WHAT’S NEW

NEW AND AWAITING YOU

Discover some of Michigan’s newest attractions and venues By Chris Williams

VAN DYK MORTGAGE CONVENTION CENTER, MUSKEGON

WHILE 2020 KEPT MANY TRAVELERS AT HOME, 2021 is seeing corporate meetings, weddings and other events ramping back up. As people begin to travel again, Michigan has a number of new hotels, venues and other attractions ready to welcome them. Here are just a few of the latest developments.

MEET AND RELAX

In May 2021, the Edsel and Eleanor Ford House in Grosse Pointe Shores opened its first expansion in more than 90 years, a 40,000-square-foot visitor center featuring a restaurant, four event spaces and exhibition areas.

“Our goal is to weave together the Ford family legacy with 21st century technology,” said Ford House president and CEO Mark Heppner. “This milestone expansion project was designed with the visitor experience top of mind. The brand-new, state-of-the-art visitor center is our commitment that Ford House will always be an inclusive community destination.”

The Lake Shore Room and the St. Clair Room both open onto balconies and patios to offer breathtaking views of Ford Cove and Lake St. Clair. The Jensen and Kahn rooms are indoor spaces with access to a tented patio; the rooms can be rented separately or combined. Three conference rooms are available to meet a variety of needs for businesses. All are equipped with the latest audio/visual technology.

In downtown Grand Rapids, the Amway

Grand Plaza, Curio Collection by Hilton

has added embellishments to its properties, taking its premier status to the next level. It has undergone a $40 million facelift, updating the glass exterior of its signature tower, which includes 659 luxury guest rooms. “Grand Rapids continues to upgrade its infrastructure to enhance the visitor experience and reinforce its status as a top three Midwest convention city,” said Janet Korn, senior vice president of Experience Grand Rapids. The Amway and two other hotels (1,209 rooms total) connect to the city’s state-of-the-art convention center via a climate-controlled skywalk. Ten additional hotels (1,351 rooms) are located within easy walking distance, including Canopy by Hilton — part of the Studio Park project with 155 hotel rooms. It is located just south of the 12,000-plus seat multi-purpose Van Andel Arena, which celebrates its 25th anniversary in 2021.

The Van Dyk Mortgage Convention Center and Delta by Marriott opened in April 2021 to offer a year-round destination for groups, businesses and travelers. The venue offers 37,700 square feet of event space, with capacity ranging from five to 2,750. These spaces offer gorgeous views of Lake Michigan, 13 breakout rooms, complimentary Wi-Fi and covered parking.

“Muskegon has become a popular summer destination due to its proximity to major roadways, location on Muskegon Lake and Lake Michigan, and its growing downtown entertainment district with over 20 walkable res-

GOLF SPA SHOP DINE MEET

GRAND TRAVERSE RESORT AND SPA

GET UP AND GO

Expansive views and limitless venues. The inspiration of a Northern Michigan meeting is more than a vineyard board room, private beach reception, or group sail at sunset. More than renowned service or distinct personalization. It’s having all of those things at your fingertips. You won’t believe it if you haven’t seen it. Get up and go at grandtraverseresort.com/meetings.

taurants and bars,” said Katie DeWeerd, director of sales. “VanDyk Mortgage Convention Center offers all brand-new, state-of-the-art, in-house audio and visual capabilities in our meeting spaces. We can cater to any event — no matter the need. ”

Attendees seeking lodging can stay at the newly renovated Delta Hotels by Marriott Muskegon Downtown, a 200-room hotel attached to the center that also features a restaurant and bar with outdoor patio. Across the street is the Shoreline Inn Hotel and Conference Center, a 140-room hotel that is adjacent to the Lakehouse Waterfront Grille, recently named one of Michigan’s top waterfront restaurants by MLive.com.

Hope College’s Haworth Inn and Conference Center in downtown Holland

completed its $7.5 million renovation in May 2021 to debut the Haworth Hotel. “This transformational project includes all hotel and conference rooms, and it features an open and welcoming layout with a centralized lobby and various touchdown work and social spaces to connect and relax,” said Holli DeWaard, creative director at Holland Convention and Visitors Bureau.

STAY AND PLAY

In addition to new event venues, hotels across Michigan also offer new options for those traveling for work or pleasure.

In Port Huron, the City Flats Hotel is located on the Black River. This boutique hotel offers several comfortable rooms, each with its own unique decor. The hotel occupies the former Michigan National Bank building, a historic piece of architecture in downtown Port Huron. Rooms on the third floor opened in 2021, and rooms on the fourth floor are expected to be available in 2022.

The City Flats Hotel leverages its distinctive architecture to create a one-of-a-kind venue for gatherings. “We’re focused on a great guest experience,” said Riley Carter, the hotel’s assistant general manager. “We want it to be fun and casual; every room is just so unique here.” With room for up to 300 guests,

HAWORTH INN, HOLLAND

PURE MICHIGAN YOUR NEXT MEETING HOME

The pandemic required us to do things differently – and because of that, we’ve become creative in the use of our incredible outdoor spaces here in Michigan. While we stand ready to support traditional meetings in a high-class hotel ballroom or expo center, we are also filled with innovative and unique ideas that will allow you and your guests to continue enjoying the natural beauty in our state from hybrid and micro-meetings to drive-in and outdoor meetings. Here in Michigan, your options are endless.

From vibrant downtowns filled with shops and eateries, to crystal-clear waters, countless trails and an abundance of golf courses and ski resorts, Michigan is ready to be the home for your next meeting, regardless of season.

To learn more and see what unique possibilities await you and your next meeting, visit MeetingsMichigan.com.

Three Reasons to Consider Michigan:

•Affordable luxurious hotels and resorts, and new and renovated airports •Award-winning communities, beaches, forests, parks and the most public golf courses in the U.S. •100+ wineries and a top 10 craft beer state

Destination Details:

We offer a way to connect with Michigan destinations through a one-stop-shop experience. Based on the goals and objectives of your event, we will help find the perfect destination.

MeetingsMichigan.com

300 N. Washington Square • Lansing, MI 48913 734.646.0791 • kim@destinationmi.com

CITY FLATS HOTEL, PORT HURON

the ballroom maintains the building’s original marble and features to provide a gorgeous location for weddings, dinners and conferences. The hotel offers onsite catering with a number of different options, as well as stateof-the-art lighting and sound.

Onsite are also several dining options, such as the Kitchen, a casual cafe offering coffee, specialty drinks and baked goods. The Bar offers indoor and outdoor seating, depending on the season, for patrons to enjoy beer, wine, liquor and small plates as they watch the Black River. The Fair Weather Grill offers a variety of lunch and dinner options to enjoy in a shaded outdoor area. The Floats is a floating barge complete with picnic tables where you can enjoy drinks.

The Courtyard Marriott in Lansing Downtown is an ideal location for meetings, with 1,808 square feet of space and three customizable meeting rooms. Located in the heart of the city’s Stadium District, it’s near the Capitol and just a short walk from the Lansing Center, Jackson Field and numerous businesses. It’s also close to college campuses and hospitals, as well as popular local attractions like the Impression 5 Science Center. The clean and comfortable hotel offers 120 rooms and suites over its four floors, with a variety of amenities, including an onsite fitness center, complete with free weights, treadmill and a Peloton bike. The Courtyard Marriott is an ideal location for meetings, with 1,808 square feet of space and three customizable event rooms, including two breakout rooms. The hotel is also a popular destination for weddings, reunions, showers and social hours, with a unique menu, personalized meeting planners and more.

Those making a trip “up north” can enjoy the newly opened Fairfield Inn and Suites in Marquette. The first Marriott property in the Upper Peninsula, this lakeside hotel features 92 rooms, an indoor pool and complimentary hot breakfast each morning.

The hotel is located in Marquette’s downtown area, nearby UP Health System, Northern Michigan University and local businesses. Within walking distance are also numerous unique opportunities to shop, play and eat, including Drifa, Michigan’s first craft brewing co-op.

Meeting planners looking to capitalize on Michigan’s splendor to enchant their guests will find much to appreciate about this pristine area. “Lake Superior, which is right across the street, is a big draw, as is hiking and biking,” said Susan Estler, executive director for Travel Marquette. “That’s what brings people here.”

BLUE WATER AREA CVB bluewater.org 800.852.4242

DETROIT METRO CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU visitdetroit.com 800.338.7648 EXPERIENCE GRAND RAPIDS experiencegr.com 800.678.9859

HOLLAND AREA VISITORS BUREAU holland.org 800.506.1299

GREATER LANSING CVB lansing.org 517.487.6800 TRAVEL MARQUETTE travelmarquette.com 800.544.4321

VISIT MUSKEGON visitmuskegon.org 800.250.9283

COURTYARD MARRIOTT LANSING Get Connected