Vacation Homes, VRBOs, and Airbnb in Grand Rapids: 15 Properties for an Blissful Holidiay

written by local expert Andrej Paskalov

A soon-to-be psychology graduate with an interest in traveling, adventure gear, and cognitive science. Andrej is an avid fan of music, classic cinema, and all things Gothic. Whenever he's not testing out travel gear or adventuring in the outdoors you can find him playing the guitar at home.

Adventuring in the Midwest is bound to take you through some interesting places, but you’d be doing yourself a disservice if you didn’t book an Airbnb in Grand Rapids to start with. 

Thanks to a lot of blood, sweat, tears, and the mighty Grand River, GR evolved from a modest trading community into the so-called Furniture City, a moniker it wears proudly to this day. 

The end result? One of the fastest-developing and best-looking cities in the States today (not to mention a major beer industry kingpin).

Any city that’s contributed so much to the country’s culture and economy must be doing something right, so we’ve laid out 15 of the best Grand Rapids vacation homes, VRBOs, and Airbnbs for your consideration.

Editor’s Note: Please note that Airbnb recently made changes to their program so in this article, we are including links to other options like VRBO or Booking.com which have much lower booking fees.

15 Best Airbnbs in Grand Rapids

Check out our top picks for the 15 best Airbnbs in Grand Rapids, Michigan!

Downtown Artist Guest Studio

Downtown Artist Guest Studio (CITY CERTIFIED)
Images courtesy of Airbnb

Type: Entire Home (1BR, 1B)

Location: Downtown

Superhost: Yes

Price: $

This Grand Rapids vacation home creates a stimulating environment for creatives to do what they do best.

A lot of properties brand themselves as artist retreats but come across as passé. This apartment definitely doesn’t have that problem. Not a single piece of decor feels out of place, and you’ll even have a piano to plonk away at! 

The kitchenette and bathroom are top-notch, and you get to wake up in a comfortable king bed with a soothing window view. Also, the patio comes equipped with a barbecue grill, perfect for a late-night cookout.

Downtown is a great place to stay to see the best of the city, and sports lovers will appreciate the disc golf course and the abundance of parks in the area.

Why We Love It: Genuinely stylish apartment in an amazing location. 

What Past Guests Have Said: “This was a perfect stay for 2! Everything was so clean and decorated so cute. I would highly recommend this place! It was close to all our reservations. Oliver did a great job making this home comfy and cozy!”

“Oliver’s place was sparkling clean, super cozy and his communication was awesome! It was the perfect little place for an overnight stay in Grand Rapids.”

View on Airbnb

Downtown Chic Apartment w/ Private Balcony

Downtown Chic Apartment PVT Balcony
Images courtesy of Airbnb

Type: Entire Home (2BR, 1B)

Location: Downtown 

Superhost: No

Price: $

This apartment is the yardstick by which all Grand Rapids vacation homes should be measured, and it’s extremely affordable to boot!

The open floor plan combines a superb kitchen, a cushy living area, and spectacular window views to create the ultimate interior. The comfortable queen beds will have you sleeping like a baby, and even your pets can tag along for an additional fee.

With all that said, the best part is probably the fire pit-equipped balcony. You just can’t put a price on a spectacular sunrise over a gorgeous city. Topping everything off, the amazing location lets you walk to the YMCA, DeVos Place, and just about everything else in the downtown area.

Why We Love It: Cozy rental with one of the best views in the entire city.

What Past Guests Have Said: “Beautiful apartment for a getaway! The apartment was spotless with a gorgeous view out the window. Communication with David was easy and reliable.”

“David is an awesome host who outshines the others that I’ve booked with so far! I booked his location again considering that my last experience was so great and he was also able to extend my stay to one more night in such short notice. He’s quick with his responses and a delightful host!”

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Studio Near Downtown

STUDIO with kitchen, near Downtown, Heritage Hill
Images courtesy of Airbnb

Type: Entire Home (1BR, 1B)

Location: Heritage Hill

Superhost: Yes

Price: $

Applying the tried-and-true formula of “less is more”, this airy Airbnb in Grand Rapids is unlike any other rental in the area.

As far as the basics go, you get a comfortable queen bed and a kitchen that’s absolutely spectacular for the price range. The apartment’s most charming feature would have to be the “wine and dine corner”. This little nook gives you a great window view and the potential for a truly romantic night. Also, there’s a guitar in the TV room to help you serenade your better half!

Anyone who’s been to Grand Rapids can tell you how amazing the Heritage Hill neighborhood is, since Grand Rapids Art Museum, DeVos Place, and the downtown area are all practically right next door.

Why We Love It: Affordable retreat for a couple near all the happenings in GR.

What Past Guests Have Said: “Great little weekend spot. It was within walking distance of downtown and the river!”

“The apartment was a great spot with plenty of space for 2 people! Good location, clean, and awesome communication with the hosts!”

“Everything as advertised, a cozy place in a beautiful home in a great location.”

View on Airbnb

Modern Apt 2mi to Downtown

Modern Apt | Walk to Restaurants | 2mi to Downtown
Images courtesy of VRBO

Type: Entire Home (2BR, 1B)

Location: Just outside Downtown Grand Rapids

Superhost: Yes

Price: $

It’s hard for a rental to distinguish itself when the local competition is so great, but this Grand Rapids vacation home truly is a standout.

Boasting a sleek kitchen and two breathtakingly beautiful bedrooms, this apartment is all about making its guests feel attended to. The living room and dining area are where you’ll be spending most of your time, thanks to all the natural light and open space, and the porch and backyard are absolutely divine.

Chances are you won’t be pulling your car out of the driveway either, as all the best spots in Grand Rapids (most notably Downtown) are within walking distance!

Why We Love It: Elegant apartment mere minutes from Downtown.

View on VRBO

La Vie Rustique

La Vie Rustique
Images courtesy of Airbnb

Type: Entire Home (1BR, 1B) 

Location: North East Citizens Action

Superhost: Yes

Price: $

If you’re looking for a quieter place to stay, this vacation rental in Grand Rapids is by and large your best budget option.

The house turns the concept of vintage living on its head with its alluring living area (complete with a fireplace and piano), adorable kitchenette, and retro bedroom that feels paradoxically modern. This is also a great place to catch up on your reading, courtesy of the immeasurably scenic patio and garden.

Although you’ll be staying in a peaceful neighborhood, many of the city’s more understated attractions will be right at your doorstep. Even still, you can reach Downtown Grand Rapids relatively quickly if you want to shake things up.

Why We Love It: Serene house with a beautiful garden in a quiet residential area.

What Past Guests Have Said: “Spacious and warm home. We felt so at-ease coming back to this space after cold days exploring the area. Ten out of ten!”

“Cute and quaint basement with a private entry off of a suburban home. The fireplace really warmed the place up and the games were nostalgic. Kornelia was willing to give extra suggestions of sites and eats due to Covid restrictions and provided snacks and refreshment options. Very welcoming and comfortable stay.”

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Spacious Historic Home

Spacious Historic Home
Images courtesy of Airbnb

Type: Entire Home (3BR, 2B)

Location: Heritage Hill

Superhost: Yes

Price: $$

Anyone who can appreciate old-school homes with a lot of history will feel right at home in this charming retreat. Winning a Historic Preservation Award is no small feat!

If your idea of a good time is relaxing in a rocking chair in front of a fireplace, this Grand Rapids vacation rental is perfect for you. The three bedrooms are all very distinct in their presentation, and the kitchen is spacious and incredibly sunny. The old-timey aesthetic is at its most striking on the patio, which offers a great view of the other historic houses in the neighborhood.

Heritage Hill finds a happy medium between peaceful and well-connected. While the immediate area is nice and tranquil, you can reach Downtown and a number of great locales in minutes flat.

Why We Love It: Rustic house tucked away in a great neighborhood.

What Past Guests Have Said: “Absolutely lovely home in a lovely neighborhood! Very much meets every expectation we had from previous reviews and the additional maps of location places to checkout was super helpful.”

“This place is an absolute gem. Out of the many Airbnbs/rentals I’ve stayed in over the past few years, Jeff and Steff’s house is one of the best. It’s beautiful inside and out, the design is impeccable, and honestly this place was cleaner than my own house. And the beds were so comfortable!! The location is great too — not only are you walking distance to coffee shops, bars/restaurants but the neighborhood is super walkable and felt very safe. Jeff and Steff were super responsive and check-in/out instructions were very straightforward. Overall I can’t say enough about staying here.. my friend and I wanted to live here!”

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Luxury 2BR Penthouse in Downtown GR

Luxury 2BR Penthouse in Downtown GR
Images courtesy of VRBO

Type: Entire Home (2BR, 2B)

Location: Downtown

Superhost: Yes

Price: $$

You can throw a stone in a random direction downtown and follow it to find an amazing apartment… Better yet, cut out the middleman and book this spectacular Grand Rapids vacation rental!

Who needs movie nights when you have floor-to-ceiling windows in the living room and sky deck? Aside from the amazing downtown views, the apartment features two luxurious bedrooms and a kitchen right out of your wildest dreams.

If you feel like mingling with other Grand Rapids visitors, head on over to the building’s elegant lobby or community room. From there, step out into the very heart of the city with your new friends and do some sightseeing.

Why We Love It: Arguably the best value for money you can hope to get in a Grand Rapids vacation home.

View on VRBO

Luxe 2-Bedroom w/Garage

Calvin Univ Breton Village Luxe 2-Bedroom w/Garage
Images courtesy of Airbnb

Type: Entire Home (2BR, 1B)

Location: Right by Breton Village & Calvin University

Superhost: Yes 

Price: $$

Grand Rapids vacation homes in the suburbs offer a unique perspective on what makes the city so great, so consider booking this fabulous condo for your vacation.

The sunny living area is one that any good house should aspire for, and the same goes for the well-stocked kitchen and spacious bathroom. What really sticks out about this rental, however, are the queen bed and two single beds… If you have trouble getting out from under the covers in the morning, these bedrooms won’t exactly make things any easier.

Located right next to Breton Village and Calvin University, and only 10 minutes from downtown, the area is a great hub of operations for your exploration of the city.

Why We Love It: Extremely comfortable rental close to everything noteworthy in the city.

What Past Guests Have Said: “Mindy’s place won’t disappoint! It was so close to a lot of activities that we wanted to do. Mindy even gave us tips where to go and we sure appreciated them. The beds were very cozy and there wasn’t any item in the kitchen or bath that was lacking. My daughter was able to do her Virtual online schooling during the week as the WiFi worked great. A major bonus was the attached garage especially since it was snowing and we didn’t have to worry about clearing off our van. We would definitely stay again when we visit Grand Rapids. Thanks again for the fun week!”

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The Amberg House – a Frank Lloyd Wright Original

The Amberg House – a Frank Lloyd Wright Original
Images courtesy of Airbnb

Type: Entire Home (2BR, 1B)

Location: Heritage Hill

Superhost: Yes

Price: $$

You could pick a Frank Lloyd Wright-style interior out of a hundred-house lineup… if you don’t believe us, take a look at The Amberg House, located in Heritage Hill.

This Grand Rapids vacation home is a beautiful guest suite in one of the city’s most breathtaking constructions – just spending 10 minutes under the vaulted ceiling in the main house’s living room is worth the price of admission.

Plus, this home has a super cool history as Wright designed it in collaboration with Marion Mahony, the first woman licensed architect in the United States.

As for your private quarters, the charming kitchen, bedroom, and living area haven’t aged a day, and you can practically feel your stress melting away in the “contemplation zone”. We would be remiss not to mention the exterior, which features, among other things, a fire table and a cascading waterfall. 

Why We Love It: Incredible guest suite in one of the city’s most historically significant houses.

What Past Guests Have Said: “We could not have been happier with our visit. It was such a special opportunity to stay in a FLW house. Moreover, Scott and Deb were extraordinarily welcoming, from greeting us upon our arrival, checking in to see how we were doing, and providing a tour of the rest of the house. They could not have been more generous in both their time and attention to detail. It was the perfect birthday / Valentine’s day weekend getaway and one we will remember for a long time to come.”

“The owners really went above and beyond to make sure we had everything that we needed and wanted, even down to the smallest details. The home is so beautiful, I’m honored to be able to be to stay in this amazing place. Scott is very helpful and friendly, you will feel like family if you stay here.”

View on Airbnb

Insider Tip: Since things are pretty spread out in Grand Rapids, having a car is essential to make the most of your trip. Click Here to check out rental car options and get ready to hit the road!

Condo Downtown Grand Rapids

Condo downtown Grand Rapids
Images courtesy of Airbnb

Type: Entire Home (1BR, 1.5B)

Location: Downtown

Superhost: Yes

Price: $$

This vacation home in Grand Rapids does away with the tacky gimmicks that plague most couples getaways – think of it as a stylish loft that just so happens to house two guests. 

The first thing you’ll want to do in the morning is stretch out in front of the fireplace in the bright and airy living area. If you’re feeling particularly romantic, whip up a meal in the kitchen and serve it in the dining nook, or admire the city from the comfort of the patio. 

The location of the house couldn’t be more central, so round off your amazing vacation with dinner at one of the countless fancy restaurants in the area. 

Why We Love It: Fancy retreat for two in the very heart of the city.

What Past Guests Have Said: “Melissa was a gracious and communicative host; she messaged with us before to coordinate our arrival time and check-in. The condo itself was stylish, immaculately clean, and well stocked with kitchen supplies. We loved the open layout and felt comfortable settling in immediately! Due to Covid mandates and the NY holiday, there weren’t a ton of shops open or activities (we anticipated this), but the apartment is in the perfect location to have meal delivery from pretty much any type of restaurant you could imagine. We even had some groceries delivered from Shipt! We enjoyed having a new space to chill out for a few days and this was the perfect spot. Other bonuses w this stay: homey comforts like extra throw blankets and pillows, stress-free checkout process, and tons of close-by parking. Thank you, Melissa, for hosting us in your super-cool condo! We hope to return soon so that we can enjoy a bit more of what GR has to offer.”

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Executive 2BR w/ Balcony in Downtown GR

Executive 2BR w/ Balcony in Downtown GR
Images courtesy of VRBO

Type: Entire Home (2BR, 2B)

Location: Downtown

Superhost: No

Price: $$

Whether you’re looking to have a wholesome family holiday or an adventure-filled weekend with your besties, this Grand Rapids vacation home has got you covered.

Open-concept living is all the rage these days, and in our estimation, this apartment pulls it off better than most. The immaculate kitchen transitions seamlessly into the living area, which in turn connects to a balcony with a jaw-dropping view. 

All the sunlight pouring into the apartment will have you up bright and early for a day of fun. Add three comfortable beds, two amazing bathrooms, and a central Downtown location to the mix, and you’re left with a truly special rental. 

Why We Love It: Sunny and stylish apartment that can house a decent-sized group.

View on VRBO

Live Like a Local

Live like a local – Fresh & Bright – Walk Score
Images courtesy of Airbnb

Type: Entire Home (2BR, 1B)

Location: East Hills

Superhost: Yes

Price: $$

A good way to immerse yourself in a city’s culture is to stay in a rental that’s faithful to the local style, like this vacation home in Grand Rapids.

Bright, modern, and easy to look at, the apartment’s living room and bedroom are beautifully put together. Between the solid kitchen and the elegant hardwood finishes that define the interior, there’s little you could add to this place to make it any better. The decorative touches are kept to a minimum, but they sure look good nonetheless!

Finally, East Hills is home to some of the best cafés and restaurants the city has to offer, and you’ll be minutes from the fabulous downtown area too. 

Why We Love It: Inviting apartment that’s a home first and a rental second. 

What Past Guests Have Said: “Bruce’s place is a cozy, stylish flat with plenty of space, adequate amenities (including cookware), and great light! Close to some of the best restaurants & coffee shops in Grand Rapids. The Eastown / Cherry Hill neighborhood is my favorite in town- would definitely recommend staying, especially for first time visitors to Grand Rapids! Easy contactless check in, too.”

“We booked Bruce’s place for a quick weekend away for a little change of scenery. It’s a super cute space and the location is fantastic. We had a great time and the kids keep talking about going back.”

View on Airbnb

Walk to Downtown Attractions

Walk to Downtown Attractions. Gourmet Kitchen
Images courtesy of Airbnb

Type: Entire Home (2BR, 1B)

Location: Heritage Hill

Superhost: Yes

Price: $$

You’ll be doing a lot of walking around town during your vacation, so book this conveniently situated Grand Rapids vacation home to make things easier.

The interior keeps things elegant and to-the-point in both the cozy living room and the 2 bedrooms. Featuring a mix of single and double beds, as well as a sofa bed, the condo can comfortably sleep up to 8 guests.

Believe it or not, this place’s secret weapon is actually the kitchen, which has to be one of the best in town, even counting bistros and restaurants! Should you want to eat outside, however, Heritage Hill is close to all the best joints in Grand Rapids.

Why We Love It: Cozy condo with plenty of space and an amazing kitchen.

What Past Guests Have Said: “Alex’s place was perfect for my husband, dog, and I to relax at for a few days after skiing up north. The apartment was just as described – if not better – and my husband said the kitchen was the nicest kitchen out of any Airbnb we’ve ever stayed at (a lot). It was located in more of a neighborhood but was only a short 15-20 min walk downtown and to other main streets where there were a lot of restaurants, bars, and shops. Check in was a breeze – Alex sent instructions beforehand and we didn’t have an issue, and Alex was also super quick at responding to my messages. “

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Downtown Luxury

Downtown Luxury – Walk Everywhere – Onsite Parking
Images courtesy of Airbnb

Type: Entire Home (2BR, 1B)

Location: Heritage Hill

Superhost: Yes

Price: $$$

Staying downtown is a luxury in and of itself, doubly so if you can snag this incredible Grand Rapids vacation home for the weekend.

They don’t call it Furniture City for nothing – the two bedrooms look stunning, and the house pampers you to such a degree that the living room desk can be adjusted for sitting or standing. Cooking enthusiasts will get a kick out of the fancy kitchen, and your meals will taste all the sweeter in the dining room, which is a great example of minimalistic design done right. 

If you’re not much of a cook, a leisurely stroll through Heritage Hill will take you past a number of great restaurants. Whatever it is you’re hoping to get out of your trip, you’ll definitely find it downtown!

Why We Love It: Sizeable house with one of the best locations in Grand Rapids.

What Past Guests Have Said: “We were blown away by the ease of checking in, and the cleanliness of the space. Thank you!”

“Beautifully updated historic home in a perfect location for exploring Grand Rapids. We enjoyed several of the restaurants right around the corner and the kitchen was well stocked for cooking some meals in. Very comfortable for our family of 4 including 2 young kids. Kelly & Jeff really thought of everything you might need while traveling! Would definitely stay here again if we return to Grand Rapids.”

View on Airbnb

Cozy Grand Rapids Getaway

Cozy Grand Rapids Getaway
Images courtesy of Airbnb

Type: Entire Home (2BR, 1.5B)

Location: West Grand

Superhost: Yes

Price: $$$

It takes a great deal of restraint to draw the line between tasteful and kitschy, and it’s obvious that a lot of thought and care went into setting up this Grand Rapids vacation rental.

To start with, the hardwood floors in this house are the perfect accent to the living area’s furniture, fireplace, and piano. The kitchen and two bedrooms keep things simple yet appealing, and there’s something irresistible about that backyard deck – could very well be the fire pit and the view of the night sky!

A lot of Grand Rapids natives will tell you that the West Side is the best side, and that might be true. West Grand is renowned for its amazing nightlife, and it takes all of five minutes to reach downtown by car.

Why We Love It: Eye-catching house with a swanky living room and beautiful patio.

What Past Guests Have Said: “Spencer’s place was very cute with great touches and clean! It was nice to have Netflix available to relax after a long day of sightseeing. The backyard is so nice during the day and night! Spencer gave us great recommendations which helped us out a lot. I would definitely stay here again!!”

“Spencer’s house was exactly what we were looking for. Cute updated home, super comfortable, great outdoor space with a fire pit, stocked kitchen and great seating area. Perfect for taking in food or cooking. We were able to easily relax in the home, or get to some hiking areas and downtown quickly. Perfect location. Also Spencer responded quickly to all our questions. Couldn’t have been easier. Highly recommend staying here!”

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✨The 1 Thing We Never Leave Home Without…

Travel Insurance

Coming from someone who has been traveling the world for the last 8 years AND has been in the hospital 2x, travel insurance is something everyone NEEDS to get. Get a quote below!

Packing for Your Trip

Before you take off for your trip, check out our travel gear page to make sure you don’t miss out on anything important!


Check Out These Guides to Airbnbs in the US

If you’re planning to travel within the US, check out our Airbnb guides for more of our top Airbnb picks!

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