We will be staying in Savannah for three nights this fall. Any recommendations on whether it would be better to stay in one of the hotels on Bay Street or try one of the B&Bs, though it will be a bit further from River Street? We are looking at the Staybridge (or Hampton) and the 1895 Inn. Any preferences between these?

First, do a search here on Savannah lodging - much discussion. I am not a B&B fan, although many here are - and many good recommendations here for B&B and inns.

Hampton Inn on Bay St (not the one on MLK) is my favorite Savannah hotel. It is close to River Street and right in Historic District.

River Street is not the necessarily the landmark for hotel location - just try to be right in Historic District. While we have eaten a few good meals on River Street, most of it is trinket shops, a few bars. I do like sitting along the Savannah River, though.

We spent a week in Savannah and after much research of the area we stayed at a fantastic place which was only a 10 minute drive to River Street down the most beautiful street with moss laden trees and wonderful houses, it also took you past all the major 'squares' parking was good so no problem there. I agree with the previous response that River Street is not as good as it could be but still ok to visit. Tybee Island was our favourite place. The name of the accommodation was Clubhouse Inn & Suites, fabulous hot breakfast and Managers reception in the evening with free drinks. All the rooms have a balcony and there is a pool. Good eating places closeby, check it out on Expedia.

Clubhouse Inn and Suites is in area of Savannah called "Midtown" - not mid to anything and certainly not a town. There are many hotels in this area, and I have stayed in perhaps a half dozen of them, including this one.

Advantage of this area - it is much less expensive, you get more space and often breakfast included. Disadvantage - it is a giant strip mall area, with every chain restaurant and big box store you have ever heard of. Not scenic. But if you have a car, money is tight, and don't mind that type of location, it works well - we stay in that area when visiting our son who is finishing up college in Savannah.

We stayed at Staybridge Suites on one visit and really enjoyed that place. It's really nice to have kitchen facilities. The included breakfast had a different hot entree every day with waffles always available.

Thanks for the replies. We are kind of leaning towar the B&B, thinking that it might add more to that Savannah "feel". Am I wrong? Would staying in a hotel near the river be just as good?

Stay near River Street, there are some nice hotels nearby. B & B may be a bit twee.