12 Best Hotels in Savannah, Georgia

No detail was spared when they made a boutique hotel out of this 1860s warehouse, which later served as a Coca-Cola bottling plant and then a livery stable. A far cry from the typical Savannah establishments, traditional culture meets curated design at the Kimpton Brice and the "New South" comes alive with bellmen in seersucker, locally made furnishings, and accoutrements reminiscent of a modern Southern mansion. Special touches include a yoga mat in each of the smartly decorated rooms, a lively wine and hors d'oeuvres social hour, and fine art from the alumni of the local arts college. Count on making friends as you relax in the Secret Garden courtyard or dine in the chic Italian on-site restaurant called Pacci. It isn't just pet-friendly, there's even a pet social hour, and rates are surprisingly reasonable for the property's prime location.

Giving you easy access to the hustle and bustle of River Street, this boutique hotel is a much-needed addition to the hotel landscape—instead of the Victorian decor that's so prevalent in Savannah; a stay at the Bohemian is like settling into a gentleman's study in a regal English manse. The hotel was designed as homage to the British maritime settlers who first colonized this area in 1733, including Gen. James Oglethorpe himself. Think heavy woods studded with brass, dark tufted leather, and elaborate lighting fixtures crafted from shells and driftwood. The Bohemian's rooftop is a chic lounge with indoor and outdoor seating that has become a popular nightspot for locals; the crowd is generally 30 and under, so the scene can be rowdy. A restaurant is on the River Street level. It's a handsome place to wash up, and like Savannah's founders, you might just be persuaded to stay a while.

In the center of the Historic District, this elegant inn is made up of two town houses built 50 years apart. Expect stunning architecture and beautifully appointed accommodations: all have fireplaces and reproduction antique furnishings, some have whirlpool tubs and balconies. Ask for a room overlooking Chippewa Square, where Forrest Gump sat on a park bench giving a dissertation about a box of chocolates. There's also a carriage house to the rear of the property with less expensive rooms. Afternoons are marked by a charming high tea service.

Dating from 1892, this pet-friendly riverfront lodging tries hard to please even if it doesn't always hit the heights; nevertheless, it's a good option for those who want to be near the action of River Street. The two-bedroom loft suites are a definite thumbs-up. Bathrooms and kitchenettes are from the 1980s, but have been spiffed up. The decor is big on florals and patterns, with reproduction four-poster beds that give the place a homey feel. Meet other guests at the nightly wine-and-cheese reception.

You'll be impressed even before you enter this lovely historic inn, which has an exterior courtyard so beautiful and inviting that it's popular for wedding receptions. Each room in this classic inn, fashioned out of a pair of meticulously restored 1860s town houses, is named for an American president; some have four-poster beds, working fireplaces, and private balconies. Enjoy complimentary wine and hors d'oeuvres in the evening and a turndown service that includes a glass of port or sherry. There are also rooms in another adjacent town house. Some rooms are wheelchair accessible, and small pets are allowed on the first floor.

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.

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.

If renting a five-star beach house, a pastel island cottage, or a waterfront condo in a complex with a pool and tennis courts is your coastal-Georgia dream stay, check out Tybee Vacation Rentals. This family-owned business has grown because the managers are so friendly and accommodating, and, given that they now represent more than 250 properties, they are the one-stop shop for booking a vacation rental on Tybee Island. Most properties require a two-night minimum; some are pet-friendly.

Once a series of cotton warehouses and factory offices that were built in 1852, this charming, pet-friendly inn has a handsome brick exterior, hunter-green shutters and awnings, and soaring 12- to 18-foot ceilings adorned with intricate crown molding. The interior design is tasteful and professionally done with details—notably the lavish drapes, done in a French toile pattern that looks remarkable against the shellacked brick—that put it a step above what you see in similarly priced properties, and the inviting guest rooms have one or two queen beds, a couch, and two comfy chairs. The Inn's restaurant, Tandem Coffee & Spirits, serves continental-style breakfast with signature coffee and espresso.