New owners of Apollo's Chambers Hotel look beyond pandemic to brighter future for historic business

The historic Chambers Hotel in Apollo is under new ownership.

Jennifer and Walter Seniow purchased the hotel that dates to 1889 late last spring.

They opened in November for about a month before facing covid-related shutdowns mandated by the state.

“Some people say we’re crazy to buy a bar during this,” said Walter, 49, originally from Oklahoma Borough.

Jennifer, 35, and from North Apollo, knows her way around the bar inside the Chambers; she’s worked there for two years serving drinks.

“They say it’s never a good time to buy a bar, but this was probably the worst time,” said Walter, who plans to continue his full-time job in manufacturing in addition to running the hotel.

The couple — newlyweds — said they are ready to work hard and make changes.

“I hardly ever sleep,” Walter said. “We have a lot to do here. Jennifer and I are relentless and not going away anytime soon.”

The couple plan to renovate the 25 hotel rooms occupying the second and third floors, eventually offering single-night stays to the public, instead of the current weekly or monthly rentals.

Plans include bringing in live bands and DJs, comedy and open mic nights.

Nine large-screen televisions have been added in the bar area.

“We’re attracting a younger crowd since taking over,” Jennifer said.

Jim and Maryann Minnick purchased the hotel in 1987. They sold it to the Seniows, who got it up and running again in November just in time for the governor’s covid-flattening ban on indoor dining.

The Chambers Hotel will reopen Monday for indoor dining.

“With covid and the governor, it has really just taken everything we can just to stay open,” said Walter, who grew up in a food and beverage family.

“My father owned a bar in Gilpin along Route 66,” he said.

Serving traditional bar food, Walter said the jumbo-sized whole wings with his signature homemade dry rub are popular.

“Everyone is loving our Angus burgers, too,” he said.

Appetizers, stone-fired pizza and sandwich prices range from $6.50-$10.50.

The hotel endured two fires through its long history, with the top (fourth) floor destroyed by fire and later removed in 1948 for structural purposes.

“I love the feeling I get when I’m in here. Some of the door hinges are a foot long, and customers always want to hear about the history,” Walter said.

Originally named the Chambers House, the hotel was built with the highest standard of comfort and elegance of the day, with heating and water and electrical bells on every floor.