New Savannah Historic District Hotels
 

I was back this week on a work trip (and missed the Fodorites BTW). Even MORE new construction going on and thought I'd post some thoughts on the new hotels going up in the Historic District. There used to be just a few choices, but now there are many to choose from.

My favorite place since it opened has been the Hampton Inn at Bay and Abercorn. I liked it mostly for the location and I like what Hampton Inns offer. They built a brand new hotel to look like an historic structure. It was a great combination and the other new hotels are following suit. Places like the East Bay Inn ARE in historic structures, but there are drawbacks that come with that.

So, grouped by area I'll share some thoughts -
The Hampton Inn (Bay and Abercorn) - undergoing renovations right now but a really nice property. Good free breakfast buffet including hot items and a very nice concierge (not usual for Hamptons).

Holiday Inn Express - just next door and nicely done. A friend stayed there this week in a corner room and was very impressed. They offer rooms with balconies too.

Staybridge Suites - new and nice
Holiday Inn's suite hotel http://www.ichotelsgroup.com/h/d/sb/1/en/hotel/savbl

and near the original Holiday Inn

The Mulberry Inn - not new. Has been THE inn to stay in for years (many, many years) and they offer a good lunch buffet
http://www.savannahhotel.com/

If the truth be known, I like the location of these hotels mostly because they are a very short walk "home" after dinner at the Pink House :-)

Clustered near City Market (home to the Pink House's sister restaurants Garibaldi and Bistro Savannah) are several more new hotels. A few years ago the only option was the Doubletree. It's nice but I had wireless problems there and the cookie doesn't make up for the breakfast option that other hotels offer (IMO)

I chase Hilton points so I like the new
Hilton Garden Inn @321 West Bay
http://www.hiltongardeninn.com/en/gi...tyhocn=SAVSHGI

I had noticed the Inn at Ellis Square but didn't realize it was a Days Inn -
http://www.innatellissquare.com/
(the old Days Inn on Bay St was the economical choice for years)

All three of these are within a block of City Market which is great for walking back to "home" after dinner at Paula Deen's or other restaurants in the area

Across the street there is construction/ renovation a soon-to-be-opened riverfront property. I thought it was going to be the sister hotel to the Mansion at Forsyth Park, but it doesn't match up to the info from the Kessler website -
http://www.bohemianhotelsavannah.com...l_overview.asp

This is the end of Bay street near MLK and that USED to be pretty much a no-man's zone. I was very surprised to see a second Hampton Inn going up facing MLK. I stopped in on this visit and it is a nice property. Its presence has pulled more development that way and with the renovation of other properties to house SCAD students, this former "iffy" location is more viable.

I learned about the Thunderbird Inn on this website and haven't stayed here. But, if you want a spruced up motor lodge that takes care of parking issues (parking is a premium in Savannah) it's a really good option
http://www.thethunderbirdinn.com/
It's across the street from the Greyhound bus station and I wouldn't dream of staying in that area 5 years ago. But, now it's just next door (behind) the Hampton Inn and its parking lot. A good ecnomical option. I still be leery of walking back after dark though.

The Marriott Courtyard has been there for a few years and it's a typical Marriott. I've been there for meetings before but facing MLK makes it my not-so-favorite area - but times ARE changing.

I drove past the sign for the new SpringHill Suites that will be very near the Courtyard. I was surprised that they were building another Marriott property so close by. Those using or chasing Marriott points will those two options plus the older Marriott on the Riverfront on the OTHER side of town. Don't like that location much either. A nice stroll via the riverwalk but still not a good choice for walking home after dinner (IMO anyway).

So, those are some of the newer options (with a few older hotels listed as landmarks). Hope the info is helpful.

The Hyatt has a very nice renovation a few years ago so if you like "big" hotels, it's an option. Of course, the Westin is across the river on the island. If you don't want to get your car out you can take the water taxi back and forth from River Street.

Thank you ever so much for the update.

We thoroughly enjoyed our stays at both the Staybridge and East Bay - for location and beautiful and comfortable rooms. Didn't notice any "drawbacks". With rates much more favorable than Hampton, with reports of shabby rooms and lack of friendly service, along with dismal reports of food (though "free") within.

Agree Marriott not so convenient.

Hyatt - overpriced, way overpriced, and too "slick" for comfort. Though, the concierges took excellent care of us even though we weren't staying there. But, service was lacking in the restaurants and bars. Stiff and vanishing...

Most of all, we appreciated the proximity of East Bay and Staybridge to walking "home" from downstairs at the Pink House, where you can order off the same menu and share, AND enjoy Gail all night long.

Contrary to some reports, we LOVE Paula Deen's restaurant, though we've always been ordered the amazing daily specials versus the buffet and have figured out how to reserve a table.

One of these days, we may try the Mansion on Forsythe, if we can find a rate that will overcome the inconvenience of the location. You could enjoy "hibernating" there your entire visit, except that reviews on the food, etc. are mixed and the prices are truly outrageous considering same.

Starrs, as you know I stayed at the Mulberry Inn (which is owned by Holiday Inn) while at the GTG. I hadn't stayed at a Holiday Inn in years so had to renew my HI Priority Club membership, which just took a quick phone call, so that the parking would be free. I was surprised on arrival when I was given a HUGE full suite on the top floor -- while paying a AAA or Senior rate of just $103. When I checked out I mentioned to the manager that the first time I ever traveled alone I got the suite -- how ironic. He mentioned that they really don't get that many priority club members, and they have a number of suites, so it is "almost a given" that if you are a member and book there you will be given a suite.
Good point to know. And even if you don't get a suite, it's worth a phone call to set up a free Priority Club membership just to have free indoor gated parking!

Wow, Neo. Well, if it's a almost a given, I'm staying there next time! :-)
Their buffet has always been a work standby at lunch and is the type of place to take Mom after a walking tour. A good variety, never crowded and just a traditional Southern experience.
Now I'm going to see if I can snag a suite! I've been a Priority Club member since their second year of the program. That was the year I became a road warrior and almost everyone in my company went on great trips to Europe because Holiday Inn set their bonus thresholds way too low their first year. No one had any idea had successful a hotel points program would be. That was back in the day when your PC# was your SS#. How innocent we all were back then. :-)

Hi Starrs. Thinking of you. We're headed to Savannah/Beaufort for family celebration. We'll just be in Savannah first night and last night (and part of each of those days). First time there, just starting to read about the town. We'll have a car. Looking for reasonable hotel ($150ish if possible). Talked to Hampton Inn, a bit more but cetainly doable (169 one night 199 the next). Do you think that's the place for us to be? I've also read good things about Starbridge. I'll check on those rates as well. I guess my main question is, is that the part of town we want to be in for our first visit? Dinner at the Pink House sounds like a definite stop. Suggestion for dinner for our second night? Any responses from anyone welcome. Any other must do suggestions for out short time in Savannah and Beaufort welcome! many thanks, annie

Hi Sweetannie! Yes, defnitely stay in the Historic District. The Hampton Inn at Bay and Abercorn has been my favorite forever...but I do love the new Staybridge Suites. Either of those would be great.

The Pink House is definitely my favorite restaurant. It's a 1/2 block walk from the Hampton - and less than 2 blocks from the Staybridge. If you can get either of those for a decent price, go for it. If not, we'll give other suggestions.

There are lots of good restaurants in town. There have been a lot of recent trip reports with suggestions. I like Thai/Vietnamese a lot and found a new favorite (have eaten there for the last two visits). Good seafood in town as well.

Definitely take one of the trolley tours to get an overview of the city. Take a horse drawn carriage tour if you like those, and there are good walking tours. My favorite thing to do is stroll the squares for a while.

If you want REALLY good southern cooking, go to Mrs. Wilkes for lunch - family style. It used to be a boarding house and has served the public for decades - never advertising. President Obama ate there recently. I love the SCAD store and there's a good tea room across the corner if that's of interest. Clary's is a classic breakfast place. I love this place for brunch or lunch - http://www.sohosouthcafe.com/

Enjoy Savannah. You'll absolutely love it, I'm sure. I do :-)

Since this came back up, thought I'd mention that a year ago they were building a new boutique hotel (in an old building) along the river next to the Hyatt. It's called The Bohemian Hotel and looks really trendy and neat. A month ago I passed through Savannah for a couple nights and had occasion to have drinks in their very cool bar called "The Rocks" I think, as it is filled with lamps made with rocks. The hotel is now open. I still like the Mulberry, but this might be a great alternative place to stay.

Thanks Patrick, I'll put that on the list for next time, and we'll stop by The Rocks. We're set now, at the Staybridge on the coming and going part of the trip, and Beaufort in between. Any restaurant recs in Beaufort? (Patrick, I remember years ago you recommended to me an Italian restaurant in Naples, started with a C, I still remember how divine the food was!) annie

LowCountryIslander needs to sign in. I'll send her a Facebook alert that she's needed for Beaufort suggestions :-)

Anyone know about the new AVIA, a boutique hotel? It sounds WONDERFUL on tripadvisor.

I think Wren is a great restaurant in Beaufort. For lunch or breakfast, Blackstones makes a good choice. Lunch with a view, Plum's (too noisy for dinner, but the food is good). Crabcakes with no ambiance, Barbara JEan's. Big bucket of boiled shrimp, Steamers. I love Beaufort.