April 14, 2018

The Amway Grand Plaza Hotel

The next post in our series will highlight the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel, the venue for StokerCon™ 2019.

Construction of the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel (then known as the Pantlind Hotel) began in 1913, and by 1925, the hotel was listed as one of the ten finest hotels in America. The Pantlind Hotel thrived until the late 70s, when the hotel (and Grand Rapids in general) fell out of favor for the area’s suburbs. The Amway Corporation then acquired the building, refurbished the entire structure, added a massive glass tower with more modern architecture, and renamed it the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel. The renovation sparked a renaissance in the downriver area, and Grand Rapids once again flourished. The hotel now offers two different room experiences-the classic Pantlind style, and a newer, contemporary look. StokerCon™ 2019 has guest rooms blocked off in both parts of the hotel.

The Amway Grand Plaza Hotel’s convention space features two dozen meeting rooms, including the Ambassador Ballroom, awarded by Smart Meeting Magazine in 2014 as the Best Ballroom in the country. StokerCon™ 2019 events will be held fourteen different rooms (including the Ambassador Ballroom), all located in the historic Pantlind section of the hotel. In fact, the Bram Stoker Awards® after-party will be held in the Pantlind Ballroom, known to be the most haunted location in the hotel. All sessions and events will be held on the second and third floors of the convention space, no more than a two-minute walk from one end to the other.

The venue also features various dining options inside the hotel, including a Starbucks. Attendees can experience fine dining at Ruth Chris Steakhouse, The Kitchen by Wolfgang Puck, or Cygnus27, or grab a made-to-order breakfast or lunch at The Kitchen Counter by Wolfgang Puck. Not in the mood for fancy? Try the GP Sports bar for burgers, pizza, and beer. Prefer a quiet drink at the end of the day? The Lumber Baron is an old fashioned, wood-paneled bar specializing in fine bourbons and whiskeys.

One of the biggest draws the venue features is the plethora of eateries within walking distance. These include common fares such as Panera, Biggby Coffee, and Subway. But the area offers other choices, most with more budget-valued menus. Like tapas? Head over to San Chez, probably the most popular restaurants in the downtown area. Enjoy an inexpensive, adventurous breakfast? Walk a few minutes to Sundance and sample their Bloody Mary BLT for $9. Expect more blog posts in the coming months exploring these various dining options.

Lastly, the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel offers amenities like a pool, sauna, spa services, exercise room, free WiFi in guest rooms, safe deposit boxes, luggage storage, 24-hour on-site security, and a full-service concierge.

Come join us next May at the gorgeous Amway Grand Plaza Hotel, for StokerCon™ 2019.

388 days and counting.

Don’t miss out.