There is a new boutique hotel set to open soon on Grand Rapids West Side.

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Bridge Street continues to grow! Moving in next to Kusterer Brauhaus and across the street from the new cocktail bar Sip Shine, is The Blue Jay.

The Blue Jay, Facebook
The Blue Jay, Facebook
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According to Crain's Grand Rapids, the new hotel at 644 Bridge St. will include five rooms, a bar area, plus an outdoor courtyard with fire pits and lawn games for guests.

About a week ago, it was shared on Instagram that the bar was going in

The Bue Jay, Instagram
The Bue Jay, Instagram
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There's also an event space that can be booked for weddings or parties.

The Blue Jay's website describes it as a "boutique hotel in the heart of Grand Rapids, where contemporary elegance meets urban charm."

Owner Brad Veneklase also owns another boutique hotel in Grand Rapids, The Finnley, at 65 Monroe Center St. NW. The Blue Jay will have a similar design.

Veneklase says of The Finnley,

As I purchased 65 Monroe Center, I didn't have a predefined plan for the building. It was through a process of exploration that I realized its potential as a hotel. Naming it The Finnley, after my daughter, made it a special project for my family. Involving them in the design and creation of the hotel was a joyous experience. I hope that owning a place downtown will inspire Finnley, engage her in the local community, and ignite her future career, just as downtown Grand Rapids did for me.

According to Crain's Grand Rapids, The Blue Jay is also named after his daughter, who's nickname was "Blue Jay" as a baby, due to her blue eyes .

Renovation has been underway on the building and The Blue Jay is expected to start taking bookings in January 2024.

Follow The Blue Jay on Facebook for updates!

Historic Mackinac Island Estate Can Be Your Own Private Grand Hotel For $5M

It's not the Grand Hotel, but it sure looks like a miniature version, porch and all. Cairngorm Cottage, built in 1888, is a 9600+ square-foot Mackinac Island West Bluff Victorian-era home currently on the market for $4,750,000. It features beautifully renovated and decorated rooms that come completely furnished with the selling price. The estate features 9 bedrooms, 10 bathrooms, plus a completely furnished 2 bedroom, 2 bath carriage house behind the home. In addition to the magnificent porch with a breathtaking view, the new owner will enjoy a beautifully landscaped backyard with a swimming pool, hot tub, gazebo, and stone-terraced gardens. This piece of Michigan history is a must-see. Take a look! Contact Patrick Leavy of Kidd & Leavy Real Estate for more information.

Gallery Credit: Zillow