New Boutique Hotel Opening Up On Grand Rapids West Side

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

Get our free mobile app

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.

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

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!