Girls That Roam Discovers an Unexpected Warm, Friendly, and More than Comfortable Stay that Doesn’t Dig Deep Into the Pocketbook at The Boulevard Inn & Bistro
By Heather Cassell
I was expecting your standard room when I stepped into my room at The Boulevard Inn & Bistro (521 Lake Boulevard; 269-983-6600 or 800-875-6600; ; TheBoulevardInn.com) in St. Joseph, Michigan, but it was a suite.
However, a suite is the standard room at The Boulevard Inn & Bistro. It’s spacious with a comfortable sitting room with a sofa and chair, coffee table with magazines, a flat screen TV, mini refrigerator, microwave, sink, a coffeemaker, and even storage space for plates and utensils, and of course a desk.
The bedroom was through a small hallway with a closet on one side and the bathroom on the other side.
The bedroom was about the same size as the living room with a king size bed, nightstands, and another flat screen TV.
This was more than comfortable for one person. I can imagine, since bordering Benton Harbor and other resort towns along the edge of Lake Michigan, that this room makes for a nice romantic getaway for couples and it can fit a small family comfortably for a long weekend getaway too during spring, summer and fall. The sofas in the living room pull out into beds.
The only problem I had was when I arrived at the hotel late at night there weren’t any utensils or plates in the room. I preparation for my late arrival, assuming the restaurant at the hotel and around town would be closed, I stopped off at a grocery store to buy a frozen dinner, however I had to get creative heating up and eating my dinner.
I was pleased that parking was easy, the clerk at the front desk was warm and friendly, the rooms were very clean and tidy, the property I discovered was completely smoke-free, it was accessible, and the Wi-Fi was included in the room as I still had stories to send off to my editors.
The Bistro, when it is open, serves up an appetizing breakfast, which is included with your stay, is a slight step up from your typical continental breakfast by serving hot food rather than pastries and cereal. The food is all from local farms. Breakfast is served weekdays 6:30 – 9:30 a.m. and weekends 7:30 – 10 a.m. The Bistro also offers a lunch (excluding weekends) and a dinner menu. I encourage you to get out and explore, especially since local restaurants are within walking distance from the hotel.
For the most part, you can literally park in the hotel’s parking lot and walk everywhere to the lake and entertainment to restaurants and shopping during your stay permitting the weather is good.
Guests looking to get their sweat on while on vacation have outdoor and indoor opportunities with Lake Michigan literally right across the street from the hotel and The Boulevard Inn’s gym in the basement of the hotel.
For business travelers, The Boulevard Inn & Bistro also has some small conference rooms and a business center as well as offers a complementary USA Today in the lobby.
However, looking on The Boulevard Inn’s website you will be hard pressed to find information about the rooms and amenities offered at the hotel. For some reason under the “Accommodations” tab the hotel lists only information about its policies, its rewards program, and gift certificates. There’s no mention of the different types of rooms and what they offer or the gym.
The hotel does highlight its dinning at the Bistro, especially during the pleasant months where it opens up its terrace for outdoor dining with a view of Lake Michigan and lists its regular events.
The issues I take with the hotel are minor and easily fixable with a little attention paid to them. For the price and location The Boulevard Inn & Bistro is an incredible deal for a getaway.
THE FLUFF
The Boulevard Inn & Bistro, 521 Lake Boulevard, St. Joseph, Michigan 49085. 269-983-6600 or 800-875-6600. . TheBoulevardInn.com.
RATING: 3 = Aqua
(5 best – 0 worst: color code: 5 = midnight blue; 4 = black; 3 = Aqua; 2 = orange; 1 = gold; and 0 = green)
TYPE OF LODGING: Hotel, Local
CHECK OUT: $$ = $100 – $175
(Lowest price for a single night in a standard room during high-season)
SWEET DREAMS: It wasn’t fancy but it was spacious and very comfortable with a friendly casual vibe from staff to the bed, that’s what I liked most about staying at The Boulevard Inn & Bistro.
WORTH THE SLEEP?: zzz = Like being at home
VIBE: This is a place to relax, have a good time, be yourself, and enjoy life with the people you love.
SCENE: Business travelers to families to couples to solo travelers, this is a place where everyone comes together and feels welcome in a warm, friendly, casual environment.
LOCATION: Perfectly situated across the street from Lake Michigan and within walking distance to restaurants and shops.
ROOM: There wasn’t a view, but some rooms do have views of Lake Michigan. However, the rooms are spacious and comfortable.
BATHROOM: Just your standard bathroom. Not big, but not small either.
AMENITIES: Parking, free Wi-Fi, restaurant, gym, and within walking distance to events and activities.
To book your stay at The Boulevard Inn & Bistro, contact Heather Cassell at Girls That Roam Travel at Travel Advisors of Los Gatos at 408-354-6531at or .
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