SAVANNAH HOTELS
Mar 16th, 2016 | 06:44 AM
#1
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Joined: May 2005
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SAVANNAH HOTELS
During the week in Mid-April we will leave south Florida and drive north to New York. I am thinking of spending two nights/one day in Savannah. We would like to dine at The Grey, and wander around some galleries and design stores, soaking up the atmosphere of the city where I have not been in decades.
Are the hotels on the Riverfront set amidst a tacky stretch of t-shirt emporiums and ice-cream parlors?
We would like an upscale hotel with parking, a refrigerator, and if at all possible, a heated pool large enough for lap swimming (at least 40'long). I can do without the pool if absolutely necessary.
I took at look at Hilton Homewood Suites, The Andaz, Mansion at Forsyth Park, and The Westin; is the latter too inconvenient due to the ferry? Where else should I consider? Which area of the city should I look at to be near interesting galleries and shops?
We will likely arrive in later afternoon of Day One, then spend Day two wandering around with dinner at The Grey, and leave after breakfast on Day three. From Savannah, I am thinking of taking the detour to Cooper's General Store in Salters, and to Scott's BBQ in Hemingway, before moving up north into eastern NC, where we will spend the following night before the drive north to NYC.
I'd be grateful for any and all tips on Savannah and the places I mentioned in SC. Will also check Virtuoso for their Savannah hotels, as we have had good luck booking with them. Are there any places I should keep in mind for soft shell crabs in mid-April?
Thanks!!
Are the hotels on the Riverfront set amidst a tacky stretch of t-shirt emporiums and ice-cream parlors?
We would like an upscale hotel with parking, a refrigerator, and if at all possible, a heated pool large enough for lap swimming (at least 40'long). I can do without the pool if absolutely necessary.
I took at look at Hilton Homewood Suites, The Andaz, Mansion at Forsyth Park, and The Westin; is the latter too inconvenient due to the ferry? Where else should I consider? Which area of the city should I look at to be near interesting galleries and shops?
We will likely arrive in later afternoon of Day One, then spend Day two wandering around with dinner at The Grey, and leave after breakfast on Day three. From Savannah, I am thinking of taking the detour to Cooper's General Store in Salters, and to Scott's BBQ in Hemingway, before moving up north into eastern NC, where we will spend the following night before the drive north to NYC.
I'd be grateful for any and all tips on Savannah and the places I mentioned in SC. Will also check Virtuoso for their Savannah hotels, as we have had good luck booking with them. Are there any places I should keep in mind for soft shell crabs in mid-April?
Thanks!!
Mar 16th, 2016 | 07:08 AM
#2
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 11,034
Likes: 3
We stayed at the Hampton Inn on Bay Street in the historic District. Very convenient. It does have a pool on the roof but I'm not sure of its size. http://hamptoninn3.hilton.com/en/hot...THX/index.html
When you return to NY you will find that there's a new fish market in midtown.
"When the venerable fish market Pisacane closed several months ago, it left a gap in Midtown. Mike Cioffi, who handled retail sales and delivery for the store for 17 years, has stepped in with his new market. " 1st and 57th.
http://www.nytimes.com/2016/03/16/di...ple-syrup.html (scroll down one).
When you return to NY you will find that there's a new fish market in midtown.
"When the venerable fish market Pisacane closed several months ago, it left a gap in Midtown. Mike Cioffi, who handled retail sales and delivery for the store for 17 years, has stepped in with his new market. " 1st and 57th.
http://www.nytimes.com/2016/03/16/di...ple-syrup.html (scroll down one).
Mar 16th, 2016 | 01:03 PM
#3
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 27,709
Likes: 1
I stayed at the Planters Inn which was conveniently next door to the Olde Pink House for dinner. Also in the historic district so we didn't need the car after we parked it. The web site says it has valet parking, fridges are extra and I'm sure it doesn't have a pool.
http://www.plantersinnsavannah.com
http://www.plantersinnsavannah.com
Mar 17th, 2016 | 11:22 AM
#5
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 38
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We hope you enjoy your trip to Savannah! Here are some of Fodor's suggestions for hotels, many are within easy walking distance of the city’s premier restaurants and historic sites.. Safe Travels!
http://www.fodors.com/world/north-am...avannah/hotels
http://www.fodors.com/world/north-am...avannah/hotels
Mar 22nd, 2016 | 10:20 AM
#7
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 163
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River Street is VERY tacky. We were just there (day trip from Bluffton) a week ago.
On a previous trip in 2011, when we actually stayed in Savannah, several people mentioned that the engine noise from large ships/barges slowly traversing the river was audible in the riverfront hotel rooms. I don't know if that's still true.
We stayed in the Staybridge Suites on East Bay Street and were initially given a room which had a window that opened onto an interior walkway frequented by all the other guests, so we had to keep the curtains closed at all times for privacy and there was no other daylight. I would NOT recommend this hotel, which we booked way ahead, directly from the hotel and not through some third party booking site. (They did give us a different room after the 2nd night).
On a previous trip in 2011, when we actually stayed in Savannah, several people mentioned that the engine noise from large ships/barges slowly traversing the river was audible in the riverfront hotel rooms. I don't know if that's still true.
We stayed in the Staybridge Suites on East Bay Street and were initially given a room which had a window that opened onto an interior walkway frequented by all the other guests, so we had to keep the curtains closed at all times for privacy and there was no other daylight. I would NOT recommend this hotel, which we booked way ahead, directly from the hotel and not through some third party booking site. (They did give us a different room after the 2nd night).
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Mar 22nd, 2016 | 02:30 PM
#8
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 9,171
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http://www.bohemianhotelsavannah.com/
great rooftop bar
We have stayed at the Hampton and the Hilton but Hampton is better located. Those are horrible rooms at the Staybridge, I know about them so always ask for balcony. That was always our St Paddy's day hotel on the parade route plus we loved the kitchen for food and drinks during the parade and best thing our own bathroom.
great rooftop bar
We have stayed at the Hampton and the Hilton but Hampton is better located. Those are horrible rooms at the Staybridge, I know about them so always ask for balcony. That was always our St Paddy's day hotel on the parade route plus we loved the kitchen for food and drinks during the parade and best thing our own bathroom.
Mar 22nd, 2016 | 02:59 PM
#9
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Joined: May 2005
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Thanks for that info..I kind of figured it might be a little cheesy but with good architecture. Does location matter all that much? (The city seems pretty walkable, at least on the map..)
Homewood Suites is booked up, in any case, for my dates. But Andaz seems to have rooms....on the river but good (??)
Are there any neighborhoods that I should explore..with interesting shops and/or galleries away from the River? Streets with unique furniture/design shops?
Also, thinking of maybe trying Narobia's for breakfast--this is on Habersham near east 37th Street...would this be an interesting walk from the riverfront hotels?
Homewood Suites is booked up, in any case, for my dates. But Andaz seems to have rooms....on the river but good (??)
Are there any neighborhoods that I should explore..with interesting shops and/or galleries away from the River? Streets with unique furniture/design shops?
Also, thinking of maybe trying Narobia's for breakfast--this is on Habersham near east 37th Street...would this be an interesting walk from the riverfront hotels?
Mar 23rd, 2016 | 05:27 PM
#12
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 84,804
Likes: 46
Some thoughts -
The Andaz is nice and has modern décor. The pool is on a second floor patio and is a fair size. The hotel is at City Market (which I think is tacky) and Ellis Square - the new square that was created after they tore down the 60s era concrete parking garage. It's on Bay Street and so one street from River Street. Valet parking. Good restaurant, 22 Squares. The rooms are some of the smallest in Savannah.
The Bohemian has a great bar on the roof with a fair view of the river. The rooms have a funky western vibe that some say is better suited to Jackson Hole WY. Its sister hotel, the Mansion is very luxurious but at the other end of the HD. Its pool is very small. I'm not familiar with the Bohemian's pool.
The Westin probably has the largest pool, which makes sense because it has lots of room for a pool on Hutchinson Island. It's not inconvenient to take the free water taxi over to River Street. You can disembark at the Waving Girl (near the new Homewood) or behind City Hall and next to the Hyatt. You can take the public elevator up from River Street level to Bay street level - on the near side of the Hyatt.
River Street is a fairly tacky collection of shops, etc. 20 years ago there were nice shops there. I pretty much avoid River Street and City Market, although the Olympia Café is a very good Greek restaurant directly across from the water ferry stop.
The Hyatt has been there forever and has BIG modern rooms. The rooms overlook the river and the windows have excellent soundproofing. There's a light to let you know there's a big ship (lots of cargo ships) passing by the window. At the end/side of the Hyatt is a nice bar/ patio overlooking River Street, the Vue. I don't know about their pool, but OO used to live there so she may weigh in.
For years, my favorite hotel was the Planters Inn. I love that it faces a quiet, green square (with a statue of John Wesley in the middle). I especially love that the Pink House is steps away. My favorite restaurant in Savannah - for lunch or dinner - and the historic Planters Tavern in the basement, with great drinks & appetizers/ desserts. Big fire in the fireplace and music on the grand piano. It's my home away from home in Savannah. Most of the rooms don't have a view but the ones facing the square are very nice and some have a balcony with park view. Love their four poster rice beds. Very Savannah.
When they built the Hampton Inn on the corner of Bay and Abercorn, it was big doings. A very nice Hampton Inn with a pool on the roof. Not a huge pool, but a pool. (The Planters does not have a pool).
I recently stayed at the Brice, the new Kimpton hotel in Savannah. I LOVED it. The rooms were big with modern and a bit funky furnishings = typical Kimpton. Great staff and service. Very nice interior courtyard (open to the sky) with lights and ambiance. There is a pool and I think it's a decent size. This used to be the Mulberry which was THE nice hotel in Savannah for years. For years, the choices in the HD were basically the Hyatt, Planters Inn and Mulberry. It was a Holiday Inn group hotel but very nice, kind of like the Mill House in Charleston.
If I were picking two, I'd pick the Andaz and the Brice. The Brice would get my vote because of the location. I like the quieter end of Bay Street.
The Homewood is across the street from the Brice but you said it was booked and I also think they still haven't opened their pool.
If you wanted to stay away from Bay Street, the Eliza Thompson House would be a good choice, but I don't think it has a pool.
There's no reason to go to City Market and/or River Street unless you want a free sample of a praline from one of the candy shops. I probably go to either about 1/15th of the times I go to Savannah. Unfortunately, some people think they ARE Savannah. I avoid both.
Hope that is helpful if you are still considering choices.
The Brice and the Planters have complimentary wine hours.
If you want nice B&Bs, take a look at the Gastonian or the Ballastone.
There are lovely shops amidst the squares including a section of high end stores near Mrs. Wilkes. Be sure to stop at the SCAD store - with original pieces made by students and faculty at SCAD (Savannah College of Art and Design). Someone designed a Savannah toile and I still haven't bought a pillow yet!
The Andaz is nice and has modern décor. The pool is on a second floor patio and is a fair size. The hotel is at City Market (which I think is tacky) and Ellis Square - the new square that was created after they tore down the 60s era concrete parking garage. It's on Bay Street and so one street from River Street. Valet parking. Good restaurant, 22 Squares. The rooms are some of the smallest in Savannah.
The Bohemian has a great bar on the roof with a fair view of the river. The rooms have a funky western vibe that some say is better suited to Jackson Hole WY. Its sister hotel, the Mansion is very luxurious but at the other end of the HD. Its pool is very small. I'm not familiar with the Bohemian's pool.
The Westin probably has the largest pool, which makes sense because it has lots of room for a pool on Hutchinson Island. It's not inconvenient to take the free water taxi over to River Street. You can disembark at the Waving Girl (near the new Homewood) or behind City Hall and next to the Hyatt. You can take the public elevator up from River Street level to Bay street level - on the near side of the Hyatt.
River Street is a fairly tacky collection of shops, etc. 20 years ago there were nice shops there. I pretty much avoid River Street and City Market, although the Olympia Café is a very good Greek restaurant directly across from the water ferry stop.
The Hyatt has been there forever and has BIG modern rooms. The rooms overlook the river and the windows have excellent soundproofing. There's a light to let you know there's a big ship (lots of cargo ships) passing by the window. At the end/side of the Hyatt is a nice bar/ patio overlooking River Street, the Vue. I don't know about their pool, but OO used to live there so she may weigh in.
For years, my favorite hotel was the Planters Inn. I love that it faces a quiet, green square (with a statue of John Wesley in the middle). I especially love that the Pink House is steps away. My favorite restaurant in Savannah - for lunch or dinner - and the historic Planters Tavern in the basement, with great drinks & appetizers/ desserts. Big fire in the fireplace and music on the grand piano. It's my home away from home in Savannah. Most of the rooms don't have a view but the ones facing the square are very nice and some have a balcony with park view. Love their four poster rice beds. Very Savannah.
When they built the Hampton Inn on the corner of Bay and Abercorn, it was big doings. A very nice Hampton Inn with a pool on the roof. Not a huge pool, but a pool. (The Planters does not have a pool).
I recently stayed at the Brice, the new Kimpton hotel in Savannah. I LOVED it. The rooms were big with modern and a bit funky furnishings = typical Kimpton. Great staff and service. Very nice interior courtyard (open to the sky) with lights and ambiance. There is a pool and I think it's a decent size. This used to be the Mulberry which was THE nice hotel in Savannah for years. For years, the choices in the HD were basically the Hyatt, Planters Inn and Mulberry. It was a Holiday Inn group hotel but very nice, kind of like the Mill House in Charleston.
If I were picking two, I'd pick the Andaz and the Brice. The Brice would get my vote because of the location. I like the quieter end of Bay Street.
The Homewood is across the street from the Brice but you said it was booked and I also think they still haven't opened their pool.
If you wanted to stay away from Bay Street, the Eliza Thompson House would be a good choice, but I don't think it has a pool.
There's no reason to go to City Market and/or River Street unless you want a free sample of a praline from one of the candy shops. I probably go to either about 1/15th of the times I go to Savannah. Unfortunately, some people think they ARE Savannah. I avoid both.
Hope that is helpful if you are still considering choices.
The Brice and the Planters have complimentary wine hours.
If you want nice B&Bs, take a look at the Gastonian or the Ballastone.
There are lovely shops amidst the squares including a section of high end stores near Mrs. Wilkes. Be sure to stop at the SCAD store - with original pieces made by students and faculty at SCAD (Savannah College of Art and Design). Someone designed a Savannah toile and I still haven't bought a pillow yet!
Mar 23rd, 2016 | 05:45 PM
#13
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 84,804
Likes: 46
Here's a link with some of the nicest shops in Savannah -
http://www.savannahdreamvacations.co...n-district.htm
The Eliza Thompson House is at Bull and Jones (between Madison and Monterrey squares) -
http://www.elizathompsonhouse.com/
I used to stay in a private apartment nearby and love the area.
ShopSCAD -
https://www.shopscad.com/
If it's been a few years since you've been to Savannah, you'll be surprised at the shops along Broughton Street too -
http://www.southernliving.com/travel...oughton-street
https://www.facebook.com/BroughtonSt
Be sure to stop at the Savannah Bee Company -
https://savannahbee.com/
I was about to suggest you go to Papillote on Broughton for macarons and/or great, light, fresh French dishes. But they've closed! He's returning to a dental practice. I think I'm ordering their cookbook -
http://www.papillote-savannah.com/catering.html
Darn.
Avoid City Market and River Street and try out the shops near Whitaker and Broughton Street.
http://www.savannahdreamvacations.co...n-district.htm
The Eliza Thompson House is at Bull and Jones (between Madison and Monterrey squares) -
http://www.elizathompsonhouse.com/
I used to stay in a private apartment nearby and love the area.
ShopSCAD -
https://www.shopscad.com/
If it's been a few years since you've been to Savannah, you'll be surprised at the shops along Broughton Street too -
http://www.southernliving.com/travel...oughton-street
https://www.facebook.com/BroughtonSt
Be sure to stop at the Savannah Bee Company -
https://savannahbee.com/
I was about to suggest you go to Papillote on Broughton for macarons and/or great, light, fresh French dishes. But they've closed! He's returning to a dental practice. I think I'm ordering their cookbook -
http://www.papillote-savannah.com/catering.html
Darn.
Avoid City Market and River Street and try out the shops near Whitaker and Broughton Street.
Apr 2nd, 2016 | 06:45 AM
#15
Original Poster
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 25,358
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Just to update: I ended up booking the Andaz with Virtuoso, so the room comes with breakfast.
Booked tables for dinner at The Gray and The Florence, both relatively new restaurants.
Would like to wander around the Starland District, which seems to have some interesting new shops as well as Back in the Day Bakery, and will visit SCAD and the Savannah Bee Company.
Thanks again to Starrs and everyone else who offered tips.
Booked tables for dinner at The Gray and The Florence, both relatively new restaurants.
Would like to wander around the Starland District, which seems to have some interesting new shops as well as Back in the Day Bakery, and will visit SCAD and the Savannah Bee Company.
Thanks again to Starrs and everyone else who offered tips.
Apr 2nd, 2016 | 03:02 PM
#16
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 84,804
Likes: 46
The breakfast at the Andaz was the best breakfast I've ever had in Savannah and one of the best anywhere, anytime.
I booked a rate that included the breakfast also. They have a farm-to-market approach and was it just wonderful.
http://savannah.andaz.hyatt.com/en/h...estaurant.html
I really want to go to the Grey. Be sure to let us know how you like it. Mostly for the oysters -
http://www.opentable.com/the-grey
I haven't been to the Florence yet, but I love Hugh Acheson's restaurants in Athens and Atlanta.
http://hughacheson.com/restaurants.html
My brother gave me his cookbook a couple of years ago. I still haven't cooked out of it.
It's been a couple of years since I've been to Savannah on an expense account. Can't wait for the next work visit! Those two are at the top of my list.
I had to google Starland, but found this NYTimes article -
http://www.nytimes.com/2015/06/17/re...g-on.html?_r=0
Sounds interesting.
You may also want to drive out to Sandfly. It has a small cluster of shops and restaurants -
http://www.sandflysavannah.com/
It's not far from Wormsloe -
http://gastateparks.org/Wormsloe/
If you head that way, be sure to take the short drive along Bluff Drive -
http://www.10best.com/destinations/g...s/bluff-drive/
It's gorgeous. Maybe the prettiest place in Savannah. It's especially pretty when the Bluff homes are decorated for the holidays. Very quaint with the Isle of Hope marina. A family member keeps her boat there. Just lovely.
Sounds like you've got your plans for the route up the coast, but here's a great resource for NC BBQ -
http://gardenandgun.com/blog/discove...olina-barbecue
The link to the map takes you here -
http://www.ediamaps.com/shop/the-gre...bbq-map-folded
Re soft shell crab - I just tagged a Fodorite on FB on the topic. I'll go back to see where it was. My memory is shot.
I booked a rate that included the breakfast also. They have a farm-to-market approach and was it just wonderful.
http://savannah.andaz.hyatt.com/en/h...estaurant.html
I really want to go to the Grey. Be sure to let us know how you like it. Mostly for the oysters -
http://www.opentable.com/the-grey
I haven't been to the Florence yet, but I love Hugh Acheson's restaurants in Athens and Atlanta.
http://hughacheson.com/restaurants.html
My brother gave me his cookbook a couple of years ago. I still haven't cooked out of it.
It's been a couple of years since I've been to Savannah on an expense account. Can't wait for the next work visit! Those two are at the top of my list.
I had to google Starland, but found this NYTimes article -
http://www.nytimes.com/2015/06/17/re...g-on.html?_r=0
Sounds interesting.
You may also want to drive out to Sandfly. It has a small cluster of shops and restaurants -
http://www.sandflysavannah.com/
It's not far from Wormsloe -
http://gastateparks.org/Wormsloe/
If you head that way, be sure to take the short drive along Bluff Drive -
http://www.10best.com/destinations/g...s/bluff-drive/
It's gorgeous. Maybe the prettiest place in Savannah. It's especially pretty when the Bluff homes are decorated for the holidays. Very quaint with the Isle of Hope marina. A family member keeps her boat there. Just lovely.
Sounds like you've got your plans for the route up the coast, but here's a great resource for NC BBQ -
http://gardenandgun.com/blog/discove...olina-barbecue
The link to the map takes you here -
http://www.ediamaps.com/shop/the-gre...bbq-map-folded
Re soft shell crab - I just tagged a Fodorite on FB on the topic. I'll go back to see where it was. My memory is shot.
Apr 4th, 2016 | 03:59 AM
#17
Original Poster
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 25,358
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Starrs, again you have been incredibly kind to take time to write all of this here! About those soft shells, I did find this place, Hudson's, but it is on HIlton Head. Still, good to know about since they seem to feature them:
http://savannah.georgia.thescoutguid...ft-shell-crabs.
i wish I had four days to spend in Savannah, instead of just one full day, cause it seems as if there is a ton of great things to see and so. I also wanted to take an architecture tour with Jonathan Stalcup.
And the Andaz breakfast sounds amazing!
Thanks again for all of your help.
http://savannah.georgia.thescoutguid...ft-shell-crabs.
i wish I had four days to spend in Savannah, instead of just one full day, cause it seems as if there is a ton of great things to see and so. I also wanted to take an architecture tour with Jonathan Stalcup.
And the Andaz breakfast sounds amazing!
Thanks again for all of your help.
Apr 4th, 2016 | 04:13 AM
#18
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 84,804
Likes: 46
I found the article. It was just a generic article about soft-shell crabs, not recommendation for restaurants.
You'll be back through and can spend more time in Savannah later.
I highly recommend Dirk of Savannah Rambles. He originated the architectural tour, called the preservation tour, for the big spring home and garden tours when he worked for the historical association. Great guide and nice guy!
Enjoy the Andaz. I think you'll like it a lot. I've never been to their pool but love walking past the Andaz on the hottest days of summer. The mist from their misters (on the second floor) drifts down and it's a little lagniappe.
No problem about writing about it. I've been lucky enough to travel there for business for many years and most of those years I could set my own schedule. It's a lovely city that has only gotten better over the last couple of decades. Enjoy your visit!
You'll be back through and can spend more time in Savannah later.
I highly recommend Dirk of Savannah Rambles. He originated the architectural tour, called the preservation tour, for the big spring home and garden tours when he worked for the historical association. Great guide and nice guy!
Enjoy the Andaz. I think you'll like it a lot. I've never been to their pool but love walking past the Andaz on the hottest days of summer. The mist from their misters (on the second floor) drifts down and it's a little lagniappe.
No problem about writing about it. I've been lucky enough to travel there for business for many years and most of those years I could set my own schedule. It's a lovely city that has only gotten better over the last couple of decades. Enjoy your visit!
Apr 4th, 2016 | 05:20 AM
#19
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 36,842
Likes: 0
Hooray for the Andaz. Sorry, I missed your reply and question to my recommendation above, ekscrunchy, but I really don't even know what our "room type" was -- other than being a king, and as Hyatt platinum members we usually get an upgrade. Such a cool hotel, and my now favorite (after staying in various others) in Savannah.
By the way, consider a Hyatt credit card. We've both now switched to using that as our preferred card, finding the points go way further and accumulate faster than airline miles with our long used AA cards. Not to mention, that after you get the card you get TWO free nights at any Hyatt, and then one free night every year after that -- well worth the annual fee. We find ourselves getting free nights right and left.
By the way, consider a Hyatt credit card. We've both now switched to using that as our preferred card, finding the points go way further and accumulate faster than airline miles with our long used AA cards. Not to mention, that after you get the card you get TWO free nights at any Hyatt, and then one free night every year after that -- well worth the annual fee. We find ourselves getting free nights right and left.
