DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Grand Rapids Airport

Karisa (Event Coordinator) and the rest of the staff at the Double Tree Hilton in Grand Rapids did and exceptional job. Since we had a winter wedding and there was more availability, Karisa was able to give us her full attention. The Double Tree was really a one stop shop for almost everything we needed. It lifted an enormous burden from us by having just one person to contact to coordinate everything. We were worried a hotel would be beautiful, but the Double Tree was! They provided up-lighting in house and chair covers through Sitting Pretty (no extra charge) as well as ceiling draping (not free). Having those contacts as part of the hotel takes out a lot of stress in trying to coordinate additional vendors, instead Karisa handled it all. Having all our guests stay at the same place as the reception meant we didn’t have to worry about people getting home. They also allowed us to use the airport shuttle to get the bridal party to the ceremony as well as grandparents, all w/ a driver. Working w/ Karisa was phenomenal. She set up a timeline to make sure we had everything planned when we should, which made sure we weren’t making all our decisions at the last minute. The chef was very helpful in working w/ us to make sure we loved our menu but weren’t busting our budget. Throughout the entire process Karisa coordinated w/ all the staff at the hotel so we only had to worry about one point of contact. She was able to expand the room block (helped the hotel wasn’t busy). Many guests remarked at how surprised they were at just how kind and accommodating the hotel was. Extending and altering stays w/o upcharges or fuss. Karisa sent us the room block periodically so we knew who was booked. For the big day, Karisa did all the coordination work w/ hotel staff, our Mistress of Ceremonies (highly recommend appointing someone) and the DJ to make sure everything was where it was supposed to be when. We truly didn’t have anything to worry about w/ the venue on the big day. She worked w/ us to plan the table layouts: where cake/guestbook/wedding favors/head table(s)/DJ/Photobooth/Dance floor/table arrangements would all go. No one had to miss anything to help, w/ proper planning and coordination they were able to set everything up w/ time to spare. Thanks to all the planning/coordination we were able to enjoy the night uninterrupted. That’s really the most you could ever ask for w/ a venue, and the Double Tree crushed it. The food was superb. It all tasted delicious and all of our guests remarked how impressed they were. The bar packages were great, w/ a lot of ways to manage. Many options for what to provide and how to pay for it. Our guests had a great time, and the bar staff did a tremendous job. No one had any complaints, only more positive feedback! When the night finally drew to a close the staff made sure to carefully pack up the leftover donuts (we didn’t do cake) for us. They also took good care of all the special wedding stuff we’d brought (cake cutting knife, bride/groom champagne glasses, etc.) and made sure we got it. They were all very kind and courteous the entire weekend. The hotel bar was great and offered a limited menu perfect for snack food when people got into the hotel and to hang out. The Ganders restaurant was great to have for breakfast (we didn’t do a formal brunch) and offers a menu as well as buffet breakfast that were both very good (albeit not free). Overall, thoroughly impressed and satisfied!