PHOTOS PROVIDED A historical photo of the construction of the Genetti Hotel — originally called the Lycoming Hotel — 100 years ago.

Over its many years, the historic Genetti Hotel has not only served as a grand lodging venue but has hosted a score of events featuring luminaries from the world of sports to politics and entertainment.

And yet, for many local people, it remains that local hotel they’ve come to know and admire for its charm and history and a place to go.

“I think everyone in town has been to a reception here,” general manager Kathy Taylor said.

Located in downtown Williamsport, the Genetti is a throwback to a bygone era before the many chain hotels seemingly shaped from the same “cookie-cutter” mold began to dot the American landscape.

“We are 100 years old,” Taylor said. “People like the character and historic look of the building.”

The hotel has been honored by the Williamsport/Lycoming Chamber of Commerce as the Small Business of the Year.

With a nod to the past, but with its focus on the future, the hotel is a unique but an important part of the community.

The 10-story building at Pine and West Fourth streets commands the city’s modest skyline and at night its decorative lights beckon motorists coming down into the city by way of Route 15.

The hotel features 205 rooms, a large ballroom, banquet rooms, a pool, and other services and amenities.

The Community Arts Center (CAC) and the many restaurants and stores of the downtown are within easy walking distance for Genetti visitors and guests.

Taylor noted that the Genetti has certainly benefited from the CAC, the entertainment venue located next door to the hotel on West Fourth Street.

People who take in an event at the CAC often stop by the Genetti for dinner or a drink.

The opening in recent years of Windows on Fourth, a restaurant located on the hotel’s ground floor, has brought more people to the Genetti.

“It was a matter of changing the atmosphere,” Taylor said. “I’m hopeful to drive more traffic into the restaurant. We have drink specials. Entertainment on the weekends. The restaurant is open six days a week for dinner and seven days a week for breakfast.”

The hotel, Taylor noted, was not exempt from the challenges many businesses faced during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The hotel saw business drop off and the newly opened restaurant was forced to close for a time.

“The corporate business has not come back completely,” Taylor said. “I’m hopeful for 2023. The use of the ballroom is almost what it was. Some of the larger events are coming back.”

Taylor proudly noted that the Genetti remains the largest full-service hotel in Williamsport.

And, the list of notables who have stayed at the hotel continues, many of whom are captured in photos hanging along the walls of a hallway off the main lobby.

Among the hundreds of celebrity visitors and overnight guests have been: Gene Kelly, Clarence Darrow, Rita Hayworth, Carl Sandburg, Bob Dylan, and dozens of politicians including Robert F. Rich, John G. Snowden, Gov. Edward Martin, Robert Kennedy, and Gov. Tom Ridge.

The Little League World Series held each in August represents the busiest time for the hotel.

“We certainly try to customize things for guests and groups,” Taylor said. “Our hot breakfast buffet is popular.”

The ballroom has hosted numerous banquets and other events over the years.

Owned by Gus Genetti, the hotel’s history can be traced to 1920 when members of the Williamsport Board of Trade decided the city needed a grand hotel.

The Williamsport Hotels Company applied for a charter and launched a campaign and numerous businesses canvassed the city for pledges toward the building.

Buildings on the former Breining Store site were razed and excavation began in April 1921.

Formerly named The Lycoming, it opened in June 1922.