We will be in Savannah, from SE Asia, for the first 9 days of March 2010 - the latter four will be "work" (staying at the Hyatt), the first "play". I'd appreciate suggestions on two fronts - first, somewhere really nice/upmarket to spend the first few nights; second, how to spend the time. We'll hire a car, and driving about will be part of the plan so we don't actually have to be in Savannah itself for the play part...and I guess we can do most of the walking in the city during the work part. Both enjoy hiking, beaches, wildlife areas - as well as great food and wine.

I think you will be pleased with Savannah. The good news is the flowers will just be beginning to bloom and the city will be spiffing up for its large St. Patrick's day festival. The weather should be warm enough for walks on the beach, but you won't have to worry about bugs.
Hilton Head is a good day trip. If you spend the night at Hilton Head consider renting bikes to ride on the beach.

My friend and I thoroughly enjoyed our stay at this condo in Savannnah. The apartment was spacious and nicely furnished. The jacuzzi bath was very nice also. It was well located, we wre able to walk everywhere we wanted to go.

Here is the link:
http://www.vrbo.com/41141

We loved Savannah and I hope you will too!
Laurie

Be sure to go up to Charleston for 2-3 days. Better food up that way.
But also explore the places along the coast--Dafuskie Island.

A good option for wildlife viewing and hiking is just over an hour north. A link to the ACE basin state park is here http://www.southcarolinaparks.com/be...ace_basin.aspx

Isn't Hunting Island State Park near there also?

Yes, Hunting Island State Park is an easy day trip, and Beaufort as well.

Charleston is a must do...you can go up and back in the same day, but it would be nice to have an over-night so as to take everything in leisurely.

I lived in that hotel (Hyatt) for 4 years--it's very convenient to everything in the historic district. Hopefully you will have a room overlooking the river as the shipping traffic is such fun to watch!! It is worth the small amount extra, IMHO, for riverview.

We've been gone too long now to really be able to recommend upscale places to stay, but a B&B would be nice. The two best while we lived there were were the Ballastone and the Gastonian, but the Gastonian has changed hands at least twice so no telling what it's like now.

Ryetee...

All the suggestions posted so far are great and I second them.

For an upscale place you might want to look into the Mansion on Forsyth Park. http://www.mansiononforsythpark.com/

I have never stayed here, but some other Fodorites did last January for the Savannah GTG and said it was great. Also, on occassion I have seen discounts for this hotel listed on TravelZoo, so you might want to check there to see if you can get a reduced room rate.

And on the upscale end of dining, it's been several years, but I had a great dinner at the Sapphire Grill. Then the entrees were around $30, but the food was great.

A new place to dine is Leoci's -- a phenominal lunch or dinner (Abercorn Street at Huntingdon Street in the historic district). I loved the lobster with handmade ravioli!