Steeped with history, Savannah is the romantic Georgia city that you won’t be able to stop yourself from falling in love with. From its plethora of antebellum architecture, beautiful old homes, and red brick buildings to the iconic Spanish moss and chance for horse-drawn carriage rides, it’s a wonderful place.
Its most historic district, the Riverfront, is the place to be. Here you’ll discover boutiques, restaurants, and bars, as well as tourist sights, set within gorgeous old houses. It’s in many of these old buildings that you’ll find Savannah’s top hotels – from intimate inns to grand residences — the best of which are listed here.
1. The Alida, Savannah, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel
Source: booking.comThis luxury hotel has a lot going for it. Boasting incredible views of historic Downtown Savannah, guests can enjoy cocktails at the rooftop bar or dine in style at one of the on-site restaurants. Lazy days can be spent chilling by the pool or hanging out in the sophisticated lobby.
Rooms at this 5-star offering are attractively designed, complete with incredibly comfortable beds and modern, fashionable aesthetics. The level of comfort, quality, and service is second to none.
Location: Set in the heart of Savannah’s historic district, you’ll have shopping, eating, and entertainment options around Broughton Street, with the City Market close by, too.
2. Perry Lane Hotel
Source: booking.comThere’s incredible elegance on offer at Perry Lane Hotel – from its well-appointed, ultra-comfortable guest rooms to the polished, contemporary-meets-classic luxury of its common areas. Everything about this place is high-end.
In terms of amenities at this boutique option, guests can kick back on the terrace with a game of bowls, hang out in a hammock, or cool off in the outdoor pool. There are multiple drinking and dining options on-site and even shopping.
Location: Set very close to the Colonial Park Cemetery, other interesting sights like the Historic Savannah Theatre and the Cathedral of St John the Baptist are just steps from the front door.
3. The Suites at Bay
Source: booking.comWith classic style, warm décor, and utmost cleanliness, The Suites at Bay is set in a beautiful, historical terrace building; you’re staying in a part of Savannah’s history itself. There’s a lot of character at this hotel.
Each room is also conveniently decked out with its own kitchen and seating area for added comfort. There’s even drinking and dining on offer in the classy but fun on-site bar and restaurant.
Location: Right in historic Downtown Savannah, the location couldn’t be more perfect for walking around and exploring the city — for one thing, the hotel is right across the street from historic riverfront buildings.
4. JW Marriott Savannah Plant Riverside District
Source: booking.comOccupying a former industrial building, this brand new Savannah hotel has a whole lot of space and amenities to amplify your stay in this historic city. Rooms are decked out with bold colour palettes, while common areas are all about industrial-chic design.
Guests will have the option of dining in the on-site restaurant, eating breakfast on the outdoor terrace, taking a swim in the seasonal outdoor pool, and drinking at the stylishly decorated bar.
Location: Set along the riverside, this hotel is mere steps away from the City Market, the River Street Train Museum and Forsyth Park, with numerous other attractions in the vicinity.
5. Azalea Inn Villas
Source: booking.comWith a selection of varied rooms on offer – all set within a historic whitewashed house – staying in this charming hotel is an experience in itself. There’s old-world elegance going on here; from the four-poster beds and fireplaces in the rooms to the delightful porch area.
For guests wanting a more intimate accommodation experience away from a large hotel, Azalea Inn and Villas couldn’t be better. There’s something for everyone and all travel styles here, whether you want a queen room in the main house or a garden cottage.
Location: Set along the genteel, brick-lined Huntingdon Street, it’s a two-minute stroll from here to the central Forsyth Park, while the Savannah Riverfront — and all the sights of the historic district — is just a mile away.
6. Hyatt Regency Savannah
Source: booking.comGuest rooms at the Hyatt Regency Savannah provide the high-end experience you’d expect; think monochrome colours, quality furnishings, plenty of space, and views out across the city. Some rooms open out onto a shared terrace, too.
Situated inside a large building, there’s a big open-air terrace and restaurant for glittering evening meals along the riverfront. There’s even an outdoor pool for refreshing swims after a day exploring the city.
Location: The centre of the city is less than a kilometre from the hotel, while its riverfront locale places it right in the heart of Savannah’s most attractive historic area, complete with many restaurants on the doorstep.
7. Kimpton Brice Hotel
Source: booking.comThe Kimpton Bryce Hotel will definitely have you covered if understated elegance is what you’re looking for in a Savannah hotel. Set in a historic building, period features mix with contemporary furnishings in its fashionable interiors for a design lover’s dream.
Its grassy courtyard, where you can dine on sunny days, is a delight, and its inviting outdoor pool is a great place to find yourself in the scorching Savannah summer. There’s also a library for those rainy days when you just feel like cosying up with a book.
Location: Just off the beaten track but still within walking distance of the sights of Savannah, there are plenty of restaurants and bars nearby. Washington Square and the historic Riverfront are a stone’s throw away.
8. Hotel Indigo Savannah Historic District
Source: booking.comSet in a gorgeous red brick building from 1851, there’s plenty of history in this beautiful hotel. Beautifully decorated inside and out, there’s eye-catching artwork throughout the hotel, mixing with its period details for a real Savannah treat.
The hotel boasts not only a fitness centre but also a chic on-site restaurant and bar for evening dinner and drinks. Elsewhere, guests can utilise the hotel’s concierge service for that extra level of convenience.
Location: True to its name, this hotel is in the historic district — on West Bay Street, to be exact. That means it’s just 150 yards from River Street and all the dining, drinking, entertainment, and shopping the area affords.
9. The Marshall House, Historic Inns of Savannah Collection
Source: booking.comThe Marshall House was built in the 1850s and is yet another of Savannah’s amazing historic hotels. When you’re not marvelling at the period features and snapping selfies for Facebook, there are plenty of ways to occupy your time here.
Guests can chill out with a glass of wine on the wrought-iron balcony, gaze out over the gleaming city at night, sip a cocktail in the lounge, or dine in the classic decor and intimate ambience of the on-site bistro. There’s even a library for guests to use.
Location: Everything is within walking distance thanks to this hotel’s historic district locale. Reynolds Square, Colonial Park Cemetery, Warren Square, City Market, as well as a whole host of restaurants and cafes of Savannah’s old town.
10. Olde Harbour Inn, Historic Inns of Savannah Collection
Source: booking.comOlde Harbor Inn is set in an impressive 1812 property and comes with light, airy rooms, authentic wood ceilings, rich wood flooring, and large windows. All its period features, tastefully updated, make for a special place to stay.
There are nice touches throughout that aren’t just focusing on this hotel’s admittedly amazing historical credentials. There’s plenty of character – from the complimentary refreshments (and wine and food in the evenings) to the helpfulness of the friendly staff.
Location: Overlooking the Savannah River itself, dozens of restaurants and boutiques are on the doorstep. River Street Market Place Shopping Center is just a few minutes’ walk away, as are many attractions.
11. Eliza Thompson House, Historic Inns of Savannah Collection
Source: booking.comThis elegant house retains all the beauty and ambience of its 1847 origins — think antique furnishings and original artwork on the walls — but is still comfortable enough for modern-day guests to completely relax and unwind.
Rooms have fireplaces and are immaculately kept. There’s also a lovely garden at the Eliza Thompson House, complete with koi pond, magnolia and oak trees festooned with Savannah’s iconic Spanish moss.
Location: Situated on historic Jones Street with its elegant old homes (such as this one), it’s just a couple of minutes on foot to Forsyth Park and the high-end shops and art galleries of the Downtown Design District.
12. Mansion on Forsyth Park, Autograph Collection
Source: booking.comA supremely luxurious setting awaits those who choose to stay at the Mansion on Forsyth Park. Beautifully furnished throughout, there’s exceptional attention to detail – from the chandeliers to the opulent artworks and its bold, mirrored lounge.
Rooms are boutique style, with large, comfortable beds and armchairs – and sleek bathrooms to boot. In the spacious courtyard, you can take a refreshing dip in the geometrically aligned swimming pool, before dinner at the hotel’s opulent restaurant.
Location: As its name suggests, this top Savannah hotel is situated in Forsyth Park for an incredible location in the city. Walking to nearby restaurants, tourist attractions, coffee shops — anything, really — is a breeze from here.
13. The DeSoto
Source: booking.comThe DeSoto is a contemporary marvel of a hotel. Outside, there’s a spacious swimming pool surrounded by seating and loungers, while inside, the spacious communal areas are tastefully decorated in a colourful and trendy style.
Guest rooms here are roomy and boast generous windows with balconies, so you can catch a glimpse of the city below. Interestingly, there’s lots of local art on display through the hotel. The staff are very attentive and will help make your stay truly amazing.
Location: It has a top position, sandwiched between the Riverfront and Forsyth Park, with all the Victorian-era buildings, restaurants, boutiques and other attractions the area affords. The Cathedral of St John the Baptist is right nearby, too.
14. Forsyth Park Inn
Source: booking.comIf what you want out of a hotel is a more classic, traditional feel, you’ll want to stay at the delightful Forsyth Park Inn. Beautifully converted into a hotel, stepping through the doors of this old mansion is like stepping back in time.
With sizeable rooms, the modest, pared-back decor lets the historical credentials of the building reveal themselves – from the fireplaces to the rolltop tubs and four-poster beds. The garden and terrace make for ideal places to relax after a day of sightseeing.
Location: Overlooking iconic Forsyth Park, there’s a free bus that stops in front of the property, making it easy to get around. Even so, there’s plenty of history to enjoy in the surrounding area, with Lafayette Square and Monterey Square both nearby.
15. Ballastone Inn
Source: booking.comBallastone Inn is a unique hotel that retains the history of the old house in which it is set. Think warm furnishings, large comfortable beds, traditional decor, antique furniture, woven rugs, and patterned wallpaper — it’s all here.
The staff are very friendly, adding immensely to the already cosy atmosphere at the hotel. They are also super knowledgeable about Savannah, which is a plus. There’s a lobby bar for evening drinks, but you can also take afternoon tea in the courtyard for a decidedly delightful experience.
Location: It’s very well-situated, close to lots of Savannah’s interesting sights. The Historic Savannah Theatre, Juliette Gordon Low’s Birthplace, and Wright Square, for example, are on the doorstep, while the Savannah River is a half a mile away.