AMERICUS, Ga. -- Former President Jimmy Carter cut the ribbon with his wife, Mrs. Rosalynn Carter, at the grand opening of the historic Best Western Plus Windsor Hotel in Americus, Ga., on Tuesday, June 15. President and Mrs. Carter were joined by Sharad and Ila Patel, owners of the Best Western Plus Windsor Hotel, Americus Mayor Barry Blount and Mark Williams, vice president of North American development for Best Western International.

“Our guests have an opportunity to enjoy a destination that offers the best of Southern charm that President and Mrs. Carter have come to love.” .President Carter and his wife first stayed at the hotel in 2002 in the Carter Presidential Suite, named in their honor. Mrs. Carter attended the ceremony to visit the Rosalynn Carter Tea Parlor, which was named in her honor in 2008.

“The Best Western Plus Windsor Hotel has served as a historic landmark in South Georgia for more than a century, and my commitment to the Americus community is to maintain and preserve the integrity of the hotel for future generations,” said Sharad Patel. “Our guests have an opportunity to enjoy a destination that offers the best of Southern charm that President and Mrs. Carter have come to love.”

The Best Western Plus Windsor Hotel was built in 1892 and named after John T. Windsor, a prominent South Georgia businessman and philanthropist. The hotel has since undergone two renovations and is re-opening with updated amenities.

The Best Western Plus Windsor Hotel is a 1993 National Trust for Historic Preservation Award winner and offers 53 individually appointed guest rooms, including six suites and two tower suites. Hotel amenities include an on-site full-service restaurant and lounge, fitness center, business center and meeting space to accommodate up to 350 people.