An Inn-town Getaway: Adrienne’s Inn at Centre Park

(Originally published in The Reading Business Inc. News)

By Marian F. Wolbers

“This week, we had bed and breakfast guests in the Blue Room and the Green Room suites. Tomorrow, a group of eight women will be lunching here in front of the Christmas tree, and after that there are still more holiday parties up ahead—it’s busy, busy, busy!” Arienne Periandi, owner of the famed Adrienne’s Inn at Centre Park, pointed to a bar that had been set up the evening before, for another event. “We can serve between 75 to 100 people for a cocktail and hors d’oeuvres reception.” She swept her hand down a long dining hall where an unforgettable glass table was flanked by crystal glasses in elegant cabinets. Beyond the dining hall were two more large rooms for entertaining. “We can serve up to 85 for a buffet.” The B&B owner paused. “But that’s the way I like it. That’s the way it’s supposed to be. I couldn’t be happier. This Inn is meant to have people in it, enjoying themselves, making memories that last forever.”

This jewel of a mansion, built 124 years ago, has heavy doors as high as the ceilings in most “regular” houses, with antique oak and maple furniture and banisters and original hardwood floors and light pouring in from ample windows made with leaded glass from another century. There are angels sculpted onto the ceilings, cherubs on friezes, carpentry details made by European craftsmen, working fireplaces, and exquisite original stained glass images, including a peacock in full plume. Outside are gardens and porches and, in spring/summer, landscaped lawns and flower beds.

The ambiance is warm, welcoming, and deliciously open. It is also private enough for every type of function that Adrienne’s clientele schedule. From romantic weddings to corporate day-retreats, from golden anniversary parties to baby showers to receptions for high-level out-of-towners (the Inn has hosted receptions for such folks as Regis Philbin and Ivana Trump), the business aims to please each and every one of its guests. Indeed, in the five years since Adrienne purchased the Inn, customers have discovered the need to start booking farther and farther in advance—a testament to the passion and competence of the owner and her staff.

“My main goal? I want people to feel comfortable—whether it’s for an overnight accommodation, or a wedding, or a reception.” People have all sorts of needs for such a facility, according to Adrienne. For instance: A local business might need to get away from the office and spend a day in an inspiring, elegant, spacious setting in order to strategize for long-range planning, or brainstorm for an important advertising campaign.

Solution: Instead of spending hundreds or even thousands more dollars on airfare, lodging and a meeting facility that is miles away, a company’s employees or Board of Trustees or whoever can meet at Adrienne’s Inn at Centre Park for a day or weekend or longer. “We have very affordable corporate rates that usually involve renting out the entire downstairs; people then provide their own caterers and I help set everything up. The caterers can use my kitchen, which is set up for professional cook-staff.” If consultants or outside guests are invited to the gathering, they can stay in the suites upstairs, for ultimate convenience and comfort. Adrienne feels that, much as an artist’s wide-open studio contributes to creative artistic endeavors, the mansion’s high ceilings, openness, and artistic features contribute to the successful results of social receptions and business meetings.  

The mainstay of the Inn—as evidenced by numerous write-ups in national magazines and B&B books—is the bed and breakfast business. “I tell my guests they need at least an hour for breakfast,” says Adrienne. Breakfast is in the Bermuda Room—a cozy, partly glassed-in, sunny room with bright, original paintings from the islands, and a glass-topped table in the center. “I’m a server—I love serving,” says Adrienne. “I bring in what’s on the menu that morning—maybe it’s French toast and bacon, and then the coffee, the tea, the juice... I follow that up with a huge tray of fresh fruits—and then come the fresh muffins and pastries.” Guests have time then to ask questions about the Inn—and to hear one of the most remarkable love stories of all time.

The best way to hear that love story? There’s no substitute for the real story, from Adrienne herself.

Call 610-374-8557 and make an appointment to stop by, and reserve some room at the Inn for any special event, group gathering, or a romantic getaway. Located at 730 Centre Avenue, Reading; for a virtual peek, see www.adriennesinnatcentrepark.com.

"The ambiance is warm, welcoming, and deliciously open. It is also private enough for every type of function that Adrienne’s clientele schedule. From romantic weddings to corporate day-retreats, from golden anniversary parties to baby showers to receptions for high-level out-of-towners."