TownePlace Suites by Marriott Grand Rapids Airport Southeast

The hotel is highly regarded for its full kitchenettes in every room, providing a home-like convenience that significantly enhances longer stays and offers budget-friendly dining options. Guests consistently highlight the spacious rooms, overall cleanliness, and the generally friendly staff as key strengths. The complimentary breakfast also receives frequent praise for its variety and quality. Its strategic proximity to the airport makes it an ideal choice for travelers flying in or out, while its pet-friendly policy caters to those traveling with animals. This hotel is particularly well-suited for business travelers seeking extended accommodation, families benefiting from the room size and kitchen facilities, and individuals or couples looking for a comfortable and convenient base. To ensure a restful stay, guests are advised to request a room away from the front side or fire pit area to minimize potential noise disturbances, and to fully utilize the in-room kitchen amenities for added comfort and savings.

Facilities & Amenities
Guests consistently appreciate the comprehensive kitchenette or full kitchen found in each room, which includes a fridge, dishwasher, plates, cups, pots, a toaster, coffee maker, and a stove top, making it feel like a home away from home. The fitness center is described as solid and well-equipped with ellipticals, treadmills, weights, and mats, catering to guests' workout needs. The pool is generally clean and popular, especially with children, though many guests note it is often freezing cold and lacks a hot tub. A convenient laundry facility is available for guest use. While free Wi-Fi is provided, some guests report issues with connectivity. Other amenities include ice machines on every floor, and an outdoor seating area with a fire pit, which is popular but can be a source of late-night noise. The elevators are noted for being spacious and smooth, and vending machines are also on-site.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
The hotel generally receives high marks for its cleanliness, with many rooms described as spotless and well-maintained. Guests frequently commend the spacious and roomy accommodations, often highlighting the comfortable beds and high-quality linens that contribute to a restful night's sleep. The modern and updated look of the rooms is also a positive aspect. However, noise is a significant and recurring concern; many reviews mention paper-thin walls and considerable traffic noise from outside, which can be disruptive throughout the night. The fire pit noise from the patio, particularly late into the evening, also frequently disturbs guests on the front side of the hotel. Some guests have reported issues with pillows not being comfortable, and a few isolated but severe instances of ants or even fleas in rooms. The bathroom design is mixed, with the motion-sensor light being a common complaint for nighttime use, and some noting a lack of fans or vents.

Dining & Food Quality
The complimentary breakfast is a consistent highlight for many guests, often described as very good, delicious, and offering a nice selection. The spread typically includes waffles, oatmeal with various toppings, eggs, sausage, fruit, breads, and cereals, providing a substantial start to the day. The coffee is generally well-received. However, some guests find the breakfast to be merely adequate or "just okay," with occasional comments about food not being consistently warm. There are also instances where the breakfast area can become crowded, leading to delays in accessing popular items like toasters or pancake makers, which can result in food cooling down before consumption. A few isolated reports mention issues with the quality of certain items, such as weak coffee or even curdled milk.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's location is a major advantage, particularly for air travelers, as it is conveniently situated very close to the airport, typically just a five-minute drive away. A complimentary shuttle service to and from the airport is available and generally efficient. The property also offers easy access to the highway, facilitating travel to other areas. While not directly in a bustling downtown area, it is within a short driving distance of various downtown activities and restaurants. A gas station with a Subway is conveniently located right outside the hotel, providing immediate access to snacks and quick meals. Parking is generally plentiful and close to the entrance. However, some guests note that beyond the immediate vicinity, there are limited dining or grocery options, and the airport shuttle service is not always available 24/7 or consistently reliable.

Staff & Service
The majority of guests commend the friendly staff for their helpful, attentive, and professional demeanor, which significantly contributes to a positive overall experience. The check-in and check-out processes are frequently described as quick and efficient. Many appreciate the staff's willingness to accommodate requests and provide local recommendations. Housekeeping is generally praised for maintaining clean rooms. However, a notable number of reviews highlight significant concerns regarding staff competence and accountability, particularly concerning billing disputes and unauthorized charges. Some guests reported staff being dismissive, unresponsive to complaints, or failing to follow through on promises, leading to frustration and a perception of poor management. There are also isolated reports of staff being less engaged, such as being on personal phones, or issues with the consistency of the shuttle service availability.

Additional Information
The hotel operates a pet-friendly policy, though some guests find the associated daily fee to be quite high. The property is particularly well-suited for long-term stays due to the comprehensive in-room amenities like the full kitchenettes and laundry facilities. Guests should be aware of the hotel's key card for lights system, where removing the room key from a slot turns off all power, which can be inconvenient if one person leaves the room. A recurring issue highlighted by guests is the hotel's noise policy regarding the outdoor fire pit area; despite stated closing times, noise from this area often continues late into the night, disturbing guests in adjacent rooms. Furthermore, there are multiple reports of guests experiencing issues with unauthorized charges after checkout and significant difficulty in resolving these with hotel management.