There are also some of the finest historic inns in the country, revamped Victorian mansions that now welcome guests with luxurious period accommodations that exemplify old-fashioned southern hospitality.
Mansion on Forsyth Park, Autograph Collection
Buildings in Savannah don’t get much more Southern Gothic than the 19th-century, red-brick building that houses Mansion on Forsyth Park. The structure is nothing if not imposing, its color and size commanding attention. The architecture is reflected in various ways inside; say, in the grand wooden headboards in the guest rooms. Old-timey candelabras add to the spooky-chic vibes that match the history here as a funeral home, before it opened as a hotel in 2005 and later became a member of Marriott's Autograph Collection.
A grand Victorian mansion on the southeast corner of Lafayette Square, the building that now houses the Hamilton-Turner Inn dates to 1873. Its aesthetic, known as "Second Empire," is marked by tall windows and intricate ironwork balconies. There’s a grand, Italianate look to the place as you climb up to the front door and enter a beautiful hallway. The elegant parlor and dining rooms are to your immediate left and right, unfurling before you with sophistication and period glamour. Savannah’s historic district is crammed with houses like this, and the opportunity to stay in one that’s not a private home is a real treat.
The Alida Hotel, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel
Like many of Savannah's riverfront hotels, the Alida lives in a converted warehouse and is named for Alida Harper Fowlkes, a beloved architectural preservationist. Its look is a pleasing meld of contemporary glass and steel, mid-century accents, and exposed brickwork—a nod to the past. Inside there are little extras like canapés and snacks every evening in the lobby bar and complimentary Champagne at the reception desk. Add to this a plum location, an alluring array of amenities, and a good-value room rate, and it's no wonder the hotel was quick to become a Savannah favorite.
Even among the plethora of Victorian mansions that line the shady squares of Savannah’s historic downtown, Kehoe House stands out. Its vivid red-brick facade is immediately noticeable, with a grand staircase leading to Italianate pillars and Renaissance Revival flourishes welcoming guests in an evocatively regal manner. Inside, plush drapes, 14-foot ceilings, dark wood panelling, and period antiques maintain a high-society ambience.
You'll feel the history and grandeur immediately as you approach The Drayton Hotel, at the corner of Drayton and Bay streets on the cusp of Savannah’s Historic District. The large, stately, gray bricks are part of the building's original 19th-century facade, but as you enter the lobby, you're hit with a tide of modernity. Bright blue sofas and light wood paneling create a whimsical space that’s as welcoming as it is colorful. As one of the newer hotels in the city, The Drayton is already making waves with its aesthetics.
The Cotton Sail is a 56-room property that pays homage to the city’s riverside commerce. It sits in an enviable location directly overlooking the Savannah River, with a stately calmness that belies its size. And, like many hotels around the city, its red-brick exterior hints at its history. This is relatively small hotel, and its riverside location, historic details, and views are the main selling points. There's also a small fitness center and a rooftop bar. Come for the views and riverside tranquility; stay for the cool crowd and warm, personal service.
Perry Lane opened in May 2018 and became a draw almost immediately for those tapping into the city’s increasingly creative happenings. It’s set in two buildings facing each other across Perry Lane, and at first glance, you aren't quite sure if they’re new structures or renovated historic ones—the architecture blends in so well (they're new). Inside, you’ll spot a library with a piano, leather chairs, and plantation shutters, updated with expansive art collection, a jewel-box of an elevator dressed in tropical wallpaper, and a rooftop bar and pool with some of the best views of downtown.
It's impossible not to be awed by The Galloway House Inn, a historic mansion. The huge, two-story pillars and immaculate topiary give visitors the impression that they're about to experience something very special. This is an all-suite property with discrete entrances for every suite. Our Caroline Suite had a bedroom, living area, kitchen, and bathroom. The overall decor blended contemporary and rustic pieces. Each suite is different, though, with some filled with antiques and others more bohemian. If you’ve seen the delights of downtown before and want a different Savannah experience, this is the place. It's hard to imagine a better version of local hospitality.
Dark-gray brickwork sets Kimpton Brice apart from the slew of other hotels that have sprouted up around downtown Savannah. The building itself is notably old, but the yellow canopies and modern signage hint at a newer feel, and once you walk into the bright lobby, you'll have no doubts about the contemporary approach. The hotel blends the standards of a Kimpton hotel with local art and a great riverside location. It feels youthful, dynamic, and fun, all backed up with real high-level service.
Walking up Ballastone Inn's curved iron staircase feels like stepping successively back in time to the early 19th century. Inside, the foyer consists of elaborate woodwork, period panelling, chandeliers, and a celestial-sky ceiling. As a B&B, breakfast is a highlight with fresh waffles and cinnamon buns every morning. It's full of stories and crammed with period artifacts that really do transport guests back to Victorian times. It’s a special-occasion stay for sure, but for this kind of thing, it has few rivals.
The Bohemian Hotel, an imposing, red-brick, warehouse-style building, fits its riverside location perfectly, but its interior delivers a much more eclectic visual experience. The overall theme of the hotel is maritime chic, with cast-iron ropes, driftwood sculptures, and oyster shells peppered throughout the public spaces and guest rooms. There are also abstract art installations in the form of huge wooden spheres, plus antique kayaks suspended from the ceiling. Although some may find the eclecticism a little challenging, an open mind will help facilitate a truly lovely stay.
One of the great joys of walking around downtown Savannah is the wealth of architectural styles, and The Gastonian is as pleasing as any. A fine example of the Regency-period Italianate look that defines the more decadent side of this town, and the historic inn has an ornate entrance, wrought iron-lined steps, and a towering porch—all previews of the luxuriousness inside. All of the rooms are individually decorated; some have private balconies and some are duplexes. In our General Hunter room, a Classic King, there was a calming color palette of light greens and blues.
From the outside, the Hyatt Regency Savannah is a somewhat unremarkable, modern, cream-colored building. Step into the lobby, though, and you'll see the cavernous space opening up and the interior design choices coming to the fore. With views of the Savannah River, our River View King didn’t disappoint. The fixtures and fittings were simple and contemporary. With its location on the river, the hotel is within walking distance of restaurants, attractions, and the entirety of the downtown historic district, so you'll never be at a loss for things to do.
Andaz is a youthful, style-oriented brand from Hyatt, and the 151-room Savannah hotel shows off local modern art. It really is in a plum spot, just a block from the river and slap bang in the middle of the City Market District. Nightlife and shopping are all on the doorstep, as are the scenic squares of downtown Savannah. Like other Andaz properties, this one draws hip travelers who love great food and design.
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