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Fodor's Expert Review Thunderbird Inn

611 W. Oglethorpe Ave., Savannah, Georgia, 31401, United States See on Map

A stay in this throwback motor lodge will transport you back to the 1960s, with pop music in the parking lot, white leather chairs in the rooms, and Moon Pies on your pillow with the complimentary turndown. It offers all the modern amenities of standard brand hotels—flat-screen TVs, fridges, coffeepots—but 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 doughnuts are available in the lobby, and private-label toiletries are appreciated. There's a $50 fee per pet.

Photo: So cute! Retro chic! #thunderbirdinn #thunderbirdinnsavannah #savannah #socute #soexcited / @moon_gypsy_rose

room

Although not large, the recently renovated rooms are far more comfortable than your standard motor lodge, and the kitschy decor alone is worth the price of admission. Pops of color abound. Come home after a trolley tour around Savannah to a complimentary Moon Pie and RC Cola, then call one of the world-class restaurants within walking distance for reservations on the retro red phone.

YOU SHOULD KNOW Some rooms have black-out blinds, and some have black-out drapes. If you're a light sleeper and need the drapes, verify which you're getting when you book.

Photo: So cute! Retro chic! #thunderbirdinn #thunderbirdinnsavannah #savannah #socute #soexcited / @moon_gypsy_rose

bathroom

Bathrooms are pretty small and bare-bones, but the friendly, courteous staff keeps them clean. Don't expect the Thunderbird to punch above its weight in this category.

lobby

The Thunderbird nails creature comforts in a welcoming environment, and nowhere is this more evident than in the lobby. The smell of complimentary hot popcorn greets you at check-in, Krispy Kreme donuts with premium coffee fuel you each morning, and local craft beer cools you off on sultry afternoons. The Inn is proudly eco-friendly, with sustainability efforts that include water conservation initiatives like low-volume irrigation in its colorful southern landscaping and water saving toilets and bath showers, recycling, plus glass cups and mugs instead of paper.

YOU SHOULD KNOW The hotel charges an additional fee for parking.

LOCATION

Getting Around

Savannah Historic District is pedestrian-friendly, so feel free to leave your car behind when you venture out. In roughly minutes you can walk to the heart of downtown Savannah. Trolley Tours are also a great way to see the sights while learning a bit of local history, often from colorful characters.

Restaurants

If you can nab a reservation at The Grey (6-minute walk), don't hesitate. The high-end retro eatery, housed in a former Greyhound station, is one of Savannah's true culinary gems (and goes well with Thunderbird's nostalgia factor, to boot). For authentic French bistro cuisine, pop over to 39 Rue de Jean (1-minute walk). The mussels and steak frites are always perfectly succulent. For a low-key taste of the Low Country, Sandfly BBQ (6-minute drive) is a pulled-meat-lover's smorgasbord.

Bars

Lulu's Chocolate Bar (7-minute walk) will satisfy your sweet tooth with a bevy of sugary cocktails, tarts, and pies. Conveniently located across from the trolley tours, The Distillery (8-minute walk) is a dandy place to sample local brews and in a cool, laidback atmosphere. A newer addition to the scene, Prohibition (5-minute walk) impresses with the craft cocktail prowess of its mixologists.

WHY WE LIKE IT

Eco-friendly, wallet-friendly, and adventure-friendly, the Thunderbird Inn is where it's at for affordable fun and comfort when visiting the Hostess City. The iconic downtown property won a preservation award and an addition to the National Register of Historic Places. Plus, it's just adorable.