OK, can we RECAP all of this for the benefit of all the people who have tried to help?

What is YOUR BIGGEST limiting factor, anyway? The number of points, the time the flight arrives, the distance you have to drive, the fact that you have or have not been to one of these places before, what?????

To quote your original post, "so really what I am looking for is it worth an extra hour drive each way to use ATL?"

YES, it is because everything everyone else has suggested you come up with some objection to.

JAX is the most convenient large airport.
I'd rather drive from Atlanta to SAV than try to connect because I watch the clock tick down waiting for my connection and realize I could already be there by now.
Hilton Head is much closer, but a connection.
Charleston and Jacksonville are about 2 hours away.
In 3.5 hours one can have a non-stop to Atlanta, no wait in the airport for a connection (or delay) and be there already.

I usually opt to drive if any destination is less than 4 hours because it's usually faster than dealing with the connection. The only exception is if the same plane is continuing on to the second city.

There's a new Kimpton hotel in Savannah -
http://www.bricehotel.com/

The Mulberry, formerly a Holiday Inn property, has been converted to the Brice.

Years ago, the Mulberry and OO's Hyatt were the only two nice options in Savannah's historic district. There are lots of nice options now but glad to see the Kimpton group has moved into Savannah. They have a great loyalty program!

Already have The Brice booked.

We are leaning towards using ATL and staying a few days on the way back "in" Atlanta. But that's another thread.

My bad about the Atlanta airport--just seemed that way to me driving through Atlanta.
And we drive 4 hours every time we go to the beach so there you go--the beach is at the end.

Gretchen, if you start in Atlanta it does feel like forever. :-)
The drive from the airport is much better.

Jax is an easy in and out airport and the I-95 ride is clear sailing now that most of the construction is done.