Hotel & Travel Information

SAE International has made every effort to secure the best possible group nightly room rate for you at this event. That rate results from a negotiated overall package of event needs such as sleeping rooms, meeting room space and other requirements. Contracts with the venue include a provision to reduce event costs if SAE meets or exceeds its minimum sleeping room block guarantee. Conversely, event costs will increase if SAE falls short of its minimum room block guarantee. Please help SAE keep the costs of this event as low as possible by booking your housing needs at the designated host hotel and through the reservation process created by SAE. Reserving elsewhere means you are booking outside the contracted room block, jeopardizing SAE's ability to meet its contracted obligations and to keep registration fees to a minimum. SAE appreciates your support and understanding of this important issue. Thank you.

Amway Grand Plaza Hotel
187 Monroe NW
Grand Rapids, MI

SAE Group Rate: $168.00 per night single/double occupancy
Check-in: 4:00pm/Check-out: 12:00 Noon

• All attendees are responsible for their own lodging and travel arrangements.
• A block of sleeping rooms has been reserved at the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel.
• Reservations must be made through Orchid Event Solutions by Friday, April 26, 2013 by calling 800-847-5810 North America or 801-521-9025 International or through our on-line connection: Hotel Reservation Link

Complimentary self-parking
$25 per night for valet parking

The Amway Grand Plaza is conveniently located in the heart of the downtown Grand Rapids' business and entertainment district. At the crossroads of both US-131 and I-196, the hotel is easily accessible and just a brief 18-minute drive from Gerald R. Ford International Airport. The preferred airport for Amway Grand Plaza is Grand Rapids, MI (GRR-Gerald R. Ford Intl.)

US - 131 Northbound (arriving from the South)
Exit 85B at Pearl Street. At the bottom of the ramp turn right onto Pearl Street. Cross the river and the Hotel is on your left (approximately one quarter mile from the highway) Valet parking is available on the left, and self-parking on the right.

US - 131 Southbound (arriving from the North)
As you approach the downtown area, the traffic will narrow to two lanes. Stay to the right. It then adds an exit only lane on the far right. Stay in the center lane and follow the signs that say "downtown" (the extreme left and right lanes will exit). At the bottom of the ramp, turn left onto Pearl Street. Cross over the river and the Hotel will be your left (approximately one quarter of a mile from the highway). Valet parking is available on the left, self-parking is available on the right.

From I - 96 Westbound (from Lansing/Detroit)
Follow I-96 West to the Grand Rapids area. Take I-196 West (also called the Gerald R. Ford Freeway) to Downtown Grand Rapids. Then take exit 77-C, Ottawa Avenue. Go three blocks to Pearl Street. Turn right. Go one block and a half. The Hotel is on the corner of Pearl and Monroe.

From Chicago/Indiana via I - 94 East
Take I-94 to I-196 North/East to Grand Rapids. Continue on I-196 (also called the Gerald R. Ford Freeway) into downtown area. Take Exit 77-C, Ottawa Avenue. Go three blocks to Pearl Street. Turn right. Go one block and a half. The Hotel is on the corner of Pearl and Monroe.

From Holland via I - 196 East
Take I-196 East to Grand Rapids. Continue on I-196 (also called the Gerald R. Ford Freeway) into downtown area and take exit 77-C, Ottawa Avenue. Go three blocks to Pearl Street. Turn right. Go one block and a half. The Hotel is on the corner of Pearl and Monroe.

From Gerald R. Ford International Airport
As you leave the airport, take a right at the first traffic light, Patterson Avenue. Go about two miles to 28th Street and turn right. Go about one-half mile to I-96 West to Grand Rapids. Then take I-196 to Downtown Grand Rapids. Take exit 77-C, Ottawa Avenue. Go three blocks to Pearl Street. Turn right. Go one block and a half. The Hotel is on the corner of Pearl and Monroe.

Use the link below to access a Google map of the Amway Grand Plaza's location. If you enter your address, you'll get driving directions that will ensure your arrival to the hotel is hassle-free.

Get Driving Directions via Google Maps

Ground Transportation:
Car Rental:
Rental car agencies are located at the far end of the airport's east ticketing wing. Rental car ready & return spaces are located within walking distance of the terminal building.
Avis Rent-A-Car - 800-230-4898
Budget Rent-A-Car - 800-527-0700
Hertz Rent-A-Car - 800-654-3131
National Car Rental - 800-227-7368

Taxi:
Calder City Taxi - 616-454-8080
Fare to downtown Grand Rapids is approximately $25 (U.S.).

• Complimentary internet per night in each guest room occupied in the SAE International room block
• 24-hour room service
• Selection of in-room movies
• Convenient Web TV
• Hair dryer, iron, and ironing board
• Daily housekeeping, Turndown service
• 24-hour on-site security
• Electronic locks for added security
• Clock radio

• Business Center
  Open from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. After those hours, you can contact the front desk for assistance with your business needs.
• Concierge Service
• Fitness Center
  Located on the Glass Tower side of the hotel, on the fourth floor. It features an indoor swimming pool, hot tubs, sauna, full-service locker rooms, full cardio workout facilities, tennis courts, a racquetball court, dumbbells and weights. Unlimited use of the center is only $5 per day, per room for up to 4 guests.
  Fitness center hours:
  Monday - Friday: 5:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.
  Saturday: 8:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.
  Sunday: 8:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.
• Hotel Shops
  Browse the Plaza Essentials Gift Shop for a great selection of merchandise or stop in the Plaza Men's Shop for a wide range of business and casual attire and accessories. You can also explore several boutiques, shops, and art galleries including: Boutique Emmanuel, DeJonge Portrait Studio & Gallery, and Eastern Floral & Gifts

• Amway Grand Plaza Hotel - Dining
• Amway Grand Plaza Hotel - Ruth's Chris Steak House
• Amway Grand Plaza Hotel - Cygnus 27
• Amway Grand Plaza Hotel - GP Sports Bar
• Amway Grand Plaza Hotel - Bentham's Riverfront Restaurant
• Amway Grand Plaza Hotel - Cornucopia Deli
• Amway Grand Plaza Hotel - Garden Court Lounge
• Amway Grand Plaza Hotel - Lumber Baron Bar
• Amway Grand Plaza Hotel - Starbucks
• Amway Grand Plaza Hotel - Downtown Grand Rapids Starbucks

• Visit Grand Rapids Web site