BRUNSWICK

Down East magazine readers have chosen The Brunswick Inn, located on Park Row, as the best inn in Maine.

The inn has won a number of accolades since Eileen Hornor, who has a catering background, purchased it five years ago.

“I’ve always had a love of historical properties, hotels, historical inns. I grew up in Connecticut, down the road from the Silvermine Tavern,” Hornor said. “I used to ride down on my bicycle just to look at it. I begged my parents to take me there for years.”

Since purchasing The Brunswick Inn on Park Row from a group of real estate brokers, Hornor shortened the name and upgraded the décor. She then made the decision to open amenities to the public.

Shortly thereafter, Hornor sued the owners of what was then The Inn at Brunswick Station, which opened in 2011 and is located on nearby Noble Street.

A federal court ruled in Hornor’s favor in February. Hornor was also reportedly awarded $10,000 by a jury that determined that The Brunswick Inn’s trademark was infringed upon last year.

The Inn at Brunswick Station has since changed its name to The Brunswick Hotel and Tavern.

Hornor said the confusion over the names resulted in many guests arriving at, or staying in, the wrong location.

“The confusion was constant,” Hornor said. “It hurt our business tremendously.”

Efforts to reach management at The Brunswick Hotel and Tavern were unsuccessful.

‘Move on’

“I just want to move on,” said Hornor. “I’m glad it’s over. It was messy, expensive, and I will pay for it for a long time. But I’m glad I fought for it and saved what I had built.”

Despite the controversy, Hornor said business has been good and she credited her staff as being the driving force of the inn’s success.

The inn was once a private house built in 1848 by a banker. The Great Room, now a dining area, lounge and event space, was added in 1920 by a lawyer and Bowdoin College professor in order to create a study.

“I wanted it to become a hub for the community, for people to come here for drinks, parties, birthdays, retirements and weddings. The event business has quadrupled,” Hornor said. “To me, an empty inn is boring. It’s not what I want. I want it to be full of life, full of people enjoying themselves.”

Many guests of the inn are guests of the college, including lecturers, staff and student prospects, alumni, trustees and visiting parents.

Other out-of-towners are drawn to Brunswick’s downtown and Bowdoin’s music festival, Freeport shopping, and local beaches.

However, Hornor said there is a large contingent of regular locals who stop by for a glass of wine on the way back from the golf course. Others pop by as an excuse to get out of the house.

The inn was named Yankee Magazine’s Editor’s Choice for the Best of New England in 2012 and the Southern Midcoast Maine Chamber Small Business of the Year. Hornor said that she is particularly honored by Down East’s award, because it was chosen by readers.

Popular votes

The “Best of Maine” awards are based on popular votes of Maine residents and visitors.

“This year thousands of readers nominated their favorites across Maine,” said Down East Editor in Chief Kathleen Fleury in a news release. “To be included in this list selected by the readers of Down East or the editorial team here means that you truly are part of what makes Maine so great. Our readers and team take the task of selecting the ‘Best Of’ very seriously. It really is an honor.”

“Best of Maine” appears in the current issue of Down East.

An open house at The Brunswick Inn will be held 5 to 7 p.m. Saturday. Light appetizers and a cash bar will be available.

jswinconeck@timesrecord.com