LoisL

We are leaving for Savannah for a getaway weekend. I have made two reservations, one at the Couryard Historic district, and one for the Marriott Riverwalk location. Is there any significant difference between the two [there is over a $100 difference a night] as far as getting around? I would like two or three restaurants, including at least one seafood place, and our preferences tend toward local rather than chain establishments. I am not planning on bringing 'dressy' clothes, and for sure, my husband will not have a jacket or tie, in case that is an issue. I'd appreciate any recommendations. Thanks.

NeoPatrick

To be honest, I like the location of the Courtyard better. We left our car and walked to everything from there. The Marriott on the river is kind of off by itself. We also walked down there and found it to be "convention heaven" and were glad we weren't staying there that week.

djkbooks

I agree that the Marriott, though in a beautiful location, is a bit too "distant". The free trolley stops there, but it's a one-way circular route and hours are limited.

We really liked Staybridge Suites. Excellent location, beautiful property, excellent included breakfast, and a kitchen is really handy.

There are plenty of very nice, but casual, places to dine.

We love the bar downstairs from the Pink House. You can order (as you please, appetizers only for example) from the Pink House menu. And, Gail, the pianist/vocalist is terrific.

irishswampyankee

Hampton Inn Historic District - great.

gail

Crab Shack on tybee Island; Uncle Bubbas Oyster House on way to Tybee (both if you have a car) If you wear anything other than jeans and t-shirt to Crab Shack you will be way over-dressed.

I also prefer Hampton Inn Historic District - have you checked that out? Make sure it is one on Bay St and not the one on MLK Blvd.

starrs

I don't like the location of either. They are both on the edges of the Historic District - opposite ends. If I had to chose one, it would be the Courtyard because it is newer and better maintained.

I'd go with the HI at Bay and Abercorn or one of the newer hotels a couple of blocks away - in the MIDDLE of the historic district - not the edges.

gail

There is also a brand new Holiday Inn Express across from Hampton Inn - have never been inside though.

LoisL

Thanks for the input. The reason for trying to stick with Marriott is points toward another big trip planned [need a few more stays] and this will be just one night, as we are then staying in Hilton Head. I decided, based on the advice given, to cancel the Marriott Riverwalk and stick with the Courtyard.

Since we'll be in the area for a week, and will be making at least one or two day trips from Hilton Head, we'd like some good restaurant choices. I've heard that we shouldn't bother with Lady and Sons, but I see a place she's connected with has been recommended, so we'll check that out. I've brought up both recommended restaurants sites online, and both are appealing to me. Any other restaurant recommendations or sites not to miss are appreciated. Thanks again.

cd

Re: "shouldn't bother with Lady and Sons, but I see a place she's connected with has been recommended,"

This is Uncle Bubba's Oyster House in Savannah (her brothers's)and they have the best sea food gumbo I've ever had! If the weather is nice, ask for outside seating.

LoisL

Thanks CD. Yes, it was Uncle Bubba's, and it's good to get such a resounding recommendation. I will make sure that is one of our stops. We are meeting up with friends, and two of our daughters will be joining us for part of the week we're in the area, so I suspect we'll have a few visits to Savannah. I've heard so many good things about the city, and I love history, so I am looking forward to exploring the area.

thepeters

I'd also suggest the Courtyard Marriott Historic District -- just stayed there a few weekends ago and had an excellent stay.

The location is great, and does put you right across the street from the visitors center, the convention center & the main on-off spots for the local tour trolleys.

Plus, walking from one end of the Historic District to the other is quite easy from anywhere.

They also offer a bar in the lobby each night (well, Monday thru Saturday nights), and it's a nice way to end each evening.

We had a few great meals while in town:

Clary's, which is just 3 blocks away or so, was exactly what we imagined from reading "The Book", so check that out for breakfast one morning.

Six Pence -- it's touristy, yes, but great food.

Soho South Cafe -- great for lunch, lots of locals.

Have a great trip!

sharon62

My husband and I have not stayed in a hotel in Savannah, so can't really comment on that, but we enjoyed eating at The Pirate House restaurant there. The Crab shack in Tybee Island is a fun place to go, also.

aliska

It's been a few years since we have been to savannah, but we always enjoyed Mrs. Wilke's Dining Room, http://www.mrswilkes.com/ Be aware that during peak visitor times, this place will be jammed full. Read the web site and plan to stand in line.

starrs

I love Mrs. Wilkes'. It is now only open for lunch.
I love the SoHo Cafe too. I take customers there for lunch.
I LOVE the Pink House. It's one of my favorite restaurants ANYWHERE. I entertain customers there and hard to please folks truly enjoy their meals.
I like Paula Deen's Lady and Sons. The wait is long though.
I do not like the Pirate House at all, but my good friend (and supermodel P_M) enjoyed it.
For fine dining, I'd go to the Pink House, Bistro Savannah and/or Garibaldi's. They are managed by the same company.
The Six Pence can be fun. I enjoyed our meal there a lot and really enjoyed riding to the restaurant via pedicab.
Good choices in Savannah.

LoisL

Thanks to all who responded. I'm looking forward to trying the restaurants. It is good to hear that the information center is right across from our hotel, as well as a trolley stop. I'm looking forward to the trip!

thepeters

Almost forgot to mention -- you can pre-purchase your Old Savannah Tours trolley ticket(s) in the lobby at the Courtyard.

Have a great trip!

LoisL

We have returned from our trip, and loved Savannah. We were very happy with the Courtyard by Marriott, and felt the location was actually good, being right across from the Visitor Center, and at one edge of the historic dist.

We loved our dinner at the Old Pink House, for it's ambiance, food, service and history. I would go back in a heartbeat. We had an excellent breakfast at J. Christopher's, and I'd recommend it to anyone. There was an extensive menu, and it's large enough to accomodate a good amt. of people We were too early to go to brunch at some recommended places, but were very happy with where we ended up. I was not wowed by Six Pence Pub. It had charm not unlike some pubs in Ireland or London, but we thought the food was mediocre. We did end up meeting a lovely couple from FL who asked us to join them, which made the evening very interesting. I didn't know the history of the bldg. [Julia Roberts filmed a scene there] till the next day.

The city has so much charm. I look forward to a return visit. We didn't get to Tybee Island at all, so did not make it to Uncle Bubba's or the Crab Shack. There's no shortage of places to get to for a future visit.

Thanks again to all for the great recommendations.

Jed

And thanks to you for getting back here with your report, which will help others.

elsiemoo

The food at Lady & Sons is delicious; I would definitely bother with it!

OhioTravelerB

Hi! I've been researching hotels, restaurants and activities in Savannah for a friend, and I've posted some of what I found on my blog: http://bartravels.blogspot.com
I included places that were named "Best of Savannah" by readers of Savannah Magazine, and I added links to all the restaurant menus so you can browse. I'm not going, but just looking at some of the menus made me wish I was.