Last Saturday night during my bi-annual ladies night out with my gal pal, we decided to venture downtown having not a clue where we'd entertain ourselves for dinner.  Without much thought, staring at the blue lit building, we decided to venture into the newly opened exclusive JW Marriott for a peek.  What we discovered was much more than entertainment, as we stood in awe of one incredible magnificient masterpiece of design, cool elegance, and international delight.  Let me explain......

It really wasn't but a couple of steps into the main foyer when I realized this was not my grandma's hotel, for immediately my eyes fell upon colors of every liking specifically intended for world travelers.  Without hesitation and with the encouragement of the restaurant hostesses, we asked the concierge for a hotel tour.  Here's what I learned:

VISION -  Alticor having continued futuristic vision, knew that Grand Rapids is and will be a revolutionary city in the State of Michigan.  Just take one look around, and you will see the beginning rumblings of a new West Michigan.  The late Mr Jay VanAndel and the Alticor CEO's approached Mr Bill Marriott about having his premier hotel in Grand Rapids.  Bear in mind, only 37 JW Marriott hotels exist in the world, only 16 are in the US.  It is a great honor to have this hotel here.  This was one of the last projects overseen by the late Mr Jay VanAndel, and a Steelcase chair in his honor has been placed in every single room with distinction.

ARCHITECTURAL - I cannot even begin to describe the intricasies of all the architecture and design, from the flooring, to the walls, the furniture (all locally purchased and designed through Steelcase, Inc.), the wallpaper, the hardware etc., that complimented each other in every detail.  It was truly astonishing to observe the intense thought process and planning that went into this project.  I had to chuckle to myself, as even in the ladies room, the hardware used there mirrored the tiny design of the wallpaper.  It was truly amazing.

INTERNATIONAL DIVERSITY -  Grand Rapids Sister Cities International.  Unbeknownst to me, Grand Rapids has sister cities across the globe.  One floor is dedicated to each of these cities, and they are:  Zapopan, Mexico, Perugia, Italy; Omihachiman, Japan; Bielsko-Biala, Poland; Ga District, Ghana.  It was an amazing task undertaken by hired photographers who spent from one week up to one month in each of these cities, and brought back amazing photo shots displayed throughout each of these floors and the entire hotel.  It is said, one could spend one full day viewing and appreciating all the artwork brought into this hotel.  In addition, a Japanese and Spanish interpreter are on staff to assist world travelers from around the globe.  Grand Rapids is changing faces and putting on new colors.

ACCOMMODATIONS -   Don't think for one moment that extensive thought was not put into each room and hotel suite.  This particular evening we toured one of the Japan Suites, which was completely amazing in that each room hosted a 37" flat screen television, plus an entire technology access and docking station including a separate keyboard and mouse, and another huge flat screen monitor for your use.  The bed linens were of the finest, which you would expect from such a luxurious place.  Individual bedside attached lights were convenient for each guest, and the room telephone allowed you to freely roam the entire hotel while never missing a phone call.  Marble and textured flooring all added to the unique ambiance.  The views were absolutely spectacular.

DINING -   Our experience couldn't be complete without dining in the restaurant called SIX.ONE.SIX (our area code, of course!).  Not letting my senses quiet down for one minute, the restaurant was a delight.   My unique selection for the evening was a Pumpkin Pasta dish that had me "at hello".  Again, the environment was full of spectacular color, texture splashes, and streamline contemporary place presentations. 

THE EXTRAS -  Again, the planners didn't miss a beat.  From the indoor heated pool, to the spa, steam rooms and whirlpool tub, everything fit into the complete landscape of its cool environment.  Particularly sweet was their distinctive executive boardrooms that couched the softest leather seats I'd ever felt.  I knew where my next board meeting needed to be!   Conveniently included is the much needed Starbucks for that morning cup a jo'.

As you can tell, our evening of "what do we do tonight" turned into an evening of delight and wonder.  What man can plan, build, execute and bring to the masses is truly a gift.  I was delighted to unwrap this jewel and consider it a new beginning to our changing Grand Rapids landscape.  It is far more reaching than it's four corners, and has already hosted many from around the globe.

OH DID I MENTION??  YEAH, THERE'S A HELICOPTER PAD ON THE TOP OF THE HOTEL IN CASE YOU NEED A QUICKER LANDING.  THAT'S MY NEXT ADVENTURE.......