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ALBANY, GA. -- During the holidays many people head home to be with friends and family but when grandma's house is packed, the next best place to stay is a hotel and local venues are cashing in.

“Our numbers are looking really good,” said Merry Acres Director of Sales and Marketing Liz Gray.

The representative for Merry Acres says not only is the family owned environment drawing in customers but the newly renovated rooms are also an added bonus.

Each space has been painted and updated with new furniture and fixtures. Now that the holidays are here, they're also filled to capacity. Not only does this mean dollars for the Merry Acres Hotel, but it's also helping boost the local economy.

“They're going out to eat. They're doing some shopping,” said Liz Gray, “They are getting some gas. They’re doing things around the town and that really helps out the community.”