Is this the old Apple Tree Inn? Hotel Pommier History
TL:DR Yes! Hotel Pommier is located at the location of the former hotel named the Apple Tree Inn. Read on to learn about our history and some interesting facts, straight from the owners and innkeepers who took care of all the guests over these years!
Brief History of Indianola
Indianola, Iowa was founded in 1849 and was named after another town with the same name in Texas. Fun fact – that town is now a ghost town! The local economy was traditionally based on agriculture, with a focus on corn and soybean production. In the 1800’s the population was over 2,000 and it currently is home to over 16,000 residents!
Check out this fantastic Facebook post here that has a short history of Indianola.
The Apple Tree Inn
The Apple Tree Inn was a beloved landmark in the small town of Indianola, Iowa for many years. Located right off the main road, the inn was a popular destination for travelers and locals alike. It has only changed ownership once since it was built, a testament to it’s proud local roots.
As one of the first modern hotels in Indianola, Apple Tree Inn was known for its cozy and welcoming atmosphere, with comfortable guest rooms decorated in a warm, country chic style. In addition to its cozy accommodations, the Apple Tree Inn was also known for its friendly and helpful staff. The several generations of innkeepers were always happy to provide recommendations for local attractions and activities, and they went above and beyond to make sure their guests had a comfortable and enjoyable stay.
Unfortunately, in the later years the charm that once made the Apple Tree Inn a comfortable option started to wear off. While it is no longer in operation, the memories of its warm and welcoming atmosphere will live on in the hearts of those who were fortunate enough to experience it.
Renovations, New Management, and New Beginnings
In 2019, the 2nd generation owners of the Apple Tree Inn, ready to retire, gave the reigns of the entire business to their son. With a vision to modernize and renovate the inn, he set out to give the entire operation a fresh new look. However, just as the renovations were getting underway, the COVID-19 pandemic hit, bringing with it a host of challenges.
The pandemic caused delays in shipping, parts shortages, and changing safety regulations, all of which made the renovation process more difficult. Despite the setbacks, the new hotel owner was determined to see the project through to completion.
Finally, in 2020, the newly renovated and rebranded Hotel Pommier (which is “apple tree” in French!) launched to great fanfare. The modern amenities and large common areas, where guests could socialize and relax, were a hit with both repeat visitors and first-time guests.
Overall, the transformation of the Apple Tree Inn into the Hotel Pommier was a labor of love for the new owner. The hard work and dedication pays off with every guest compliment and every proud employee! When we say your review truly means the world to us, we sincerely do! It’s take a village to run a hotel, and every great review empowers our team and local community to keep delivering great Iowa hospitality day in and day out.