Fodor's Expert Review Hamilton-Turner Inn

With bathrooms the size of New York City apartments, this French Empire mansion is celebrated, if not in song, certainly in story, and definitely has a "wow" effect, especially the rooms that front Lafayette Square. It was built ostentatiously in 1873 by Samuel Hamilton, Savannah's then-mayor (who made money as a blockade runner during the Civil War) and then rescued from further ignominy in 1997 by a wealthy Savannah couple, who did the initial restoration; current owners Gay and Jim Dunlop completed a massive restoration that returned the home's former glory. The afternoon reception features quality wine and both hot and cold hors d'oeuvres.