2022 City of Albany, "Merry Acres Inn"

Merry Acres Inn

In 1935, Dr. Russell L. Grace Sr. purchased a 500-acre property which included an old farmhouse, horse barns, pecan groves, and pasture. Subsequently, adding another 200 acres, this area would eventually become the site for Merry Acres Hotel. His wife, Grace, was so pleased with the landscaping around the home that she named the property "Merry Acres".

The property was eventually passed down to the Graces' daughter and son-in-law, who ventured to establish Albany's first motel on this very property. The 22-unit motel centered on the former manor house included guest cottages and a swimming pool. Over the years, the property was passed down through the family, undergoing additional renovations and additions.

2011 was a landmark year for Merry Acres when it gained new owners who embarked on a significant renovation of the hotel and its campus, now known as Merry Acres Inn. It operates independently as a vintage/boutique-style inn with the amenities and flair that sophisticated travelers have come to expect and love.

The central hub of Merry Acres Inn not only remains but is flourishing after the 2011 makeover. It's the original 1934 two-story manor house and country home that has served as the registration office for decades.

Merry Acres Inn continues to be an esteemed destination for lodging and events, full of charm and hospitality for which Southwest Georgia is known.