With classic Victorian-style rooms available with modern amenities, such as Wi-Fi internet, 901 Guest House looks to give its visitors a comfortable and relaxing environment during their stay in Williamsport.
Owner Christina "Becky" Ertel bought the house, 901 W. Fourth St., in January and opened the doors to the bed and breakfast about one and a half months later.
"Everything in this place is new," Ertel said.
The house features five rooms for guests to stay in with king- and queen-sized beds available. Although renovations were needed when Ertel took control of the property, she said she was able to keep and reuse some furniture and paintings.
Guests also can enjoy natural-gas fireplaces and 900-thread count towels. These features make it a pleasant experience for those who stay at 901, Ertel said.
"It's my job to think of anything they could possibly want," she said. "I try to go luxury all the way."
Ertel said she did not have any prior knowledge of running a bed and breakfast, but wanted to challenge herself.
She said she had seen so many television shows about people "flipping" old houses, that she decided two years ago that she would try her hand at it.
"I just wanted to see if I could do it," Ertel said. "You have all these people saying about flipping this and flipping that."
After successfully renovating a house, Ertel moved onto a new challenge and took on the property that now is 901.
"So I thought, "OK, let's do something bigger,'" Ertel said.
Her love for visitors and hosting guests lead her to opening the bed and breakfast.
"I love people and I love to get to know people," she said.
When 901 first opened in March, it mainly served business professionals who were in town for meetings and conferences. To help with those who need to work while staying at 901, a board room is available.
The room is complete with a table to meet around and a Google TV, which allows members out of town to join the meeting.
Ertel said she always tries to improve upon the services she provides.
"I've gone to different inns and gotten ideas," she said.
She added that it's the small things that make the difference between a good and average stay for her guests.
Ironing the bed sheets before each stay and remembering the breakfast dish that a returning guest likes, all make it an overall great experience, Ertel said.
"When they come here we want to make them feel as if they are the only ones," she said.
But Ertel's not done, she plans on having an extended-stay apartment and to keep improving on what she already has.
"I'm still trying to improve. (I am) still trying to make it perfect," she said.
