KayF

Hi, we are Australians planning a visit to Charleston and Savannah in March. Accommodation seems to be quite expensive - particularly if you want pretty and historic which of course I do! - but I have found two places in Savannah which could be OK. They are the Catherine Ward House http://www.catherinewardhouseinn.com/welcome.aspx
and Savannah Bed and Breakfast http://www.savannahbnb.com/

I have read bits and pieces saying parts of Savannah are not safe to walk around. These two B&Bs are near Forsyth Park. Would you consider that a safe area and is it a good area to stay in - is it close to cafes and shops and touristy things. We like to walk and admire beautiful architecture but don't want to be looking over our shoulder.

This is our first visit to this area so any advice gratefully received.
Kay
(Our dates for Savannah are 10 March to 12 March, 3 nights.)

321go

topping.

starrs

The area BETWEEN Forsyth Park and the river is fine. The other 3 sides around Forsyth Park can be "iffy". The area is turning (for the better) and recent tours of homes have had several homes on the tour. It's really interesting to see the really badly deteriorated homes being returned to their original splendor. I think you would do better a few blocks further "in".

Check out the Eliza Thompson house.

KayF

Thanks for the info. I'm trying to find something nice but not too expensive (under US$200 per night) and not overly fancy. We don't really need the pre dinner sherry and the turndown, it's sounds a bit over the top to me. Something simple would suit us better.

Will check out the hotel you suggest. Other suggestions gratefully received. I was looking at the River Street Inn but it doens't get very good reviews, also I wasn't sure if the river was a good place to stay.

Kay

isabel

Try the Inn at Ellis Square. We are staying there the week after your dates so I have no first hand experience with it yet, but it gets good reviews on Trip Advisor. It's in an excellent location. I booked it through otel.com and got a better rate than the hotel's own website. The reason prices are so high is that is the week before St Patricks day and in Savannah that is a very big deal. Good luck

gail

I would not walk around parts of that area after dark - as stated above, the area as you go away from the River gets sketchy fairly quickly. During the daytime it is fine - but in March it gets dark by aroun 5:30 PM or so (or maybe I am confused about when Eastern Daylight Time starts - they seem to keep changing it).

There is, in fact, some incredible architecture on side streets in that and other areas towards the River. We have enjoyed lookin at some of the details of buildings on regular residential streets, not just the notable historic buildings. Things like iron work, little walkways, etc. If you are into photography, you will find much of interest.

Locals are working to restore this area - you may see a boarded up building next to a beautiful restoration. While you are in Savannah if you are into art check out some of the galleries and shops of Savannah College of Art and Design (I am biased as my son is a student there). SCAD has been a large part in historic restoration in Savannah, as their historic preservation department has used some buildings as working classrooms. SCAD has also bought up and restored some previously blighted buildings in their scatter-sight campus.

You are fortunate that you will not be in Savannah over 3/17, St. Patrick's Day as the city turns into a drunken party. They dye the fountains green (coloring the River green has been deemed environmentally offensive). While I have not experienced this holiday in Savannah my son (age 21) says it is a great big party - and that is enough information to scare me off.

Enjoy Savannah.

starrs

I have friends who have stayed at the Eliza Thompson House while on business, and they loved it. Never got the impression it was too fancy.

You are going during one of the most expensive times of year. I used the B&B link from the ET house and the ET doesn't have Thurs night any way. The East Bay does - with 1 choice under $200 and 1 at $209. I recommend it and the location can't be beat. DO NOT stay at the Olde Harbour Inn at that link (just trust me).

I checked a couple of other links and at www.ichotelsgroup.com (The Holiday Inn group) both the Staybridge Suites and the Holiday Inn Express have rooms less the $200. These are NEW hotels in the historic district but built to look like they've been there forever. I'd book either one of those in a heartbeat.

The Planters Inn is at a GREAT location and has one choice for less than $200.

I would recommend any of the above.

I used to stay at the River Street Inn all the time, but they've had real problems with staff, service, etc. It's been years since I've stayed there. The best rooms overlook River Street, but one night I was awoken in the wee hours of the morning by skateboarders. If folks are partying on River Street, it can get noisy. The hotels/ inns are within a block of the river with a lot less noise.

Have fun! Savannah is wonderful!

KayF

Thanks so much everyone. I will check out the places suggested and hopefully will find one that has space for us.

I take it that the area between the river and Forsyth Park is OK to stay in and walk around, but is safer the closer you get to the river. Is that right? And the area south, west and east of Forsyth Park is a no-go?

It's quite off-putting, I'm wondering how dodgy it will be, surely not as bad as large European cities?

Kay

gail

Savannah is strange as far as crime is concerned. It is a relatively small US city with some larger-city crime. Some of the crime is drug-related. Some of it random street crime - pocketbook/wallet muggings, that sort of thing. Stolen car rate is higher than other cities its size.

Unlike larger cities, streets have far fewer people on them after dark - so opportunity for crime is greater and it feels a little creepier. Part of it is the alleys, doorways, etc that can hide creepy types. I do not find street lighting as bright as in some larger cities.

Don't misunderstand - many people live in Savannah and have never been a crime victim. People walk the streets all the time with no problem - it is not like you are going to ambushed with a machine gun at every corner. It is just that statistically for some reason it is somewhat less safe than other cities its size.

maryanne1

Try the Doubletree or Hampton Inn near restaurants and shops. Not sure of the price at the time you want,but both are excellent places to stay. I enjoyed my stay at the Doubletree last spring.

xkenx

We stayed at the Forsyth Park Inn www.forsythparkinn.com a few years ago. It is across the street from the park near the NW corner of the park. This is the side closest to the heart of the historic district. We found this locale quite upscale and safe, and the inn is charming and elegant w/o being ostentatious. It is a B&B with excellent breakfasts. If you are light sleepers, rooms not facing the east side (the street running along the park) would be quieter.

lisettemac

I can also recommend the Planters' Inn or the Mulberry Inn (which is actually a Holiday Inn, I believe). Both are nice properties (although different -- Planters' Inn is a B&B, whereas Mulberry Inn is a regular hotel) with reasonable prices and decent locations. Nonetheless, anyone will tell you that it isn't safe to wander around many of the squares in Savannah at night. Stick to the main drag and you'll be fine.

starrs

The Mulberry and Doubletree are out of her price range for her dates and the Hampton Inn does not have availability for her dates. The one on MLK does, and that area has changed a lot in the past 6 months, but it's still not my favorite location.