8 Best Hotels in Savannah, Georgia

With original pine floors, handsome woodwork, and exposed brick, this hotel provides the charm and intimacy of a B&B. Rooms with their own wrought-iron balconies, which overlook the street, are decidedly the best, and the lobby segues into the bar and then into sophisticated 45 Bistro, one of the city's top eateries. Different spaces reflect different parts of Savannah's history, from its founding to the Civil War, when it served as a hospital for wounded soldiers. A full breakfast is offered in the lovely atrium, and there's a Southern history talk during a complimentary wine-and-cheese reception in the lobby Sunday through Thursday.

Within its own fiefdom, this high-rise property with more resort amenities than any other property in the area—including tennis courts, a full-service spa, and a golf course—presides over Hutchinson Island, five minutes by water taxi from River Street and just a short drive over the Talmadge Bridge. The adjacent Savannah Convention Center is what keeps the hotel at high-occupancy levels almost year-round, because many meeting attendees stay here; vacationers predominate on the weekends. The Savannah Harbor Golf Course is open to the public and is the best bet for golfers staying in the Historic District. Ferries depart every 15 or 20 minutes, with the last one heading for the island at midnight.

The rooms and suites at this well-known chain hotel are a remarkably good value for Savannah's Historic District. The studios and one-bedroom suites have their own kitchenettes, making them ideal for families, and the beds are topped with soft linens. There is an adjacent parking lot and a small swimming pool but, alas, no restaurant or bar.

Since all buildings in the Historic District must conform to the local charm, Holiday Inn went all-out, creating a handsome interior design in the public spaces, with tasteful animal-print settees, leather club chairs, fireplaces, and classy chandeliers. Impressive guest rooms, especially the deluxe ones on the concierge level, are done in a taupe palette with textured walls, wet bars, contemporary designer bathrooms, flat-screen TVs, microwaves, and luxury bedding. The rooftop swimming pool has a shady gazebo and fabulous river views. A bank of public computers is available to guests. The location is excellent and can't be beat for the price.

Some of the architecture at this reasonably priced lodging re-creates the 19th-century cottages that were used to house executives of the Central of Georgia Railroad. Suites have simple, chic decor with appropriate pops of color, flat-screen TVs, and fully equipped kitchens; a few have decks overlooking the courtyard, complete with a swimming pool, fire pit, and gazebo. Within arm's reach is Tricentennial Park and Battlefield, home of the Savannah Children's Museum.

Holding its own beside any of the city's boutique hotels, the SpringHill Suites has a lobby that's a study in sleek, contemporary design, with earthy wood elements contrasting with pops of color and ultramodern light fixtures. The suites are minimalist in style but smartly appointed. A 24-hour market is well stocked with snacks and beverages, and Toasted Barrel offers elevated grilled cheese sandwiches and a wide range of bourbons. An outdoor pool and hot tub with cozy, chic lounge chairs will help you wind down at the end of the day.

Located in a historic building, the Staybridge Suites has a perfect downtown location, with rates that include free Wi-Fi, same-day dry cleaning, a well-equipped gym, continental breakfast, and a social evening receptions on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday with free wine, beer, and appetizers. The suites may be slightly smaller than one may expect from new builds, but the convenience can't be beat.

A stay in this funky motor lodge will transport you back to the 1960s with hot popcorn awaiting your arrival, white leather chairs in the rooms, and Moon Pies on your pillow with the complimentary turndown, but it offers all the modern amenities of standard brand hotels—flat-screen TVs, fridges, coffeepots—at a highly competitive rate for this part of town. It's in the heart of all the action, only minutes away from the Savannah Visitors Center, the Savannah Children's Museum, and Tricentennial Park and Battlefield. Complimentary coffee, juice, and Krispy Kreme doughnuts are available in the lobby, and private-label toiletries are appreciated. There's a $50 fee per pet.