A Short History of the Inn

The Best Inn in Bangor became A Fireside Inn and Suites on January 1st, 2008.

In 2000, Bangor's Penobscot Inn was renovated and converted to a Best Inn.

Prior to becoming a Best Inn, the hotel had been operated as the Penobscot Inn for many, many years. The Penobscot Inn was purchased by Lafayette Hotels in 1995 and before that, the Inn had only one owner - the Russell Family.

Cornelius and John Russell built the Penobscot Inn in 1973. Prior to this venture the Russell family owned and operated the Bijou Theater, a focal point of Bangor life for decades.

In building the Penobscot Inn, the Russell brothers wanted a building that would be both functional and distinct. They commissioned local architectural legend Eaton W. Tarbell to design the Inn. Tarbell also designed the Bangor Auditorium, which is right across the street from the Best Inn, and the Bangor International Airport Terminal.

In 1975, the Russells invited John Geaghan to open Geaghan's Roundhouse Restaurant and Lounge. The Geaghan family has been serving fine food and drink ever since. They have developed the restaurant and lounge into a local favorite.

Cornelius and his wife, Mary, oversaw the operation of the Inn until his death in 1982 when brother, John Russell, joined Mary at the reins. Cornelius was a great athlete until a football injury caused him to be confined to a wheelchair. He refused to acknowledge that he was handicapped. He was courageous, had a great sense of humor, and almost always wore a smile, he was an inspiration to all who knew him.

Before managing the Penobscot Inn, John Russell established an insurance and real estate agency which he later sold to Woodrow Cross Insurance.

The Russells, past and present, are known for their hard work, honesty, and Yankee industry. The Penobscot Inn, now the Best Inn, exists because of their vision and willingness to take a risk. John and Mary retired when they sold the Inn to Lafayette Hotels in 1995.

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