Cheating Winter

Now that winter’s chill has arrived, my experience as a “fluke skywalker” (pun intended) serves as a reminder that the cold doesn’t have to keep anyone from enjoying what downtown has to offer. In fact, there’s no need to brave the elements at all. From the comfort of the Riverfront Plaza, Amway Parking Ramp and DeVos Place parking garages (and others), guests can traverse the city in a climate-controlled skyway connecting Amway Grand Plaza, JW Marriott, and Courtyard by Marriot with VanAndel Arena or DeVos Place, where you can catch Moulin Rouge on stage this winter (see page 13). For the afterglow, there’s everything from live jazz to cozy fireplace-lit hideaways to explore within this labyrinth including, spas, pools, fitness centers (ask about membership options for locals), multiple restaurants, bars, and even duckpin bowling. And should you decide to get a room, you won’t be disappointed!

For more than a century and a half, this location has been home to a hotel of some description— one that a hundred years ago was was recognized as one of the crown jewels of the Midwest. According to the Grand Rapids Press (Sept. 11, 1980), the history of the building dates to 1833, a time when the Grand River was much wider, and the intersection of Monroe and Pearl Streets was a river island. The piece of land was first sold by Louis Campau to Luther Lincoln, who had plans to build a sawmill. The sale came with the caveat that Lincoln must not ever sell the land to Campau’s rival, Lucious Lyon. However, Lincoln’s ownership was short-lived; he soon sold it to Abram Wadsworth, who then sold it to Lyon. In 1838, the sawmill was destroyed by a massive flood— a calamity that must’ve stirred a sense of Schadenfreude for Campau given the stipulation included in the original deal.

Maybe it was fate itself that decided the property was destined for something greater. After the flood, a warehouse was constructed on the site where the sawmill had stood, and by 1859, the parcel had been purchased by William Ball, a banker who transformed it into Old State Bank (now a ballroom at the Amway Grand).

In 1868, a grain tycoon named Martin L. Sweet took over the property and had a four-story hotel constructed around the bank. In 1869, the Sweet Hotel opened and quickly became one of the city’s premier lodging destinations, renting rooms for a whopping $2 per day.

By 1890, Grand Rapids boasted more than 40 hotels to accommodate a growing population of well over 100,000, but the Sweet Hotel was one that stood the test of time. Around 1898, the hotel was sold to J. Boyd Pantlind, who rebranded it as the Pantlind Hotel in 1902. It was under Pantlind’s ownership that the hotel gained national acclaim.

The Great Swine Showdown
In addition to its architectural splendor, the Pantlind Hotel is also linked to some colorful local lore. The hotel’s former owner, J. Boyd Pantlind owned a pig farm on the site of what is now Woodlawn Cemetery on Kalamazoo Avenue. Pantlind had been feeding his pigs the hotel’s waste, but the practice was challenged by Grand Rapids Mayor George Ellis, who took Pantlind to court. The court ruled in favor of the city, mandating that the city’s piggery on Fuller Avenue be the rightful recipient of the Pantlind Hotel’s garbage.

The city of Grand Rapids continued to thrive during the early twentieth century. From 1913 to 1915, the hotel and surrounding buildings were demolished to make way for a new Pantlind Hotel. The revamp was paid for by a group of businessmen, with J. Boyd Pantlind slated to manage it. Formally opened in 1916, the Beaux-Arts structure boasted hallmark characteristics of the architectural style— symmetry, grand staircases, and rounded top windows. New York-based architects Warren and Wetmore, responsible for the design of other iconic hotels like the Vanderbilt Hotel and New York’s Biltmore, designed the Pantlind. To this day, its lobby boasts one of the world’s largest gold-leaf ceilings and two original stunning chandeliers. Aptly, the outside of the building is decorated with griffins (mythical creatures known as protectors of divine power and guardians of treasures).

The Pantlind continued to grow in stature, adding a 189-room expansion on Lyon Street in 1923. Over the years, the hotel became a beloved icon of Grand Rapids, hosting dignitaries, celebrities, and locals alike, owing a lot of its success to Grand Rapids’ status as a major player in the furniture industry. In 1924, the overhaul of the Pantlind was finished, with the addition of 750 rooms, making it one of the largest hotels in the Midwest. In 1925, Hotel Management Magazine named it one of the “ten finest hotels in America” for its luxurious design, exceptional service, and status as a key part of the city’s hospitality scene.

In the second half of the twentieth century, the hotel and downtown Grand Rapids experienced an era of decline as urban sprawl took hold. Shopping shifted to covered malls with ample parking on the city’s outskirts.

The Amway Corporation purchased the Pantlind Hotel in 1979 and for a brief period the hotel closed and underwent a substantial renovation that included the addition of 300 rooms and a 29-story tower.

It was during this renovation that the construction of two glass- enclosed skywalks took place, connecting the hotel to the parking garage across Pearl Street and to the Civic Center/DeVos Place Convention Center to the north. The skywalk system is known officially as the Grand River Promenade.

Today, the hotel continues to serve as one of Grand Rapids’ most significant landmarks, attracting both visitors and locals to its historic halls and has temporarily housed such prominent figures over the years as British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, President John F. Kennedy, and actor James Earl Jones.

Its grandeur and rich history, coupled with exceptional offerings continue to make this cherished landmark hotel a standout!

The Bars and Restaurants

 

Amway Grand
187 Monroe Ave. NW

MDRD (Pronounced: Madrid)
Spanish tapas restaurant located on the 27th
Floor of the Amway Grand Plaza Tower.
Sleek & upscale with a spectacular view!

Ruth’s ChrisSteak House
Elegant yet inviting restaurant where hand- picked steaks from the top 2% of U.S. beef are broiled at 1,800 degrees, and served alongs with fresh seafood, classic sides, and indulgent homemade desserts, all guaranteed to satisfy.

Kitchen by Wolfgang Puck
Scratch-made comfort food meets global favorites in a laid-back setting. From gourmet pizzas to fresh salads, noodles, and hearty entrees, each dish reflects Puck’s passion for great food and hospitality. Lumber Baron Bar Cozy, historic charm filled den, featuring a crackling fireplace, plush leather chairs, and a curated selection of premium drinks— some prepared tableside. Pair it all with a mouthwatering dish from Ruth’s Chris. Rendezvous Rendezvous, located in the Amway Grand, offers a lively atmosphere for craft cocktails, fine wine, premium beer, and light bites. Enjoy live weekend entertainment and don’t miss the bi-monthly “Perfect Pairing” wine tasting series. For details, call 616-776-3265.

IDC
A hidden gem with an ultra-exclusive vibe, this secret speakeasy blends club energy with a hip aesthetic, the perfect place for a selfie under its trademark neon sign. Sip on expertly crafted cocktails while soaking in the buzz of the street from a chic, covered balcony—perfect for people-watching and indulging in the city’s pulse, all under the cozy glow of patio heaters.

JW Marriott
235 Louis St. NW

Margaux
This concept combines the charm of a traditional French bistro with
the refined luxury of JW Marriott. Enjoy exceptional service, distinctive cuisine, and an atmosphere that elevates every meal.

JDek at Margaux
This edgy space serves up crafted drinks and urban flair in a stylish, lively atmosphere, complete with a year-round patio.

The Lounge at Margaux
Enjoy drinks prepared by some of the city’s best mixologists and live music.

Amenities

Both the JW Marriott and Pantlind (Amway Grand Plaza), owned by AHC Hospitality, offer luxurious accommodations and stunning views that will delight any traveler— coffee addicts included, with Starbucks at both locations. The JW Marriott recently completed a renovation, enhancing

its executive suites with spacious, elegant rooms and spectacular vistas. Both properties also feature ballrooms, conference rooms, and state-of-the-art electronic amenities for business and leisure guests alike.

Seraphina Salon & Spa at the JW Marriott
Seraphina Spa offers holistic treatments in a tranquil, modern space, designed to help guests relax, recharge, and find balance.

Celeste Salon & Spa at the Pantlind (Amway Grand Plaza)
Step into Celeste Salon & Spa, where a serene atmosphere is created for relaxation and rejuvenation. Swedish massages, hair styling, and manicures are offered to refresh and revitalize. Tranquil elegance and mindful care await.