ATLANTA - America's Best Value Inn is the new name of the former Route 66 hotel, and officials hope the revamped facility will boost jobs and tourism in the area.

"This hotel plays a key role in the plans for our future," Atlanta Mayor Bill Martin said of the town's only hotel. "Future plans to expand the hotel only are further supportive of our plans for Atlanta."

Martin was among about 40 local and county officials on hand Monday morning for the grand reopening of the business, located off Interstate 55 near historic Route 66. It had been closed for at least eight months.

New owner Narish Desai has already completed renovations on the interior of the building, including updated rooms with high- speed Internet access. He has future plans for a pool, business center and meeting rooms, as well as a restaurant, pizza parlor and ice cream shop.

"The sky's the limit with what we want to do," said Desai. "The development on this property will be a boost to the tourism of our region. This will also create employment to the region and uplift the town as a whole."

Martin noted that with so many new Route 66 projects, there will most likely be an increase in tourists to the area. That makes it even better to have a local hotel so visitors can spend the night rather than quickly driving through the town, he said.

"I'm thrilled the new owners have already come up with ideas for the future, which goes along with the future of our community," said Martin. "This hotel is good for Atlanta and I think Atlanta is good for the hotel."

Rob Orr, Logan County director of economic development, was pleased to see that while Desai could have invested his money anywhere, he chose the small town of Atlanta.

"That says a lot about the attractions that we offer in this area," Orr said.

Lincoln Mayor Beth Davis also extended her welcome.

"We're glad you're here and hope we can all work together to keep our county growing," said Davis.

This is the 15th Best Value Inn in Illinois, said America's Best Value Inn Midwest Region Director John Mattson.