Gerald R. Ford International Airport: where to stay, areas and…

Gerald R. Ford International Airport is just minutes from the motels and hotels on 28th Street Southeast, while downtown Grand Rapids is about 18 minutes away by car, with no direct rail link at all. Travelers with a dawn flight, a short layover or a late-night arrival save time by staying in the airport area, where most properties offer a free shuttle. Those staying several nights or traveling with family find options with an in-room kitchen in the same surroundings. Those who instead want the Grand River, the museums and the evening bars are better off choosing downtown, while relying on a car or rideshare for every trip to the terminal.

Airport area (28th Street)

Airport area · hotels along 28th Street SE, a 3-5 minute drive from the terminal; most offer a free shuttle on request

Best for: travelers with a dawn flight, a short layover or a late-night arrival who want the shortest transfer time

Pros

free shuttle to the terminal at almost every property
restaurants just steps away along 28th Street

Cons

commercial area with no neighborhood life in the evening
traffic on 28th Street during rush hour

Recommended hotels in this area

Sheraton Grand Rapids Airport Hotel: Over 20,000 square feet of conference space and an indoor pool, about 2 miles from the terminal with a shuttle.
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Grand Rapids Airport: A free shuttle running round-the-clock, every 30 minutes during peak times, useful with uncertain flight schedules.
Hampton Inn & Suites Grand Rapids-Airport 28th St: Hot breakfast included and an indoor pool, a more budget-friendly option in the same area.

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Extended-stay residences

Neighbourhood · same area as 28th Street SE, a 4-6 minute drive from the terminal with a free shuttle

Best for: families or travelers staying several nights who want an in-room kitchen without straying far from the airport

Pros

full kitchen and a separate living area in every room
indoor pool and breakfast included

Cons

same distance from downtown of about 18 minutes
few evening venues within walking distance

Recommended hotels in this area

Residence Inn by Marriott Grand Rapids Airport: Rooms with a full kitchen, indoor pool and grab-and-go breakfast on weekdays.
TownePlace Suites by Marriott Grand Rapids Airport: Fridge, dishwasher and a patio barbecue, convenient for families on multi-night stays.

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Downtown Grand Rapids

City centre · about an 18 minute drive or rideshare from the terminal, no direct train or bus to the airport

Best for: travelers who want the Grand riverfront, the museums and the downtown evening venues, including for business

Pros

just steps from the Grand River, restaurants and downtown events
historic or design hotels, not only standard chains

Cons

a car or rideshare is needed for every flight
further from the terminal than the airport area

Recommended hotels in this area

Amway Grand Plaza, Curio Collection by Hilton: A historic hotel from 1913 on the Grand River, with four restaurants and a link to the convention center.
JW Marriott Grand Rapids: The first JW Marriott in the Midwest, with a spa and indoor pool in the downtown hotel district.
Canopy by Hilton Grand Rapids Downtown: In Studio Park, with the Knoop rooftop and just steps from downtown venues.

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