“ok if you're only priority is saving some money”
1. My non-smoking room reeked strongly of cigarette smoke so I had to move to a diff one. There was no bellhop nor 2nd person at the front desk so I had to move all my luggage myself, which was a huge inconvenience. 2. Later I needed to call the front desk and discovered the phone in my room was not operable, because the actual cord that plugs into the wall was MISSING. I went down to the desk and they attempted to find an extra cord, but I was sure motels don't just have extra telephone cords laying around; and I was correct. They had no other solution for me except to move again, and I refused and suggested an alternative -- that they pull the cord from a different, empty room and bring it to my room so I can use my phone for the 3-day stay there. This was done, but only after I came up with the solution myself and at another inconvenience to me. 3. The ac/heating unit in my room was malfunctioning in that the OFF setting did not work. I had to keep plugging it in and unplugging it whenever I wanted to use the ac/vent. Since I had already pre-paid for my stay through Expedia, I highly doubted I would be able to get any kind of refund back on my credit card, so instead I just asked for a checkout time that was 4 hrs later than normal since my flight to leave town wasn't until much later. The manager, Crystal (whom was very nice and courteous) regrettably said she can only allow me to stay until 2pm, so I accepted my losses and said ok. I will never return to Baymont again.
Area recommendations
Upon returning to Grand Rapids in the future, I would only opt to stay downtown where there are a few high-rise building, nicer restaurants, and a better and safer atmosphere.
Getting around
Public transportation seemed non-existent in Grand Rapids, so make SURE you have a rental car!
Must see
The Frederick Meijer Garden and Sculpture Gardens is a huge indoor and outdoor facility not far from the airport. It is one of the most open and relaxing plant and sculpture conservatories in the nation, with a good amount of displays and interactive activities geared towards children. It is not to be missed when you are anywhere near the city, and well worth even a 2-3 hour drive.
Dining
Make sure to pick up the magazine available for Grand Rapids visitors at the info desk when you are at the airport. It will save you a lot of time on the internet trying to find art, culture, events, restaurants (especially nicer ones), and activities to do!
