Some buildings just hold a town's memory. For over 50 years, our hotel on Houlton Road has been that place for Presque Isle — a spot where Northern Maine's travelers, families, and community have gathered, celebrated, and found a warm welcome.
It didn't start as a landmark. It started as a bold idea: to build something Aroostook County had never seen before — a full-service hotel that could rival anything in the state. What followed was a half-century of transformation, resilience, and reinvention that mirrors the spirit of the Star City itself.
The Swamp Fox Motor Inn Opens Its Doors
Construction began in the summer of 1972 along Houlton Road. By June 1973, the Swamp Fox Motor Inn welcomed its first guests under owner Carroll Hardy of Brewer. The total cost of construction neared $1 million — a remarkable sum for the era — and nearly exceeded the original budget by half.
But the result was worth every penny. With over 70 guest rooms, a full-service restaurant, lounge, meeting rooms, banquet facilities, a swimming pool, saunas, fitness area, and even a beauty salon, the Swamp Fox was immediately recognized as "Maine's newest and most luxurious nite spot."
The entertainment scene was electric. Bands like Rock Maple, Night Life, and Hokum performed at the Cock & Feather Lounge. Guests enjoyed meals at the Coach & Eight Restaurant, famous for its Saturday night buffet and daily luncheon specials. For Aroostook County, this was a new kind of destination.
The property became Keddy's Motor Inn — the only U.S. hotel owned by Canadian entrepreneur Donald Keddy. The entertainment continued to thrive, with the lounge eventually rebranding as the Connection, a live music venue that became a cornerstone of Presque Isle's nightlife through the 1980s.
The City of Presque Isle records show significant construction permits issued that year: new guest rooms, expanded conference and banquet facilities, an additional kitchen, and a brand-new solarium restaurant — transforming the property into a true convention destination.
After nearly 20 years as Keddy's, the property fell into receivership in November 1998. It briefly operated as the County View Hotel before a new chapter began.
Kevin B. Simmons of KBS Enterprises purchased the hotel and began an ambitious renovation — adding family warmth, elegance, extended-stay suites, a 6,000 sq ft fitness center, and Gram Russo's Italian Restaurant, named after his late grandmother Marjorie Russo. The hotel became Aroostook County's largest full-service hotel and convention center.
Fully renovated and proudly carrying its heritage forward, Presque Isle Hotel continues to welcome guests from across Maine and beyond — offering modern comfort rooted in 50+ years of hospitality history.
"The Presque Isle Inn is truly a city landmark, a 'County Gem.' All our upgrades are done to protect the historic nature of the facility." — Kevin B. Simmons, Former Owner & President, KBS Enterprises, Inc.
What Has Never Changed
Through every ownership, every renovation, and every reinvention, one thing has remained constant at this address on Houlton Road: a genuine commitment to the people of Presque Isle. The Kiwanis Club has held its weekly lunchtime meetings here for decades. Weddings, anniversaries, graduations, and conventions have filled these banquet halls with memories.
Outdoor enthusiasts have always found us conveniently located right on the snowmobile and ATV trail system — a gateway to Aroostook County's spectacular wilderness. And travelers from across the region have found here not just a room for the night, but a place that feels like a part of the community.
By the Numbers — 50+ Years of History
- ✦ Construction began 1972 — opened as Swamp Fox Motor Inn in June 1973
- ✦ Original construction cost: nearly $1 million
- ✦ 70+ guest rooms from day one, plus dining, banquet & entertainment facilities
- ✦ $1.5 million in expansion and upgrades completed in 1986
- ✦ Home to Aroostook County's largest full-service convention center
- ✦ Over 50 years of continuous hospitality in the heart of Star City
We're proud of where we came from. The Swamp Fox, Keddy's, the County View — each name is a chapter in a story that belongs as much to Presque Isle as it does to us. And we're honored to be writing the next one.
Whether you're a longtime local who remembers the old days, or a first-time visitor discovering Northern Maine — we'd love to have you stay with us and become part of the story.
Be Part of the History
Book your stay at Presque Isle Hotel and experience over 50 years of Northern Maine hospitality.
Book Your Stay