A Fredericton business is getting some international attention after being named North America’s best bed and breakfast by an online accommodations website.
Debra Quartermain decided to turn her 175-year-old historic riverside property into a bed and breakfast two years ago.
“We wanted to be very careful not to disturb the architecture of this 175-year-old home and just enhance it,” says Quartermain.
Quartermain House Bed and Breakfast opened in March 2013 and word of mouth has been a great help to the business.
“We’re a very small B&B,” says Quartermain. “We only have three guest rooms, but that way we can give our guests a lot of one-on-one attention.”
That personalized care seems to have made a big impact.
Booking.com kept a tally of 20 million customer reviews and the Quartermain House Bed And Breakfast came out on top as the best in North America and second best worldwide.
“A little bit of pressure because we certainly want to keep that standard,” says Quartermain.
The honour is expected to boost business for not only the B&B, but also for the city.
“Even though it’s a little bit out of our bounds, we still get a little business out of it and it’s great recognition for business people doing something they enjoy,” says Bruce McCormack of Downtown Fredericton Inc.
While Quartermain is pleased her business has received recognition, she says it is the little things that make running the B&B fulfilling.
“The surprises, it’s how similar people are from all over the world and how many people from all over the world visit Fredericton, I had no idea, and they come for all sorts of reasons. I feel so fortunate to have met these guests,” says Quartermain.
Another Maritime business was also recognized by Booking.com; the Summerside Inn Bed and Breakfast, located in Summerside, P.E.I. was voted second best B & B in North America.
With files from CTV Atlantic's Nick Moore
