-plates format encourages sharing and lingering — which is exactly what you should do here. The crowd is lively, the kitchen is consistent, and the value is genuine.
Best for: Groups, tapas, lively atmosphere, late-night dining
Editor's Notes
It's not just the beer. It's the building — an 1847 chapel that has no business being this beautiful a taproom. The Farm Hand Saison is one of the best beers in Michigan. The fact that you can drink it beneath stained glass makes it better.
Ask for the Pantlind wing. The Pearl Street tower is perfectly fine — comfortable, modern, unremarkable. The Pantlind wing was built in 1913, and that gilded lobby ceiling has witnessed a century of this city. It's not just a hotel room; it's a piece of Grand Rapids history you can sleep inside.
The name doesn't help — people assume it's a regional botanical garden and skip it. It's actually one of the finest sculpture parks in the country, with works by Rodin, Calder, Degas, and Henry Moore on 158 acres. Allow a full afternoon.
ArtPrize transforms Grand Rapids every September and October into the world's largest publicly funded art competition. Over a thousand works exhibited across hundreds of venues. It changes the texture of the city entirely — and it's free.