Savannah Lodging - Which area would be best?
 

All things being equal (hotel price and star level), which area would you suggest staying in for a three day visit to Savannah?

North - Airport
Midtown
Southside

We're road tripping it with elderly parents. Historic District is probably out because of price. Which of these areas would be safe, convenient to get to downtown and also do day trips from around the Savannah area?

Midtown. Check Historic District hotels carefully, though - sometimes there are deals depending on time of year. Savannah is a strange city - it acts like a big city, but is really quite small. There are some areas outside of traditional tourist areas which are quite dangerous - and they are not geographically all that far. Don't worry - you likely won't be going there, but it is a consideration for lodging.

Midtown is a length of roadway (not a town, and not mid to anything) populated by strips malls and every chain restaurant you have ever heard of - big box stores, etc. It is not picturesque and you could be in any city in the US if you did not know where you are. However, it is a straight drive up Abercorn (about 10 minute drive) to Historic District where if you are lucky you can find street parking and if not there are several garages. There are some really good hotel bargains there - every chain imaginable in all levels of comfort, including several with 2 bedroom suites. We have stayed in a number of the hotels - and only the Days Inn was bad. A good area of "MidTown" is near Abercorn Mall.

The hop-on/hop-off trolley tour in Savannah is actually quite nice. If elderly parents are up to doing a bit of walking the Cemetary (from Garden of Good and Evil) is a strangely interesting place - some really great tombstone inscriptions. If you are into visual arts, SCAD (Savannah College of Art and design) has some interesting galleries.

One note of caution - the River Street area (surprise - the road along the Savannah River) is a nice stroll, but the sidewalks and some of the street are treacherous cobblestones - do not wear shoes with heels and be careful if elderly parents have any kind of mobility issues. Also, the way to River Street from Bay Street (the next street into Historic District) is either down a very sloping street or, more commonly, up and down metal stairs along Bay Street. Be careful.

Tybee Island is a nice ride - about 20 minutes - to the ocean.

Thanks, Gail. All info very helpful! I'll investigate Historic District a bit more and concentrate on Midtown. Would North/Airport be unacceptible (i.e. noise, safety, industrial area)as a back-up location if I can't find what I want in Midtown or would Southside be better as a back-up?

Not Southside. Airport is just too far.

Try Presidetns' Quarters Inn (www.presidentsquartersinn.com) with elevator, on-site parking, plus senior-helpful room at street level in the historic district. Ask for Jane Sales and tell them Sandy sent you! Especially nice and affordable is Inn at mulberry Grove (I-95 Exit 109), only about 10 minutes from historic district. The hotel has free parking, hot buffet breakfast, plus shuttle or free tour in the historic district. GREAT BARGAIN there! -- www.innatmulberrygrove.com