We will be there for two nights. One of them our anniversary.

I think we want to stay close to the historic district.

I like B&Bs but I don't have to stay in one.

I like to be able to come and go without feeling like I will wake someone.

What are your top picks?

Hampton Inn in the historic district.

Hampton Inn Historic District (at Bay and Abercorn)

Twice in the same minute - it is not your "usual" Hampton Inn.

Did they just redo it?

Any other spots to look into?

Why do you ask if they just redid it?

You asked for top picks in Savannah. It is, by far, my #1 pick in Savannah. There are others - but are distant 2nd, etc.

Unless you have REALLY deep pockets and then we have some wonderful B&B's to recommend. $300/night range.

Where do you recommend for dinner on a special occassion? You must travel there often.

Anything else we need to check out or must do?

Pink House. If you can't get reservations there, then Garibaldi's or Bistro Savannah.

Yes, I go there often (several times a year).

Yes, I and other Fodorites have LOTS of Savannah suggestions. Have you had the chance to search using the search box above and read a wide range of suggestions?

Okay, here's what I'd do for a first time visit in Savannah.

I'd take a trolley tour (my favorite is Old Savannah Trolley Tours).

For a special occasion, I'd walk up to the carriage ride folks at City Market, and ask for a private carriage ride. They'll make arrangements for a private ride. If you don't want to pay that much, then just join a regular carriage ride.

I like Paula Deen's restaurant for lunch (others don't). I'd go early and give my name and get a beeper if they can't seat you soon and wander around the two blocks of City Market. There are only a couple of shops there I like (near the gelato shop).

I'd also stop by after a carriage ride for a scoop of gelato.

City Market and River Street are the two "tourist traps" of Savannah. Some people think that IS Savannah. They could not be more wrong.

I'd check out the list of walking tours by Savannah Walks. If any interest you, take one. They are VERY good.

My favorite thing to do in Savannah is to stroll the squares of Savannah. Turn your back to River Street and walk toward Forsyth Park. Any street will do, but Bull is probably my favorite - mainly because the SCAD store is there.

I LOVE the SCAD store. Lots of original artwork, fabrics, pottery, etc

If you are hungry or thirsty or just need a break, stop at the Gryphon Tea Room across the street.

If I have my pups with me, we relax on the grass at Forsyth Park. If that doesn't interest you, check out the new Mansion of Forsyth.

I look for different tours, events, etc. going on when I am there. If there is something going on a Christ Church, I am there. I really enjoyed the very casual and very informative tour of the African church next to City Market.

I often drive out to Tybee just for some "sand in my toes" time - even if it's just for 30 minutes or so. If get up early, I go for a morning stroll and eat at the Breakfast Club.

If you want a very casual seafood dinner, go to the Crab Shack on Tybee.

If you haven't read "The Book" read it (or at least watch the movie) before you go. Clarey's is always an option for a casual lunch or dinner.

I do like the English pub on Bull Street too.

Those are my "top picks" for a first time trip to Savannah.

Great suggestions!

We tried to visit Savannah yesterday -- we headed out to Tybee first and pulled off to take pictures of Cockspur lighthouse. Then my car broke down! Ugh. But at least it was in a pretty spot. First a locksmith came, then a tow truck, and then we spent two hours at Saturn of Savannah getting fixed, and by the time that was all done it was past 4:00. So we wandered River Street and the City Market and had dinner at Olympia. Oh well.

Have a great trip, frenchtoile, and Happy Anniversary!

We stayed at the Zeigler House and would highly recommend it. It's a B&B but you don't feel as though you're just sleeping in someone's house. We had the Lafayette room, which was actually an apartment with its own entrance and courtyard. It was very pretty and private. We'd go back in a minute!

There have been multiple posts on this topic recently- type 'savannah' into the search box above to pull them up.

Hampton Inn Historic District (They just redid either Hyatt or Hilton, not Hampton Inn - it does not need it). Beware - there are now 2 Hampton Inns in general area - you want the one on Bay St.

Just stayed there again 2 weeks ago (son is in school in Savannah). Rooms are large, clean, decent furnishings. Buffet breakfast included. Walking distance to everything. Parking for $10.

Here's another vote for the Hampton Inn on Bay Street. I was there last week. It was a very nice, quiet room in a convenient location.

If you go on a weekend, all metered street parking is free on Saturdays and Sundays. Also, municipal garage parking is free on Sundays.

Also, don't miss the E. Shaver Bookstore at 326 Bull Street. It's behind the Hilton. It's one of my favorite places to go in Savannah.

I also recommend the Olde Pink House for dinner!

It was the Hyatt with the renovation. The Hilton is now so bad the word we get is people are wondering if they are just letting it go.

If you want B&Bs try Ballastone, Foley House, or Kehoe (more formal and I'm not so keen on that aspect). I'm sure there are plenty more since "my days" there, but they were excellent and I still hear good things about them.

My DH ran the Hyatt for 4 years. I have no idea what it's like since their latest renovation. There was one done while we were there too and in a busy hotel, it should happen every 4-5 years. After that, they just look tired. The plus for the Hyatt is that it's smack on the river and you have wonderful views of the ship traffic...some so large the bridge passes level with the top floor of the hotel. The Marriott is also on the river anchoring the other end of the historic district. Across the river, same view, is the very nice Westin...but IMHO, inconvenient. I don't want to be hoofing it back across the river whenever I need to get back to the room. I don't think I've ever heard a bad thing said about the Hampton Inn. That's new since we lived there. There are Hampton Inns and there are Hampton Inns...we've stayed in one in Mobile that was just unbelievable quality for the price. They even had turn down service. Love those mints and my DH doesn't. Goodie goodie.

Pink House is very nice for an anniversary, but Elizabeth on 37th is as well. Pink House has the edge for me in that it's within the historic district whereas Elizabeths is a cab ride away and in a rough neighborhood...but a beautiful place despite its locale.

I agree with the E Shaver recommendation too. If you browse books near the register you'll pick up all the local gossip as well. The store is located in the bottom of their home, and we came within inches of buying the townhouse to the right of it...but our Dallas house didn't sell. That was one of those huge money making real estate deals we let slip through our fingers! One of several. LOL

If you are not going to be there on a weekend (when they are closed) do try Mrs. Wilkes for lunch. I'd do that before the now famous Lady and Sons. The best dining (aside from your special meal) is away from the river, around City Market area...Bistro Savannah, Sapphire Grill, Garibaldis. Away from that but convenient to most everything, Il Pasticcio at the corner of Bay and Broughton.

Enjoy and happy anniversary! You picked a terrific city for the celebration...tres romantique!

We spent a few days at the Savannah Westin in July. While the facilities were very nice, the service was not. The [Starwood Preferred] room had dirty socks on the floor at check-in; the wall safe and hair dryer did not work. We received several strange voice mail messages from security, and a refrigerator we did not request. Also received a large bill for using the honor bar. I swear we didn't-the charge was removed. The river taxi running between the hotel and River Street was very convenient. I would not let the separation deter me, if I were otherwise inclined to stay at the Westin.

We also enjoyed Alligator Soul, a restaurant, new to us, on the square at Telfair. You might investigate.

You might also enjoy the Marriott. New Spa. Riverfront, away from craziness of River Street.

Another in a long string of recommendations for the Hampton Inn - very pleasant staff, good rooms, great location.

I starrsville, I'm so with you on Savannah Walks - excellent, informative walking tours.