Beer City, USA. The Craft Beverage Capital of America.

Is Grand Rapids, Michigan, a mid-sized city located a stone’s throw east of the shore of the great Lake Michigan deserving of these lofty monikers? Can it possibly live up to such hype? You bet it can and does. Here’s why.

Over the past few years, Grand Rapids has been voted Beer City USA in national polls and named Best Beer City, Best Beer Town, and Best Beer Scene by readers of USA Today national daily newspaper. Its Beer City Ale Trail boasts an incredible 80+ breweries. When you think about it and do the math, that is more craft beer per square mile of city than nearly anywhere else in the world.

Whether you are a casual fan or a deep devotee of beer in its many varieties and forms, you owe yourself a visit to Grand Rapids, and the perfect way to do this is a Beer City getaway weekend. While winging it may work for many getaway weekends, a perfect Beer City getaway weekend should include some planning so you can get the most out of your trip. Here are the top three things to consider when planning your trip:

Seek out deals!

Do you appreciate the convenience and cost savings of package deals? Of course you do! And here’s the perfect package deal that we built specifically for your perfect Beer City, USA getaway weekend: Holiday Inn Grand Rapids Downtown’s Beer City Package. Our newly renovated hotel is packed with amenities and most importantly is conveniently within walking distance of many of the attractions and breweries of Grand Rapids. But there’s more to the deal than a stay at the hotel. When you book a Beer City package, it also includes the following:

A Standard Queen Room:

• $20 Breakfast Credit at Burger Theory, located right at the hotel
• $20 Gift Card to Founders Brewery, one of the most popular craft breweries
• A complimentary cooler and set of Grand Rapids beer glasses to help commemorate your weekend

What’s your taste?

So, what’s your type? Not that type, your beer type, meaning your taste in beer. Are you an ale man? A golden pilsner gal? Sours to stouts, the many breweries of Grand Rapids have it all, so feel free to sample away. While many of Grand Rapids’ breweries cover the gamut of beer types in their offering, some are known for specific kinds. It’s best to do a bit of research in advance so you can be sure to quaff some of your favorite types of beer alongside sampling new styles.

Location, location, location!

As the realtors among us so eloquently put it, location is everything, and your perfect Beer City getaway weekend plans should take into consideration a place that is centrally located and accessible to many breweries and attractions. As our name implies, the Holiday Inn Grand Rapids Downtown is in the heart of downtown, easily within walking distance from many of the local breweries. You won’t need to waste time zipping around town, instead, you can optimize your beer experience. You can also book a cab, Uber, pedicab, or horse-drawn carriage ride around town. Now that’s the way to see the sights and drink local beers.

Summing it up

Grand Rapids, Michigan has solidly earned the title of Beer City USA. With the 80+ breweries on its Beer City Ale Trail, beer fans and aficionados owe themselves a visit. Plan the perfect Beer City, USA getaway weekend by booking the Holiday Inn Grand Rapids Downtown’s Beer City Package, a solid deal that includes several great perks, and the hotel is located a short walk or ride from many of the downtown attractions and breweries. Be sure to do a bit of research on which breweries serve your favorites styles so you can enjoy them alongside sampling many new ones.

SEE YOU IN BEER CITY!