UFS - Grand Rapids

[River Rat]

Where is everyone staying (that is not obviously local) while over in GR?  I'm debating between "downtown" and within walking distance or saving a few $$ and staying further out.  That, of course, leads to how much $$ is really saved once you account for the gas/driving and parking fees.  I do know I'm not paying $199 per night at the Marriot!

Just curious...

[McCarter]

Im staying in a van down by THE RIVER

McCarter himself

[Dan]

The one thing Grand Rapids doesn't lack is motels and restaurants. As far as parking goes, there are a number of ramps, one directly across the street from the show, but there is also metered parking in some areas that is only twenty-five cents an hour. If you get there early that metered twenty-five cent parking is on Monroe, which is the street the show entrance is on. That cheap parking is north on Monroe just north of Michigan. If you are at the show entrance and look down Monroe north, Michigan is the traffic light intersecting Monroe. Those meters are just beyond the overpass that you see by the Grand Rapids Press building and they are only on the west side nearest the river.
Staying outside of the downtown area is not a problem. The show is right off the expressway so you can get to it very quickly.
I would be inclined to stay in the Grandville area. Priceline has Residence Inn for $79 and  the Super 8 in Hudsonville for about $55. You could try Hotwire and it may be cheaper. Residence Inn is rated better and is right across the street from Rivertown Mall. It  is within walking distance of the Mall and a bunch of restaurants. The Super 8 is right off the EWay and isn't bad at all. It is not too far from the Rainbow Grill for eats. The Rainbow has some pretty good eats, nothing fancy.  From the Super 8, in Hudsonville, you can be downtown at the show in 10-15 minutes.
There are a bunch of guys that can give you more info. Waterfowl, Cy, etc. are Grand Rapidians, and as it gets closer to March 18th there should be lots of chatter.

[mikesmiph]

I was looking at the new Holiday Inn downtown. I get priority points

[Eric]

The last 2 years there has been a lot a few blocks west of the expressway that has been free, but also they have had shuttle buses continuously looping form the lot to the show.  I can't remember the street and I'm sure my slightly redneck hillbilly country directions won't be as good as some of the citydwellers, so I'll leave that up to them.

[Waterfoul]

You can park a few blocks north of Devos Place on Monroe... right by the river.  You can then walk along the banks all the way to the Devos.  Kind of a decent walk especially if you've not been here before.  Sidewalk all the way.

As for Hotels... the ones mentioned are decent places for sure.  You might also try the Radison on Ann St.  No idea what their prices are... I live here!  LOL!!  There is also a hotel at the West River ave. exit right across the street from the baseball park... not sure what chain... it's another easy commute.

[thedude]

free lot with the shuttle (also free) is off of Seward Ave, North of Bridge St (Lake Mi. Ave). Its by the YMCA.

[LipRip]

Im staying in a van down by THE RIVER

McCarter himself

I'd like you to meet Matt Foley, brians alter ego!

[Waterfoul]

I already told McCarter this but you can all take advantage:

The houses on either side of mine have been forclosed.  Simply let yourselves in... start a nice fire in the middle of the living room... and party like it's not your house!

Issue solved.  You're welcome.   

[mikesmiph]

And, we can run next door and use the shower, right?

[Waterfoul]

Well, there's a small lake across the street.  I'd be willing to drill a bunch of 8" holes for you guys to wash up in because that's the kind of friend I am.  Always willing to help a friend out.

[bigjc]

free lot with the shuttle (also free) is off of Seward Ave, North of Bridge St (Lake Mi. Ave). Its by the YMCA.

You have room for at least a half dozen of us don't ya?

[dartag]

Take the steelhead gear.  been over there a couple times in the last 2 weeks and have stopped at the 6th street dam and watched the guys fishing the river.  sure looks cold but have seen a few guys hook up with some silver fish. 

[macbass]

well the rumor that was going around the west side was that waterfoul was going to start a bed and breakfast...so for 10 dollars a night you can stay at waterfouls and he will get up early and fix you all breakfast and send you all on your way to the show...and all this before he goes to work...thanks mike LMAO....

[thedude]

free lot with the shuttle (also free) is off of Seward Ave, North of Bridge St (Lake Mi. Ave). Its by the YMCA.

You have room for at least a half dozen of us don't ya?

i guess that depends on if you want a bed or a cold concrete floor to sleep on?

[McCarter]

i can sleep standing up. 

McCarter himself

[Skulley]

If my son and I go, it will just be for the day.  Not planning on staying in GR. 

BD       

[Mike S.]

You can park at the ramps across the street for 5 or 6 bucks.  And, there are plenty of motels to stay in in that area.  Me, I'm sleeping at home, 30 minutes from GR.

[ROI Outdoors]

If anyone doesn't mind driving 20 minutes there are few Amish Heated Ice Shanty's on the lake behind my house.  Ammenities include 2-3 inch gills and snowmobiles going by you at 70 mph.  Please see the Campau-Kettle Lake Lodging site @ www.worstlakeinmichigan.com for availablity.