12 Best Hotels in Savannah, Georgia

Guest rooms—many of which are exceptionally spacious—in this atmospheric Italianate inn dating from 1868 all have fireplaces and are decorated with a mix of funky finds and antiques from the Georgian and Regency periods. In a second building, identical to the main house, the Lafayette Room has the most noteworthy fireplace; the Caracalla Suite is named for the oversize whirlpool tub built in front of its fireplace; the Juliette Low room has a private wrought-iron balcony looking out on the treetops. The handsome and quiet Eli Whitney room is one of the least expensive. Fresh flowers throughout and the outdoor covered arbor are unexpected pleasures. Afternoon tea, complimentary wine with cheese and hors d'oeuvres, and evening desserts and cordials are among the treats. At breakfast you can order such hot entrées as omelets with creamed spinach and goat cheese.

With bathrooms the size of New York City apartments, this French Empire mansion is celebrated, if not in song, certainly in story, and definitely has a "wow" effect, especially the rooms that front Lafayette Square. It was built ostentatiously in 1873 by Samuel Hamilton, Savannah's then-mayor (who made money as a blockade runner during the Civil War) and then rescued from further ignominy in 1997 by a wealthy Savannah couple, who did the initial restoration; current owners Gay and Jim Dunlop completed a massive restoration that returned the home's former glory. The afternoon reception features quality wine and both hot and cold hors d'oeuvres.

Known for its remarkably friendly and attentive staff, this 1890s-era house, handsomely appointed in Victorian splendor, was originally the family manse of William Kehoe, a prominent Savannah businessman whose Kehoe Iron Works are now an event venue near the Eastern Wharf. On the main floor, a double parlor has two fireplaces and sweeps the eye upward with its 14-foot ceilings, creating an elegant setting for a made-to-order Southern breakfast; later in the day you'll be treated to afternoon tea and desserts and an evening wine and hors d'oeuvres reception. Don't miss the courtyard garden and the music room with a baby grand piano. Guest rooms in this charmer have a decidedly Victorian feel, with a mix of antiques and gilt mirrors, and the location on Columbia Square puts it on the quieter side of town, though tour trolleys will pass regularly.

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 interiors at the Andaz make quite a statement: the exposed-brick walls in the spacious lobby are offset by cozy, nested seating areas. Rooms have fine linens, complimentary minibar snacks and nonalcoholic beverages, and complimentary Wi-Fi, and the restaurant serves farm-to-table breakfast and dinner, while the bar has classic cocktails and contemporary offerings.

This rambling Italianate town house from the late 19th century is a standout for its ornate exterior, relaxing front porch, and comfortable ambience as a luxury accommodation in a B&B configuration. Once two separate houses, the oversize rooms boast high ceilings, luxury linens, handsome fireplaces, and sleek, modern furnishings, as well as claw-foot tubs or spacious double-showers. On one of the city's most beautiful streets, it's in a quiet residential area that offers a true slice of Savannah life.

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.

Housed in a five-story converted warehouse, this 1817 lodging has a harbor-from-yesteryear theme, with nautical murals and model schooners. Guest rooms are filled with antiques and reproductions from the era of King Cotton, and French-style balconies and floor-to-ceiling windows overlook both River Street and Bay Street; many rooms face the river. The elevator of this wheelchair-accessible building takes you directly down to the buzz of the waterfront. No breakfast is included, but there are several on-site eateries.