The Boulevard Inn & Bistro

The hotel offers a distinctive and memorable stay, characterized by its spacious, apartment-like suites and its prime location directly overlooking Lake Michigan, providing stunning views and easy access to the waterfront. This unique combination makes it an ideal choice for families seeking ample room and convenient access to local attractions, as well as couples looking for a romantic getaway with breathtaking vistas and exceptional dining. Guests consistently highlight the hotel's exceptional cleanliness, the comfort of its accommodations, and the genuinely friendly and accommodating service provided by the staff. The on-site restaurant, the Bistro, is frequently praised as a culinary highlight, enhancing the overall experience. To maximize your stay, consider requesting a room on a higher floor for an unobstructed lake view, and be aware that utilizing the hotel's rear entrance can simplify luggage handling upon arrival, especially for those with multiple bags.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel provides a range of facilities designed for guest comfort and convenience. The lobby and common areas have recently undergone renovations, creating a refreshed and inviting atmosphere for guests to relax. Many guests appreciate the availability of free Wi-Fi throughout the property, ensuring connectivity. While the hotel does not feature a swimming pool, a point noted by several guests, it does offer a fitness center, though some visitors suggest it could benefit from improvements. Thoughtful touches like chocolate chip cookies and coffee near the front desk are frequently mentioned and appreciated. Suites are often equipped with a mini-kitchen, including a full-size fridge and microwave, adding to the convenience. The elevators are generally functional, though some guests have noted them to be older or noisy, and occasionally only one may be operational during periods of renovation.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guests consistently commend the hotel for its high standards of cleanliness, with many describing their rooms and bathrooms as spotless and linens as freshly laundered. A standout feature is the spaciousness of the rooms, often configured as suites with separate living and sleeping areas, providing an apartment-like feel that is particularly appreciated by families and groups. Most guests find the beds comfortable and the linens high-quality, ensuring a restful night's sleep, though some have noted beds can be firm and pillows hard. While many rooms offer stunning views, the decor receives mixed feedback; some describe it as updated and beautiful, while others find it somewhat dated or with colors that make the space feel dim. Noise levels are generally low, but occasional sounds from the nearby train or neighboring rooms have been reported, and some guests found the air conditioning to be loud. In-room amenities like microwaves and refrigerators are a welcome addition.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel's on-site Bistro restaurant is consistently hailed as a major highlight, with many guests describing it as a "crown jewel" offering exceptional food quality and a delightful dining experience. The breakfast receives widespread praise for its delicious options, including standout dishes like French toast, biscuits and gravy, and steak and eggs, though some guests note it can be pricey and the previously offered free breakfast is no longer available. For other meals, the Bistro's menu is celebrated for its creativity and generous portions. The bar is also highly regarded for its excellent service and drink selection. Guests appreciate the convenience of room service, which is described as efficient and well-prepared. Additionally, the availability of complimentary chocolate chip cookies in the lobby is a small but much-appreciated perk that adds to the overall positive dining impression.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel boasts an unbeatable central location, positioning guests directly on the bluff overlooking Lake Michigan, providing spectacular views and immediate access to the waterfront. Its prime spot allows for easy walking distance to a wealth of attractions, including Silver Beach, the downtown shops, various restaurants, a children's museum, and the historic district. This makes it exceptionally convenient for exploring the area without needing a car. Parking is a frequently discussed topic; while many guests appreciate the availability of free public parking nearby and the convenience of a rear entrance for luggage drop-off, others report significant challenges finding spots, especially during peak summer weekends, sometimes requiring long walks. A few guests mention the proximity to a train station, which can occasionally lead to noise, though it is generally not considered disruptive to the stay.

Staff & Service
The hotel's staff consistently receives glowing reviews for their exceptional friendliness, helpfulness, and accommodating nature, significantly contributing to a positive guest experience. Many guests highlight instances of staff going above and beyond, such as assisting with transportation issues, providing local recommendations, showing personal concern during emergencies, and facilitating room upgrades. The check-in process is generally described as smooth and efficient. While most feedback on staff is overwhelmingly positive, a few isolated comments mention less enthusiastic front desk interactions. Housekeeping is noted for its thoroughness, though daily service is typically by request. The hotel's event staff also earns high praise for their professionalism and seamless coordination of various functions, from weddings to corporate retreats, ensuring successful and memorable gatherings.

Additional Information
The hotel is a popular venue for event hosting, with dedicated staff highly praised for their professionalism and ability to coordinate successful gatherings, from banquets to corporate retreats. Guests should be aware that the hotel is undergoing ongoing renovations in certain areas, such as the lobby and carpeting, which contribute to a refreshed appearance but may occasionally involve some noise or limited access. The hotel maintains a vintage charm and unique architectural style, distinguishing it from more generic accommodations. While many guests find the overall experience to be of good value, some feel the pricing can be high given the absence of a pool and occasional dated aspects of the rooms. It is important to note that one recent review from January 2024 reported finding bed bugs in a room on the third floor, leading to an immediate departure.