1 in 8700: Jeff Costello

A native third-generation Vermonter, Jeff Costello’s favorite spot in Middlebury is the Town Green. He grew up in town and often worked in his father’s eatery, the Middlebury Bakery, before the store was sold to its current owner Jim Rubright in 1979. The café was shortly renamed Middlebury Bagel and Delicatessen and remains a popular dining option.
After studying business and business law in California, Costello returned to Middlebury and became involved in the trades department for 15 years. In 1996, he closed his business and began working at the Middlebury Inn. He said he was introduced to the hotel through the trades, and he quickly became interested in “the front of the house.” His curiosity led Costello to be named general manager in 1999, a position he has held for 12 years.
“I think I have the right personality for my job because I enjoy mingling and talking to people,” said Costello, who now lives in Bristol, Vt.
Steven and Michael Dopp bought the inn in 2006, but the brothers live out-of-state. Though the two “off-site” owners visit frequently, Costello is in charge of all affairs when the brothers are away. The Dopps ordered minor renovations to the inn five years ago; Costello says “cosmetic” changes were performed, such as the repainting of certain walls and the installation of tile floors.
“My favorite part about Vermont is the seasons,” said Costello Most tourists who visit the inn agree, as the majority of travelers visit Vermont in the summer and fall. The hotel sees the greatest amount of action from July through October.
“Our goal is to offer guests personal and friendly service,” Costello, who values “good old-fashioned service,” said. “This is not as abundant anymore because of electronics.” A recent guest told the general manger that he felt “welcomed in an old friends’ house” during his stay.
The Middlebury Inn has undergone much construction since it was founded in 1827. In the 1890s, the hotel added a kitchen and a banquet room, which is now a popular space for wedding parties. Later, in 1926, plumbing, electricity and an elevator were installed. Nonetheless, most of the inn’s architecture is original. The inn’s restaurant, Morgan’s Tavern, has 48 chairs and several tables that date back to 1948. The eatery is open to the public for breakfast, lunch (Monday through Friday) and dinner (Wednesday through Sunday).
“We are in a constant renovation,” said Costello. “It is sort of like ‘modernizing history.’” The inn has added wireless connection and climate control to all rooms.
The College and the inn also work hand-in-hand. While the College was founded 27 years before The Middlebury Inn, Costello believes the two have a “long-standing relationship” and says the College is “always in the background.” Parents frequent the inn on parents’ weekends or other visits; there are prospective students walking down the hotel’s halls all months of the year. The parents of John Dawson, the assistant men’s hockey and golf coach, stay at the inn on a regular basis in the winter, as Costello says the two attend many of the games.
The Middlebury Inn also works with Vermont Sun Sports and Fitness. All hotel guests receive complimentary passes to the gym’s facilities during their stay. The Waterfall Spa, below the inn, which was actually once an old pub, is also available for visitors.
“Our location is key because we are within great walking distance of the town,” said Costello. “Many of our guests enjoy sitting on the porch and looking out over the town.”
With 41 rooms, the inn also has space in its two Courtyard Annex’s and in the Porter House Mansion. The annexes are “modern motel-style” buildings that were built in the 1960s. A private residence at first, the mansion became part of the inn in the 1940s. Wedding parties often rent out the mansion’s 10 rooms. Costello said the inn had a 90-person wedding last Sunday, but the hotel can hold a party for as many as 150. The ceremony took place in the banquet hall. Guests then moved to Morgan’s Tavern for cocktails and finally back to the banquet hall, newly decorated after the vows were exchanged, for a four-course plated meal and an evening of dancing.
“The building is best when it is busy,” said Costello.
He also believes the inn offers guests a “perk” in its daily afternoon tea from 2:30 to 5:30 p.m. The public is welcome to join, as well, for a minimal fee. Contrary to the standard high tea, the inn tempts guests with sweet-tea, complete with scones and cookies to sample.
With all of its activity and rich history, the Middlebury Inn continues to value its relationship with the College. Costello is proud college alumni and their families visit the inn during the winter, so they can ski at the SnowBowl.
“We want to keep working with the College,” he said. “It is a quality institution and we want to be a quality town partner to that.”