JW Marriott Hotel Grand Rapids

The in-room Nespresso machine was a really nice touch, and the hotel smells amazing. Everything at the JW feels top notch, from the bathroom products to the shampoo, conditioner, and lotion. I already looked online to buy some for home. I had a lovely stay, and JW is my new go-to.

I’m glad I found out how disappointing the JW Marriott could be before spending any money there. My girlfriend and I like taking a long weekend away once or twice in winter, far enough to put everyday life aside but not so far that travel becomes a hassle. I can afford a nicer room at a nicer hotel, so after looking at the website I called to ask which floors had a corner room with a river view and about spa packages. The woman who answered sounded irritated when I asked how she was. She became more pleasant once I said I had questions about booking, but then transferred me to a robot that pointed me back to the website, followed by someone who wasn't even in the country, much less at the hotel. Matthew couldn't answer questions about couples massages or the steam room. For a supposed luxury hotel, they don't even have staff available to handle the phone.

The location worked well for just about anything downtown, and our river-view room was very nice, with a high-quality bathroom too. We were there for a company holiday party, and it's a great venue for that or any other nice event. The guest rooms are lovely as well.

My brother Mitch lost a bet and had to check in and out dressed as a bearded ballerina: pink tutu, tights, feather boa, ballet slippers, the whole thing. The JW Marriott Grand Rapids staff ran with it. They laughed along, posed for photos, and even suggested dance moves. They said they'd post the pictures online for the world to see Mitch's “performance,” and told us to bring him back in the tutu next time because he's apparently their new unofficial mascot. Please let us know if you want Mitch back 😂 Embarrassment: 10/10. Hospitality: 11/10. The hotel itself is gorgeous, with spotless rooms, comfy beds, and killer views, but the team made the stay fun and memorable, with just the right amount of humiliation for Mitch. Highly recommend it for a luxury stay and top-tier sibling revenge.