Inside Downtown GR’s Convention Neighborhood

DeVos Place boasts more than 240,000 sq. ft. of convention, ballroom and meeting space overlooking the Grand River. With input from Steelcase – a Grand Rapids company recognized as the global leader in workplace environments – it incorporates many design and technology innovations that help people and businesses make more effective connections. It also features a 2,500-seat performance arena that can be booked for meetings and conventions.

Thirteen downtown hotels – six brand-new within the past few years – offer a wide range of budget and amenity options. The Amway Grand Plaza, Curio Collection by Hilton, JW Marriott Grand Rapids and Downtown Courtyard Marriott are linked to DeVos Place (and each other) in our skywalk system.

Additional national hotel brands include AC by Marriott, Canopy by Hilton, Embassy Suites, Hampton Inn & Suites, Holiday Inn, Homewood Suites by Hilton, Hyatt Place and Residence Inn by Marriott. CityFlatsHotel delivers a boutique hotel experience.

Prefer not to walk? Hop on a free DASH shuttle or Rapid bus. Taxis, trolleys and horse-drawn carriages are also readily available. Ride-sharing choices include Lyft, Runabouts, SteadyFare and Uber. Need advice or assistance? Look for the many Certified Tourism Ambassadors™ who staff our hotels, shops and restaurants – they’ll be wearing a CTA pin.

Your attendees can travel the campus with confidence – Grand Rapids has been named the second most secure large city in America, and roaming Downtown Ambassadors patrol the area seven days a week.

Grand Rapids is accommodating to wheelchair users and other visitors with special needs. Our Accessibility Guide highlights accessibility features at 50+ hotels, attractions and other points of interest. Downtown buses are also accessible for mobility aids such as wheelchairs and electric scooters. We’re proud to have been named America’s #2 best city for people with disabilities – and we’re constantly striving to get even better.

Meet smart, stay comfortably and indulge in all kinds of play in one compact, convenient place – downtown Grand Rapids!

DeVos Place is conveniently connected via climate-controlled skywalk to three hotels, five parking structures and Van Andel Arena, multipurpose facility. Attendees can attend your convention, dine at 10+ restaurants, take in a show and enjoy a good night’s sleep – all without ever stepping foot outside.

Let’s face it, every city says it’s walkable – but Grand Rapids has the receipts to prove it. We were named one of the 14 most walkable cities in the U.S. in 2020 on the strength of our downtown experience. And there’s so much to see on a leisurely stroll, from the outdoor sculptures and murals lining sidewalks to the historic bridges and natural wonders along the riverwalk. Our Downtown Refreshment Area also allows visitors enjoy a craft beverage while taking in the sights.

Grand Rapids has been hailed as Michigan’s Best Food City – and our plethora of downtown restaurants is a major reason why. There are more than 140 restaurants in the convention neighborhood, ranging from upscale steakhouses and wine bars to pizza and burger joints. Eight downtown breweries (did you know Grand Rapids is Beer City USA?) serve up fantastic food along with delectable craft beers, ciders and spirits. Many eateries are also equipped for outdoor dining – in every season! The best part is, you're always a short walk away from a delicious meal when you're downtown, so you'll have no shortage of options for lunch or dinner in between meetings.

Dozens of downtown entertainment venues present a mix of live music, DJs and dancing, comedy shows, games, televised sports action and more. The Studio Park entertainment complex includes a nine-screen movie theatre, concert space and outdoor piazza for events. Live theatre, ballet, opera and symphony companies present a regular slate of performances.

Culture vultures rejoice: The Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum, Grand Rapids African American Museum & Archives, Grand Rapids Art Museum, Grand Rapids Children’s Museum, and the Grand Rapids Public Museum are all located within a few blocks of DeVos Place. These are ideal day diversions for families traveling with attendees, as they offer hours of fun and entertainment.

60+ downtown stores cater to those in need of some retail therapy after (or between) a busy convention schedule. Shop for art, clothing, gifts, specialty food and more.  Don’t miss the Downtown Market Grand Rapids, a local foods emporium that’s home to 20+ gourmet food vendors and restaurants. From boutiques to independent bookstores to vinyl records, Grand Rapids has it all.