JW Grand Rapids Issues
 

We have stayed at the JW Marriott in Grand Rapids almost every month since it opened and have constantly experienced problems with the pay-per-view InDemand service. I chalked this up to a new hotel network problem, but it has continued and is apparently a continuing problem with no predictable reliability. I wanted to take this opportunity to convey my disappointment with the JW brand in keeping this poor performing InDemand system. Not only can you not order movies without a microsoft type error bar popping up but the quality of the signal is, in some channels, less than standard definition. The staff is well aware of this problem and is powerless to do anything about it. If you are in Grand Rapids and are a platinum member, I would suggest you consider the Courtyard as their upgrades will frequently place you in suites vs. the concierge level. In addition, the floors leading up to the doors in the rooms are hardwood in the JW with a skirt around the door, leading to a very loud hallway. Lastly, compared with the Courtyard, the JW room are almost impossible to get comfortably cool, especially during the summer months. I urge Marriott to take a look at this InDemand contract in light of the issues that are apparently experienced by MANY guests.

Wow, that's a really specific gripe. I thought I was specific, but I can't imagine not staying in a hotel because of struggles with PPV ordering and streaming quality.

The wood hallways sounds potentially problematic although more attractive than a normal JW hallway.

I've never been there, but I know from this board that the JW Grand Rapids is loved by some members here and considered a great use of the 1-4 certs. Haven't heard the CY mentioned ever.

I understand your complaint, but in all honesty there is no comparison between the JW and the CY. There just isn't. The JW is a world-class stunner. The CY; well it's a CY.

it's interesting - same owners/management company at both hotels.....interesting that they must have different systems at the hotels

Hmm, this is the first negative thing I've read about the JW Grand Rapids on this board. I frequently use Cat 1-4 certs there, and they always take great care of me. I have experienced problems with on demand programming before (though not at this hotel), so I do understand those frustrations, but even still - I wouldn't even consider staying at the CY over this property given the option.

I can't imagine choosing a CY over a JW due to VOD difficulties. Agree with ohmark 100%.

BTW - if you're encouraging Marriott to 'take a look' at the VOD hiccups, I suggest you do so to the sr. management of the property. Posting here probably won't get it solved. ;)

Just curious - how do you know that "MANY" guests are being inconvenienced by an intermittant (although annoying) problem?

On a dif note. I've got 2 Cat 1-4s to use & might use them in LA at the LAX Ren if a trip happens, but if the trip doesn't happen I'm thinking of using them at the JW for a weekend & exploring downtown GR, etc. I don't usually watch VOD so that won't be an issue, and I always travel with earplugs so we'll see if the wood floors are a problem. I've heard a lot of good things about the GR JW, so wouldn't mind experiencing it for myself.

Cheers.

Surprised to hear...
 

I stay at the JW GR a few times a year and can not recall EVER hearing hall way noise, and I do not remember the halls being hardwood either, at least not on the Concierge levels. The rooms are immaculately better then any CY I have ever been in and honestly better then almost all Marriott or Ren I've been in as well. Perhaps you should just sign up for netflix, use redbox ($1 day so keep the movie 10 days and you still saved $!) or a streaming service to watch movies, use Blockbuster kiosk, download on itunes, at $15 a movie you'd easily be able to save money per movie watched, plus I know the rooms have media centers to hook up portable DVD players or laptops that connect to the TV to enjoy your media. All in all seems like a problem that if you've been staying there since it opened you would be prepared for and have a gauge for your expectations on a specific amenity such as in room movie options, but I also understand you want what is expected. Sorry to hear your many experiences at this hotel are negative due to the movies, good luck at the CY, I'll enjoy the steam rooms, and lounge with out ya :D

I almost never order movies so I have not had the issue but I have stayed at this porperty and LOVE IT!!!!
Free drinks in the CL! This is the only property in the US that I am aware of where you can have free beer, wine or mixed drinks in the CL.
I also love their breakfast. They offer eggs, bacon, sausage as well as many other items.
By the way did I say free drinks!

Ski - Wandering around is more fun during ArtPrize, but if you're going to burn the certs in early November, keep Restaurant Week in mind: http://www.restaurantweekgr.com/

Others - I've stayed at the JW 3 times in the past 2 years (staycations), and only had noise issues once. That said, try to get a room away from the elevator with a view down the river.

Upcoming stay at the JW GRR, not that familiar with downtown restaurants and would appreciate any recommendations. Also have a $50 in house food and beverage credit to use, is the hotel restaurant worth actually dining at for a full meal with my wife or should we use it for drinks and appetizers and eat outside the hotel?

Thanks FT'ers for any suggestions.

It has been awhile but we found the in-house restaurant nice. Not" hotel food" at all.

We were pleasantly suprised by the high quality of the restaurants in the area.

I live in the area, and have stayed at this property once. I've never eaten dinner there, but the breakfast was excellent. There is a Ruth's Chris Steakhouse a short walk from the JW. Louis Benton Steakhouse is also a reasonable walk from the JW, and I have always had very good meals there. For a more casual atmosphere and a more trendy menu, Rockwell's/Republic is one of my favorites. It is on Division, which is probably too far to walk, but it's worth a drive or a cab ride.

Thanks everyone for the tips! Very helpful and appreciated. Another friend not on FT recommended a place called Leo's also, anyone eaten there?

If you're looking to watch a movie, though, I'd recommend finding a cinema. ;)

Mike

Instead of mirroring my IPad on the hotel tv?