Popular Hotels near John Ball Zoo

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Grand Rapids Hotels Recommended for You

Discover our trending hotels close to John Ball Zoo

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Holiday Inn Grand Rapids Downtown
4.3/5103 Reviews

Holiday Inn Grand Rapids Downtown

Grand Rapids|2.19km from John Ball Zoo
The pool is tiny unlike the pictures. There were not enough towels in the room (said they would send up and never did) and amenities like shampoo were minuscule. Then we could not get into our room due to low battery. We waited in the hallway for 10 minutes after the front desk cleared this up until a very nice maintenance man fixed it up. Breakfast is not included. The hook on the bathroom door was broken and hanging by a thread. The air conditioner blasts directly onto your bed. The bathroom is very very small. There’s no Kleenex and insufficient toilet paper. I don’t usually hate on places but for what we paid - exceeding even prices in CA - it was sad. Two stars for nice shuttle service and nice service at the bar. Do not stay here if you can help it.
JW Marriott Grand Rapids
4.4/5100 Reviews

JW Marriott Grand Rapids

Grand Rapids|2.52km from John Ball Zoo
With a stay at JW Marriott Hotel Grand Rapids, you'll be centrally located in Grand Rapids, just a 4-minute walk from DeVos Performance Hall and 6 minutes by foot from Van Andel Arena. This upscale hotel is 1.2 mi (1.9 km) from Downtown Market and 1.6 mi (2.6 km) from John Ball Zoo.Pamper yourself with a visit to the spa, which offers massages, body treatments, and facials. You're sure to appreciate the recreational amenities, including an indoor pool and a sauna. This hotel also features complimentary wireless internet access, concierge services, and gift shops/newsstands.Enjoy a meal at the restaurant or snacks in the coffee shop/cafe. The hotel also offers room service (during limited hours). Quench your thirst with your favorite drink at the bar/lounge. Full breakfasts are available for a fee.Featured amenities include a 24-hour business center, limo/town car service, and express check-in. Planning an event in Grand Rapids? This hotel has 1389 square feet (129 square meters) of space consisting of conference space and meeting rooms. Self parking (subject to charges) is available onsite.Make yourself at home in one of the 333 guestrooms featuring refrigerators and Smart televisions. Cable television is provided for your entertainment. Private bathrooms with separate bathtubs and showers feature designer toiletries and hair dryers. Conveniences include phones, as well as safes and desks.
Courtyard Grand Rapids Downtown
4.3/5102 Reviews

Courtyard Grand Rapids Downtown

Grand Rapids|2.52km from John Ball Zoo

Latest booking 14 hrs ago

We stayed here after a holiday party that was at the Courtyard Marriott. I have the Bonvoy app and checking in was a breeze and I love the keyless key - where your phone is the key. The room was on the 4th floor overlooking the parking ramp with a half view of the river. Since we are from GR, this didn't bother me, especially because we were not in the room except to sleep. Room is smaller than a normal hotel room but sufficient and nice, it was updated but still shows remnants of the old decor/ style. The bathroom is small, outdated and the shower is not well planned, you have to step into the shower to turn it on and you get blasted with cold water before you can move - multiple people said this that stayed there. However, the room and bathroom were clean and the bed was comfortable. We had no complaints for noise or the heat. Getting to our room was almost like going through a maze. The elevator was on the other side of the hotel from our room and we had to walk quite a ways to get there. Lobby is clean and bright, hotel has a bar / restaurant, parking on premise or next door, and close to everything downtown. I would recommend people to stay here, better price point than some of the more ritzy hotels.
Amway Grand Plaza, Curio Collection by Hilton
4.2/599 Reviews

Amway Grand Plaza, Curio Collection by Hilton

Grand Rapids|2.53km from John Ball Zoo
This hotel takes up an entire city block. The sitting areas in the huge lobby are beautiful. We had avery nice meal at the on site Wolfgang Puck Restaurant and a reasonably priced breakfast at another of his eateries. Our king bedded room was adequate but not spacious, while the bathroom was small and lacking in space for toiletries. The hotel is located near the Ford Presidential Museum, which was very convenient.
AC Hotel Grand Rapids Downtown
4.2/549 Reviews

AC Hotel Grand Rapids Downtown

Grand Rapids|2.64km from John Ball Zoo
With a stay at AC Hotel by Marriott Grand Rapids Downtown, you'll be centrally located in Grand Rapids, just a 4-minute walk from Van Andel Arena and 6 minutes by foot from DeVos Performance Hall. This hotel is 0.7 mi (1.2 km) from Downtown Market and 1.6 mi (2.5 km) from John Ball Zoo.Enjoy the recreation opportunities such as a health club or make use of other amenities including complimentary wireless internet access.Enjoy a satisfying meal at AC Lounge serving guests of AC Hotel by Marriott Grand Rapids Downtown. Buffet breakfasts are served on weekdays from 6:30 AM to 10:00 AM and on weekends from 7:00 AM to 11:00 AM for a fee.Featured amenities include complimentary wired internet access, a business center, and express check-in.Make yourself at home in one of the 130 guestrooms featuring refrigerators and flat-screen televisions. Complimentary wireless internet access keeps you connected, and satellite programming is available for your entertainment. Private bathrooms with bathtubs or showers feature rainfall showerheads and complimentary toiletries. Conveniences include phones, as well as safes and desks.
Homewood Suites by Hilton Grand Rapids Downtown, MI
4.3/5101 Reviews

Homewood Suites by Hilton Grand Rapids Downtown, MI

Grand Rapids|2.79km from John Ball Zoo
The price is OK!

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Searching for hotels near John Ball Zoo? Compare room rates and reviews to find your ideal stay.
Amway Grand Plaza, Curio Collection by Hilton

Amway Grand Plaza, Curio Collection by Hilton

4.2/599 Reviews
This hotel takes up an entire city block. The sitting areas in the huge lobby are beautiful. We had avery nice meal at the on site Wolfgang Puck Restaurant and a reasonably priced breakfast at another of his eateries. Our king bedded room was adequate but not spacious, while the bathroom was small and lacking in space for toiletries. The hotel is located near the Ford Presidential Museum, which was very convenient.
Homewood Suites by Hilton Grand Rapids

Homewood Suites by Hilton Grand Rapids

3.8/590 Reviews
I was very impressed with this hotel! The staff is so friendly and accommodating. The lobby area was beautiful with tile and wood and a pretty gas fireplace. The bedrooms are so spacious and clean. And the bed was really comfortable. Overall we just loved our stay and would definitely recommend to others. The room rate was really great as well!
Hilton Garden Inn Grand Rapids East

Hilton Garden Inn Grand Rapids East

4.4/5102 Reviews
We stay in many Hilton properties as HH diamond members. This Hilton Garden Inn is one of the BEST we have found. Check-in was fast and flawless. Our room was clean, comfortable, and spacious. The staff was attentive and helpful. The breakfast was excellent - fresh, tasty, plentiful and the service was great. We could not have asked for more. Hilton is a premium brand and the people at this place really do hospitality right. Thanks for a great overnight visit!
Embassy Suites by Hilton Grand Rapids Downtown

Embassy Suites by Hilton Grand Rapids Downtown

4.6/5102 Reviews
Hygienic: clean and tidy Environment: Comfortable and hygienic Service: OK
Quality Inn Grand Rapids North Walker

Quality Inn Grand Rapids North Walker

3.4/591 Reviews
Overall the facilty is good. As most motels, regular upkeep is needed and upgrading some equipment is required. The room use older heating/cooling units that can be difficult to set a comfortable room temperature. The room I'm staying in now, the low fan setting does not work while the heat is on. Many motels equal to this one has a better selection on TV channels. I'm not into sports or network news thus I am limited as to what I can watch, After a full day of driving, it would be nice to relax with some shows(channels) that I'm use to. A positive note is the evening desk clerk. I haven't stayed here for a few months, but as soon as I walked into the lobby, Beth the evening desk clerk, recongnized me and welcomed me by name. That adds a special touch to the end of a rough day. She is always pleasant and always has a smile. After being in my room for about 15 minutes, she called to see if the room wa ok. Hope she never leaves this facility as I feel she is a valuable asset!
CityFlatsHotel - Grand Rapids, Ascend Hotel Collection

CityFlatsHotel - Grand Rapids, Ascend Hotel Collection

4/5101 Reviews
If there is one consistent complaint I have about many hotel rooms is that there are not enough electrical outlets (or they are poorly located) and that there is only one mirror - in the bathroom an often steamed up! I was astounded that City Flats had multiple outlets in both bathroom, sleeping areas (we have 2 CPAP machines) and the desk area. Great shower. Loved the untypical arrangement of the 2 full size beds - it was almost as there were 2 separate bedrooms. Hotel was super-quiet during our two night stay, Very short walk to VanAndel Arena as well as a multitude of restaurants & bars. The only negative we found was the parking deck around the corner and the difficulty of unloading luggage/checking in before parking car. Our view was an exposed brick wall, but in the end did not matter as it kept the room super dark allowing us to easily sleep in after a fun night in Grand Rapids!

Frequently Asked Questions

Grand Rapids Travel Guide

Brief Description of John Ball Zoo

John Ball Zoo is a popular attraction located in Grand Rapids, Michigan. It is home to over 1,800 animals from around the world, making it a must-visit destination for animal lovers of all ages. The zoo offers a unique experience, allowing visitors to get up close and personal with a variety of exotic creatures.

Must-Experience Things and Uniqueness of John Ball Zoo

  • Explore the African Savanna exhibit, where you can see lions, giraffes, zebras, and more.
  • Visit the South American Rainforest exhibit and encounter colorful birds, monkeys, and tropical plants.
  • Don't miss the Chimpanzee Exhibit, where you can observe these intelligent primates in their natural habitat.
  • Experience the Budgie Aviary, where you can feed and interact with friendly birds.
  • Catch a glimpse of fascinating underwater creatures at the Aquarium.
  • Enjoy the daily animal shows and educational presentations.
  • Take a ride on the zipline, offering a unique aerial view of the zoo.
  • Participate in the zoo's conservation efforts by learning about endangered species and sustainable practices.

Better to Know Before Visiting John Ball Zoo

  • Plan your visit during weekdays to avoid large crowds.
  • Check the zoo's website for the most up-to-date information on exhibits and shows.
  • Wear comfortable shoes and dress according to the weather, as most exhibits are outdoors.
  • Bring sunscreen, hats, and water bottles to stay hydrated.
  • Consider purchasing tickets online in advance to skip the ticketing line.
  • There are several dining options available within the zoo for a quick bite or a leisurely meal.
  • Some exhibits may have limited accessibility for strollers or wheelchairs.

Transportation Near John Ball Zoo

Traveling to John Ball Zoo is convenient, with several transportation options available. The closest airport is Gerald R. Ford International Airport, located approximately 15 miles away from the zoo. For those arriving by train, the Grand Rapids Amtrak Station is about 4 miles away. It is advisable to check the schedules and availability of public transportation options to plan your journey accordingly.

Tips for Booking Hotels Near John Ball Zoo in Grand Rapids

  • Consider staying at hotels within walking distance of the zoo for convenience.
  • Look for hotels that offer amenities such as complimentary breakfast, free parking, and Wi-Fi.
  • Read reviews and check ratings of the hotels to ensure a comfortable and pleasant stay.
  • Compare prices and book directly through the hotel's website or trusted travel booking platforms.
  • Consider booking a hotel with a swimming pool or fitness center for additional relaxation and recreation.
  • Check if the hotel offers shuttle services to the zoo or nearby attractions for added convenience.
  • Book in advance, especially during peak seasons, to secure availability and potentially get better rates.
  • Don't forget to inquire about any special packages or promotions offered by the hotels near John Ball Zoo.
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