Staybridge Suites Grand Rapids-Kentwood by IHG

Warm staff and a breakfast that was better than passable earned this three stars instead of one. The problem is the heating system. Whenever it kicks on, it sounds like a jet engine and keeps interrupting sleep through the night. One bedroom door also wouldn’t close properly because a hinge was broken. The place has had an update, but there are still things that need fixing.

We had plenty of space for our family of five, and the room was great. The TV and bedding were excellent, and the heat worked perfectly. The kitchenette had a sink, stovetop, dishwasher, and full-size fridge. The fitness facility was excellent, too. The pool could have been warmer, which was my only complaint about the facilities. The reception hour was good, breakfast decent, and the laundry service was great. Nice job.

The room and shower were clean, and having a fridge, microwave, and burners was handy. The bed was very hard, though the pillows were decent, and the water only got warm even at the highest setting. Breakfast was okay, but both days it was fake eggs, sausage, and breakfast potatoes. You could make waffles and toast, though the old toaster was partly broken. We booked mainly for the outdoor pool and fire pits, but the building was being painted blue, so we couldn’t really spend time outside. In the laundry room we found a needle on the floor. When I told the manager, she seemed to think I was lying and argued that it might just be a medicine needle, saying she’d never seen one there before. The hallway paint inside looked old and blotchy. There’s no ice machine or vending machine.

One small downside: the hallways are hot, and the luggage cart wheels need replacing. Still, I’ll definitely be back. The front desk staff are friendly and helpful, and someone puts the weather and a joke of the day on a whiteboard in the lobby, which I loved. The lobby feels welcoming and has TVs. Breakfast is included, and there’s a light snack Monday through Wednesday. The rooms are spacious with fully equipped kitchens.