A Luxurious Ada Staycation

My husband and I met at a hotel. One that we both worked in, in NYC. We have stories we could tell, boy, it’s an exciting ride. We helped provide excellent service to celebrities and tourists and everyone in between. In 2022, we left it behind and decided to change direction, settling into Grand Rapids. At a decidedly slower pace, we have been working a little at When in Rome- not expecting too much in the way of Vibe or a scene, enjoying cultural offerings but laying lower than was our custom.

Thus, it was kind of a big deal for us to check out the newest hotel in the area from our many years of service perspective. We decided a staycation was in order, and the best time to do it? Celebrating my husband’s birthday.

Ada Hotel, the three-story, 37,000-square-foot, 36-room hotel that opened on August 23, 2024, pays homage to a previous hotel that was a central focal point in Ada Village for years. Walking in on a busy Friday evening, we could feel the buzz in the place, and sensed we may have come upon the Vibe we haven’t seen for some time. We felt welcome immediately with generous smiles and hellos from the front desk. Our lovely front desk clerk was expecting us, even asked me how she might pronounce my name, as she wanted to make sure she said it correctly. For someone who has heard mostly incorrect pronunciation of her name all her life, it was a great personal touch. A swift check in process and we were on our way. The room quality spared no expense, or so it seemed, as we took in the gorgeous bathroom tile, the brass, the linens and the curtains and to bring it all together, the wonderful lighting. Despite the comfort and luxuriousness, we tore ourselves away and went up the grand stairway to the outdoor bar area at Rix, which overlooks the Thornapple River. Indoor meets outdoor meets fabulous with knock out cocktails and craft beers from the area. A fire was lit, more folks came in and the buzz grew. In looking around at the great crowd, I had the feeling that I was in an oversized home away from home-super fabulous living room adorned with gorgeousness. The design of the hotel (Dixon Architecture and OTJ Architects) nailed it. Cohesive color schemes and a variety of textures, leather, wood, textured fabric all was so fun to look at, touch and experience. We easily got lost, looking out at the tree tops, while the clouds rolled by.

We eventually moved downstairs to try The Post, the more casual bistro style restaurant on the lobby level. While waiting for our table, we became acquainted with their Sip it Forward program. I loved the postal style slots they have above the bar for keeping the drink you purchase for your friend or loved one until they come by to redeem it. What a lovely idea! Our server was very helpful and efficient, producing our requests in no time, like magic from the kitchen. You must try the steelhead chowder and the Shepherd’s pie was completely satisfying.

One of the nicest things about the hotel is the artwork. Even their TVs depict art when not on to show the game or other. Throughout the hotel, there are pieces of art depicting the founders of Ada Village, homages to the trading post that made this spot a town to begin with. Masterfully framed and notated, it was a welcome relief from the usual generic feeling one gets from hotels.

Our staycation at Ada Hotel was a wonderful success. We look forward to making this our home away from home on many occasions to come!