kak113

Hello all -
I've always wanted to go to Savannah for St. Pats and thought that this year booking a hotel at the 330 day mark would work out. However, it looks like many of the hotels are already booked.

I'm looking for any suggestions about vacation rentals, hotels that might not advertise too much, and any suggestions of what might be worth it to stay despite the high rates.

Also, it seems that there is some availability on Tybee and outside the historic district, but I haven't seen much information about any sort of public transportation or what the taxi situation is to see if these options might be feasible.

Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated - am working on planning a trip for anywhere from 4-12 people depending on costs and what I find!

Thanks!

gail

First, the 330 rule is for airlines, not hotels. Most hotels book up to one year in advance. I have also had hotels book farther out if I am actually standing at the hotel desk, but not on-line.

I checked the usual large chains in Historic District and it does seem that they are booked. Our son goes to school in Savannah, so while I am not an expert, I will recount his impressions for this year.

First, the Historic Distric is so jammed with people that public transit will not get you to immediate area. He and his friends walked about 2 miles to Historic District from their rental house rather than try to drive - and they have student SCAD stickers so may have even been able to find parking.

The Midtown area of Savannah is a lower cost place for lodging, but I can not tell you for sure how close you would be able to take transit into Historic District. It is not a walkable distance, and while there are busses that go up Abercorn to the area, that is also parade route, so at least for time surrounding parade, they could not operate. Still, during non-parade times, it might be an option to take bus as far in as you can and then walk the rest of the way. However, I would be less comfortable about return trip. If you had a rental car and did not mind walking, you could stay in Midtown area and park as close as you can get and walk the rest of the way. While this is thru some sketchy areas, the crowds are such that it would be safer on 3/17.

aileen679

Check out this map
http://www.savannahgetaways.net/map.cfm The little circles will show short term rental property. You might find what you need in the Historic District.

In past years, the CAT bus system runs shuttle buses from the Midtown Oglethorpe Mall. I would guess that they will do it in 2008 also. The only problem is that it doesn't run late at night. You would need a taxi to get back to your car. You may still be able to find some rooms in the Midtown area. Look for an Abercorn or White Bluff address (from the 6000 block and up) or "Midtown". The city is always grossly overcrowded. Good luck on your search!

OO

I did a quick check of Hyatt, Desoto Hilton and Marriott. Hyatt and Desoto Hilton have availability and there is availability at the Courtyard Historic District too, but not at Marriott Riverfront. It was my husband's experience that they generally didn't sell out completely until about 4-6 weeks prior to THE day. They have a minimum stay in place for those periods, either two or 3 days depending on whether the day falls near the weekend.

You are far better off staying in the historic district if you can find a place with an acceptable price. After a certain point on the 17th, you can't get into downtown because of closed highways and it's often best not to have to drive out after all the celebrating.

gail

OO - we must have entered different imaginary dates, since I could not find availability for 4 night stay at Hilton or Hyatt.

Midtown hotels that I checked, however, do seem to have vacancies. Also, might be worth a phone call to some of the Historic District hotels rather than just relying on website.

GoTravel

I've done St. Patrick's Day in Savannah numerous times and the best experience and the best place to stay is the Hyatt.

Call the hotel directly. It is expensive but so worth it. With all the madness going on outside, it is serene and calm. Their security is beyond outstanding.

The hotel is ground zero for the fun and madness.

OO

Gail, I first tried 16th to 18th thinking that the minimum stay requirement might have blacked out a one night request, but then tried for one night, in the 17th, out the 18th, and could still get it. I was only trying for 1 room though. Just tried two rooms, the max on the website, and it still shows availability.

I know I've said before...LOL, but St Patty's in Savannah was my least favorite time to be there. Things have tightened up since we left and hopefully it's better. It was getting to be out of control!

gail

According to my son it is still a madhouse. Attractive to a young male but not something I would be interested in. While the parade is good, looking at green fountains and out of control drunks gets old fast at my age.