Once an Abandoned Armory, Inn at Middletown Marks 10 Years

From what started out in 1810 as the grand home of one of Middletown’s prestigious citizens transformed itself to what stands today, the Inn at Middletown.  

This month, the Inn is celebrating its 10th anniversary. The once abandoned National Armory was given a $10 million facelift into what now has become a boutique hotel representing the first hotel in the city of Middletown since Harry Truman was president of the United States.  

This vision which became a reality for the city in 2003 has opened its door to over one million guests and local visitors over the past 10 years.  

As Director of Sales and Marketing Beth Pruchnic found out during her pre-opening sales calls that companies were excited about this new boutique hotel coming to the downtown area and were looking forward to offering a more upscale hospitality experience for their visiting guests.

“It has always been about giving each and every guest a memorable experience,” says Gary Nagler, General Manager of the Inn since 2007. “The Inn has always been a very special place to work for only the most special kind of employees. We can always train you to do your job but you cannot train someone to be nice, friendly and sincere. That is very special and comes from the heart. Either you have “it” or you don’t.”

Beth Pruchnic, Director of Sales and Marketing, Dennis Brake Executive Chef and Norman Polivka Overnight Manager are the three remaining employees from day one and can still vividly remember the grand opening of the hotel on Oct. 29, 2003, as Sean O'Rourke whose father was owner of O'Rourke’s Diner became the first overnight guest of the Inn. 

Soon after, the first sold out weekend for the hotel took place during Wesleyan Homecoming weekend. Ben Logan, the opening general manager, recalls that the property was still not properly staffed in housekeeping and that everybody helped clean rooms over the weekend. The restaurant, Tavern at the Armory, was not even in operation and only started serving guests about a month after opening. 

John Meerts, VP of Finance, Administration and Treasurer at Wesleyan University, says the Inn has furthered the mission of Wesleyan University. "We can mount better academic events (conferences, etc.) because the Inn provides both overnight accommodations and formal and informal dining venues.  ... And of course, and maybe most importantly, our parents and other visitors have a close-by location, just a short ride or walk away from the college, helping us build a more vibrant community.”

Over the years the Inn has accepted numerous awards for service which include number one in overall guest satisfaction within Interstate Hotels and resorts 150 full service properties five of the last six years. The Inn has also been bestowed Trip Advisors top award of excellence which is an honor only 10 percent of the hotels in the United States receive. 

The Inn has given back to the community in many ways throughout the years through donations and hosting of numerous charitable events.

The property has just completed a full renovation which included all public areas and guest rooms in preparation for another 10 years.