NEW DELHI

"Thank you for your excellent hospitality, with my best wishes, George W Bush", is how President George Bush signed off in the Golden Book of ITC Maurya Sheraton.

The US President interacted with senior hotel staff and expressed happiness over the quality of service. Mr Bush was impressed with the hospitality of the hotel and thanked the hotel staff. He also liked the preparations the hotel had made for his visit, a senior hotel official said.

"Although he was on a brief visit, unlike the former US President, Mr Bill Clinton, but in the short period he won the hearts of many with his simplicity," a senior hotel official said. "The hotel has been a favourite among VVIPs coming to India. Mr Clinton and Russian President Vladimir Putin stayed here when they visited India. Mr Clinton still visits the restaurant whenever he comes to India," the hotel official added. Although the US President has gone, the secret service hasn't yet vacated the rooms occupied by the First couple. They are expected to hand over the rooms either on Sunday or Monday, the hotel official said.

The secret services had turned the hotel into a mini "White House" and set up security and communication systems. "They will take some time winding up the surveillance system," he said.