Yes, looks like a Bromeliad, looks most like Guzmania as id'd above. Hope it has a drainage hole, or it will not survive..., they need excellent drainage and aiir flow, most are epiphytes.

It does have drainage holes but if it is a Bromelaid it has never prouduced a bloom

More than likely, it had bloomed (you never saw it) and the previous owner removed the old bloomstalk because it was spent and was turning brown. Look deep inside the oldest part of the plant. Likely you'll see a cut-off stalk. Any small pups developing around the main plant may not have bloomed yet, so there is likely a potential for you to see them bloom -- maybe next summer. Keep in mind the deal with bromeliads is, the mother plant blooms and then dies. But before it dies, it usually sends up one or more pups to take its place. So don't be too surprised if the mother plant starts to dry up over time.

improper indoor light.. is the usual culprit at to why houseplants do not bloom ...

and this one looks rather yucky pale green .... thats a technical term .. lol ... but that might just be a camera trick ...

if you can green it up properly.. maybe you can get it to bloom ..

the brown tips also indicate there have been small watering issues... close.. but not perfect ...

ken

Bromeliads use the water they retain in their centers and do not need to be in moist soil, IMPE. Mine are all outside in sandy soil/dry shade.