The Dresser Palmer House Bed & Breakfast

211 E. Gaston St., Savannah, Georgia, 31401, United States, Savannah, Georgia, USA

Why We Like It

Visitors soon discover that Savannah is a party town, but the Dresser Palmer House is a great compromise for revelers and homebodies alike because of its 24-hour concierge and central, but quiet, location. The exterior grounds and garden are also immaculate and lush with sub-tropical greenery at any time of year. The B&B is close to Forsyth Park.

Fodor's Expert Review

This rambling Italianate townhouse from the late 19th century is a standout for its ornate exterior, relaxing front porch, and comfortable ambiance. The oversize rooms boast high ceilings, handsome fireplaces, and tasteful antique furnishings, such as canopied four-poster beds. Some even have clawfoot tubs. Since this was once two separate houses, the room configurations can be unusual, but the inn exudes a historic, haunting atmosphere. The Johnny Mercer Room, with its recessed bed alcove and private balcony overlooking Gaston Street, is the inn's best accommodation. On one of the city's most beautiful streets, it's in a quiet residential area that offers a true slice of Savannah life.

Tip Enjoy sleeping in? Try booking a Garden Level room, all of which have fewer windows and private entrances from the lower garden stairway.

Recommended Fodor’s Video

Room

Retiring to a room at the Dresser Palmer House is the best of both worlds: a step back in time to the charms of old Savannah with all the modern comforts and luxuries. Warm up with a gas fireplace or cool down on your private balcony (King Suite with Balcony only) overlooking picturesque Gaston Street. The beds are elegantly appointed and intensely comfortable, complete with soft mattresses and Egyptian cotton sheets.

You Should Know There's no elevator, so if stairs are challenging for you it's best to request a room on the lower floor.

Bathroom

Many of the rooms have walk-in showers and/or clawfoot bathtubs, which certainly dial up the luxury. The free toiletries and hairdryer are a nice touch when preparing for a night out.

Lobby

The lobby area is very low-key, and at times (particularly off-season) you'll have to use the desk phone to ring a staff member for service. The friendly 24-hour concierge service is a nice touch.

Dining

Complimentary breakfast service hosted by the Dresser Palmer kitchen (by appointment the day before) is delicious and satisfying.

Drinking

There is an honor bar in the lobby that serves free wine every day (except on Sundays).

What's Nearby

Getting Around

Downtown Savannah is roughly a 20-minute drive from the Savannah-Hilton Head Intl. airport. As with most accommodations in the area, it's most pleasant to remain parked at the property and walk around when possible or take a trolley tour. Proximity to Forsyth Park makes strolls from the House particularly inviting.

Restaurants

Clary's Cafe (5-minute walk) is a diner made famous by the novel and movie version of Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil. It's worth a visit just for that. Cuoco Pazzo Cucina Italiana (3-minute walk) is lovely, and boasts an authentic taste of Italy. The wood-fired pizza is scrumptious. Local 11 Ten Food & Wine (12-minute walk) serves seasonal American cuisine with Southern roots in a hip, tastefully decorated setting, complete with a gorgeous rooftop bar.

Bars

The American Legion on Bull Street (12-minute walk) is a perfect dive for getting to know the natives (and students) while quaffing the cheapest drinks in town. If you need something hearty to soak up your alcohol, order a juicy burger from next-door Betty Bombers. Perch (12-minute walk) is the mid-scale rooftop bar over Local 11 Ten Food & Wine. The tree-canopied surroundings are almost as intoxicating as the craft cocktails. Into the rooftop bar action? This is the right part of town: Casimir's Lounge (6-minute walk) at the Mansion on Forsyth is chic and romantic, complete with live piano and jazz overlooking the park.

Quick Facts

HOTEL INFO

Phones: 912-238–3294;800-671–0716