Northern Michigan has been a summer work destination for Charlie Chiara of Pasadena, Calif., for years. When Chiara and his wife, Rene, learned that the oldest lodging establishment in St. Ignace was for sale, they jumped at the opportunity to immerse themselves in the region’s thriving hospitality industry.
“We were going to convert it into apartments because the town is in desperate need of housing. (We’re familiar with that work because) we also have a development business in California that renovates old properties. But eventually we came to see that St. Ignace also was in need of a special hotel,” Charlie says.
Originally erected in 1928 by William Vallier, The Travelers Inn was a “two-story brick structure absolutely fireproof” and “the front of the building has been made very attractive in Gothic style,” according to a newspaper article that was published at the time.
A third floor and annex were eventually added, providing 52 steam-heated rooms, as advertised on the side of the building. In the late 1950s, the inn housed ironworkers who worked on constructing the Mackinac Bridge, and for a time it also offered efficiency apartments.
Over time, the establishment’s name was changed to The Boardwalk Inn, and it operated under that moniker until the Chiaras purchased it in January 2021 and rebranded it The Boardwalk Hotel.
For more than three years, the building endured a significant face-lift both inside and out, from top to bottom. Outside, the brick facade was cleaned and the old awnings were removed.
Meanwhile, inside, the old wallpaper was stripped, carpet was removed, wooden floors on the lower two levels were refurbished and polished, and new flooring was added to the third floor to create a cohesive flow. Partitions in the lobby were removed, resulting in a more open and inviting floor plan.
With a capacity of about 60, Fireworx Bar is the place to gather for craft cocktails, beer, wine, and a rotating small bites menu. There’s also room for small private events and dinners for up to 16 guests. Given its intimate footprint, the hotel is a great location for small weddings or meetings, which the Chiaras turn into private weekend retreats that include everything from catering to accommodations, and so much more.
“I was surprised and impressed to find a venue like The Boardwalk Hotel and Fireworx Bar in St. Ignace,” says Jan Russell, who lives in Stanton, Mich. “We were lucky to be able to entertain a large group of people in this unique and classy place last summer. The staff and owners exceeded my expectations with the presentation of food and beverages, and Joe Duprey (he plays on select nights) on the piano added the perfect background ambience. Charlie and Rene have created something very special for this community.”
Open to the public seven days a week, unless it’s reserved for a private gathering, the Fireworx Bar and adjoining lounge are awash in a variety of colors and textures, with several cozy seating areas featuring a mix of plush velvety furniture, leather pieces, quirky décor, and a honeycomb-patterned fireplace. A corner stage boasts a baby grand piano, where small ensembles perform throughout the summer.
Photo Courtesy of the Board Walk Hotel.
“We’ve become the de facto best music venue in town,” Charlie says. “A lot of other places have a guitarist, but we often feature individual players and small ensembles inside during the week and larger acts and bands on the weekends at the adjacent 100-seat beer garden, with its outdoor bar and covered stage.” The outdoor area serves cocktails and food from July until just after Labor Day.
Upstairs, the hallway leading to the guest rooms is adorned with artwork from the late artist James McNulty, who pioneered a type of collage called firework art. All of the pieces feature real firework labels and wrappers McNulty collected to create his innovative one-of-a-kind images.
Each of the 14 guest rooms, including a two-room suite, is elegantly curated. Black and white design elements are mixed with bold and colorful prints; the result is a visually appealing contrast. Many vintage furniture pieces have been reupholstered and blend old with new, creating a classic style. Frette bedding, Matouk linens and towels, and high-end amenities add a luxurious touch.
The panoramic harbor views and access to downtown shops, including the ferry docks to Mackinac Island, add to the property’s appeal.
The Boardwalk Hotel and Fireworx Bar are open seasonally, Memorial Day weekend through mid-October.
In addition to the hotel property, the Chiaras own the Boardwalk Coffee and General Store at 132 S. State St. Located across from the marina, it offers an additional gathering spot for small groups, and provides catering services.
“All in all, we’re trying to put a small shine on this amazing town,” Charlie says. “We don’t want to overdevelop, but we just want to make sure that the properties that were closed are now open and thriving.” 
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The Boardwalk Hotel
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