• Van Andel Arena in downtown Grand Rapids, Michigan, is home to the Grand Rapids Griffins minor league hockey team and is also a popular entertainment venue. Opened in 1996, the arena's concourse was expanded in 2010, providing additional room for exhibits. Whether visitors are taking in a hockey game, the circus, a musical performance or other event, there are several hotels in proximity to the 12,000 seat Van Andel Arena that they can return to at the end of their day.
  
  

Courtyard Grand Rapids Downtown

• This five-story Courtyard by Marriott is connected to the Van Andel Arena and De Vos Convention Center by a walkway. Guests can walk to the Grand Rapids Art Museum, Kendall College of Art Design, Grand Rapids Children's Museum and area restaurants and shops from the hotel. The Courtyard features an indoor pool, a whirlpool, a fitness center and outdoor tennis and basketball courts. Each of the 214 rooms offers a wet bar, a mini-refrigerator and a separate sitting area. The hotel's Blue Plate restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, and the adjoining lounge serves drinks. Evening room service is available. Nearby attractions include the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library, Frederick Meijer Gardens and the John Paul Park Zoo.
  
  

Amway Grand Plaza Hotel

• Opened as the Pantlind Hotel in 1913, this downtown Grand Rapids landmark achieved recognition as one of the finest hotels in America in 1925 for its exquisite English Adams architecture. Years later the hotel closed for a time, but was acquired and renovated by the Amway Corporation, reopening in 1981 as the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel. Today, this 29-story, 682-room hotel blends its restored charm with popular modern amenities including a sauna, indoor pool, tennis courts and wireless Internet access. Guided tours of this Forbes Travel Guide three-star hotel are conducted daily, offering guests access to numerous rooms and floors. The hotel features nine dining establishments including a sports bar, Starbucks Cafe and its signature restaurant, The 1913 Room. The Cygnus 27 restaurant is atop the hotel's glass tower, offering panoramic views of the city skyline. Private dining is available on the 28th floor. Each room is luxuriously appointed, offering classic or modern furnishings, period artwork and restored moulding. Spa services are available in-room or in the hotel's Vasaio Spa and Salon. The Amway Grand Plaza Hotel offers numerous packages including romance, bed and breakfast, Sunday brunch and a cultural package with access to the Grand Rapids Art Museum.
  
  

Holiday Inn Grand Rapids Downtown

• This eight-story Holiday Inn is located on the western side of the Grand River two blocks from downtown Grand Rapids and directly opposite the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel. Guests can walk to area businesses, shops and restaurants. The Holiday Inn offers free parking, a lap pool, a whirlpool and an exercise room. Pets are welcome; a $15 per night fee is charged,as of OCtober 2010. The hotel's Pearl Street Grill is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, where the cuisine is American and children eat free. The on-site lounge features a Happy Hour. Each of the 175 rooms includes wireless Internet connectivity and a CD player. Select rooms include a microwave and a refrigerator. Museums, the De Vos Performing Arts Center and the Van Andel Arena are within a half-mile of the Holiday Inn.
  
  

JW Marriott Grand Rapids

• The JW Marriott is a 23-story, 340-room hotel overlooking the Grand River that has its own helipad. This hotel is within walking distance of the Van Andel Arena, local museums, shops and restaurants. The JW Marriott features a steam room, an indoor pool, a spa tub and a fitness facility. Concierge floors featuring lounge service and late afternoon checkout are available. Each of the rooms includes commissioned photography of Grand Rapid's five sister cities, a dining table with chairs, a gourmet stocked refrigerator, an iPod port and bathrobes. The hotel's restaurant, Six.One.Six, offering panoramic views of the city skyline, serves breakfast, lunch and dinner and has a sushi bar and a lounge, and provides children-friendly menus. Room service, seasonal outdoor patio dining and a Starbucks cafe are offered. Romance, spa and breakfast packages are available.