Posted by 
Discover the rich history and supernatural tales of the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel in Grand Rapids.
• The Amway Grand Plaza Hotel in Grand Rapids, formerly known as the Pantlind Hotel, is filled with rich history and supernatural tales.
• Designed by Beaux-Arts architects Warren & Wetmore, it was one of America’s top 10 hotels in 1925.
• Notable guests include Queen Juliana of the Netherlands, Margaret Thatcher, Queen Noor of Jordan, General Norman Schwarzkopf Jr., James Earl Jones, Cher, Joe Montana, Faye Dunaway and Jerry Seinfeld.
• It underwent a $14 million renovation, which included modern amenities while still embracing its timeless charm.
• In 1989, AHC+Hospitality purchased it and restored it to its former glory; it was inducted into Historic Hotels of America in 2012 and joined the Curio Collection by Hilton in 2016.
• The iconic 29-story Amway Grand Plaza Hotel Tower was completed in 1983 and is said to be haunted by spirits that clean ashtrays, tug blankets off beds, and even waltzing on the dance floor.
• “Ghosts of Grand Rapids” documents the eerie experiences surrounding this stunning hotel.
Formerly known as the Pantlind Hotel, this iconic establishment is filled with myths, legends, and mysterious creatures.
Filled with stories like the tragic fate of Mary Monko, a girl who lost her life in a chilling elevator accident in 1914, it’s not just ghosts that haunt this grand hotel. Mischievous spirits clean ashtrays and tug blankets off beds, not to mention seeing a ghostly couple waltzing on the dance floor.
The Pantlind Hotel was founded in 1913. Inspired by the Scottish neoclassical architect Robert Adam, the Pantlind’s designers, Warren & Wetmore, created a masterpiece of Beaux-Arts architecture.
The Pantlind played a significant role in the growth of Grand Rapids. As the population soared in the early 1900s, the city saw the rise of grand-scale buildings like the Pantlind Hotel. Visitors visit the hotel for its magnificent Beaux-Arts architecture, especially during the city’s furniture shows.
Marvel at the grandeur of the hotel’s gold leaf ceilings, classical columns, and terra cotta designs. Even a two-story bank once graced the corner of Monroe and Pearl.
Over the years, the Pantlind Hotel gained nationwide acclaim, earning its place as one of America’s top 10 hotels in 1925. Notable guests, including Queen Juliana of the Netherlands, experienced the hotel’s royal hospitality.
It has hosted political figures, celebrities, and influential personalities such as British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, Queen Noor of Jordan, General Norman Schwarzkopf Jr., James Earl Jones, Cher, Joe Montana, Faye Dunaway, and Jerry Seinfeld. Its impact on downtown Grand Rapids is undeniable, as Mayor George Heartwell praised the hotel for reshaping the city.
Recently, the tower underwent a $14 million renovation, embracing a modern aesthetic while maintaining its timeless charm. With updated amenities, electrical outlets, and network connections, the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel continues to offer top-notch service and an unforgettable experience.
Once regarded as one of the top ten hotels in the US, In 1979, the Pantlind Hotel, along with downtown Grand Rapids, fell from favor as people discovered the suburbs; the Amway Corporation acquired the historic Pantlind and carefully restored it to its former glory.
Today, owned by AHC+Hospitality, a subsidiary of Alticor, the hotel became a member of the prestigious Curio Collection by Hilton in 2016. Recognizing its historical significance, the hotel was also inducted into Historic Hotels of America in 2012.
The Amway Grand Plaza Hotel is more than just a luxurious retreat. In 1983, the iconic 29-story Amway Grand Plaza Hotel Tower was completed, solidifying its position as the tallest building in Grand Rapids until 1991. The Amway Grand Plaza boasts a rich history and timeless elegance.
Escape to the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel and immerse yourself in a world of history, mystery, and grandeur. Explore the myths of it being the most haunted site on Michigan’s west side.
Dive into the eerie experiences documented in the book “Ghosts of Grand Rapids” by Nicole Bray, Robert Du Shane, and Julie Rathsack.
The Tragic Fate of Mary Monko, a Girl Who Lost Her Life in a Chilling Elevator Accident
Prepare to be captivated and horrified by the true story of Mary Monko’s tragic elevator decapitation at the Pantlind Hotel. Explore the haunted history of the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel as we delve into the details and shed light on this bone-chilling event. What we know.
Terrifying Michigan History Unveiled: Mary Monko’s Tragic Elevator Decapitation
Prepare to be chilled by the dark history of Michigan. In the early 1900s, a horrifying incident occurred at the then-new Pantlind Hotel in Grand Rapids, now known as the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel. Mary Monko met a tragic end when she was decapitated by an elevator. Disturbingly, the events leading up to this gruesome incident were recently revealed in a newspaper clipping from the Clare Sentinel.
Locked Away Like a Scene From a Horror Movie
It seems like something out of a nightmare, but it’s all too real. The original elevator responsible for Mary Monko’s untimely death is now locked away behind a steel gate. No one is permitted to use it, as confirmed by a current employee at the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel. This very elevator inspired a ghost story that has circulated for years.
Uncovering Hidden Secrets
Interestingly, one commenter on the post pointed out that the actual elevator shafts may be located in a different spot near where the photo was taken. The elevators were originally positioned 10 feet behind their current placement, with two out of three going to the basement. This revelation adds another layer to the mysterious history of the site.