What we're looking for is someplace quiet and restful. Is this possible in that city or would one hear traffic/street noise? Don't care whether it's an inn or a hotel-- just want fine accommodations that would hopefully be good and quiet. We'll have a loaded car, so safe parking is very important. (Some years ago, we stayed at President's Quarters, but I wasn't impressed. Things seemed dowdy and worn.) Also: we don't mind B&B's, but we definitely only enjoy the kind where one isn't obliged to socialize with owners or other guests. Enjoy our privacy.
Thanks for suggestions!

Greene Palm Inn. We just stayed there this past July and it is in a quiet part of town, but still walkable to restaurants, etc. Parking is behind the Inn. The innkeeper is wonderful--made dinner reservations for us as well as arranging for a shuttle to the trolley. Never used the car until we were ready to leave. One of the most romantic places we've stayed.

The Mansion on Forsyth Park. In the heart of the historic district, which the waterfront is not, and directly on beautiful Forsyth Park. MansionForsythPark.com

Safe parking jumps out at me. I would not park a loaded car on the street in Savannah - property crime is the same as any large city, although Savannah is a small city! Check parking at major hotels - I know Hampton Inn (Bay St, not MLK) has its own garage.

Not to dismiss gail, but we felt very safe at the Greene Palm Inn--maybe even more so than in a hotel parking garage. We also had a "packed" car.

I checked location on this B&B on-line. It is in a generally nice area. That said, the problem of a packed car and parking - whether garage or street - is always an issue. No place has a guarantee of safety. We have a packed car in Savannah twice a year - as son goes to collegve there and we drive with him in his car to and from, staying in hotel the night before. It makes me nervous each time.

I offer no statistics as to which is safer - Savannah streets or hotel garage. I just know that from our son's experience it is not a good idea to leave visible valuables in car on street in Savannah (his school is in Historic Distric at scattered sites.)

A few years ago, we stayed at the Zeigler House B&B. We had the lower-level suite, with its own entrance off the street, and a private little courtyard in the back. Instead of making you come up to eat breakfast with strangers, the owners ask what you like to eat beforehand, and have your in-suite refrigerator stocked for you. They had a small parking lot on the property, so we weren't parking on the street, and we always felt very safe.
You might want to look at their website: http://www.zeiglerhouseinn.com/

I much appreciate the feed-back and am pursuing suggestions. Thanks!

I really like the Westin Waterfront.

It is across the river from the Hyatt so the location is really quiet and the hotel is beautiful.

The ferries run back and forth constantly.

Great hotel.

If place has private lot that is not right on street, I would think that would be secure.

The Presidents' Quarters (www.presidentsquarters.com) has a new owner (as of April 2007). Full inn renovations are due for completion in January 2008. Parking, location, and new commitment to lovely breakfast foods, afternoon hors d'oeuvres and fine wines, plus helpful hospitality are already being noted in guest reviews. The new bedroom decor is stylishly sophisticated (more like a W Hotel) but with the personal attentiveness of the bed and breakfast. They are offering a renovation discount that you might ask is still valid for the time you are visiting.

I was all set to recommend the wonderful Ballastone Inn, but again -- leaving a packed car on the street is not a good idea, and I don't think they have secured parking.