Savannah hotels

This adults-only property is one of the oldest in Savannah and is part of the Historic Inns of Savannah Collection. Once a family’s private home in 1847, the hotel is named after its former owner, Eliza Thompson.

Expect one-of-a-kind details in certain rooms, like draped ceilings, exposed brick, garden views and fireplaces. The perfect ambiance to treat yourself or someone else to some wine, roses or prosecco. My favourite spot in the hotel is its peaceful courtyard, home to blooming flowers and lush greenery. Here, guests can enjoy breakfast or relax with a cocktail.

The property is just a five-minute walk from enchanting Forsyth Park. Yet, however romantic, Eliza Thompson still fits in with Savannah’s haunted culture. One of the most unique hotels in Savannah to visit around Halloween, it has its fair share of spooky fun. Keep an eye out for ghoulish visitors, like a girl dressed in white or a transparent soldier.

Many of the best hotels in Savannah are historic, but I appreciate how the Drayton Hotel infuses modernity into its spaces without losing its Southern charm. Stay in guestrooms decked out in reclaimed wood with fresh amenities like Bluetooth speakers. Other rooms, meanwhile, pay homage to Savannah’s history, featuring clawfoot bathtubs and vintage telephones.

The hotel offers plenty of places to drink and dine, including a coffee bar, Art Deco-inspired brasserie, and a sultry cocktail bar. But my go-to spot is the rooftop bar, which has expansive views of Savannah’s historical district and landmarks like City Hall. It’s the ideal place to grab a drink and admire the sunset—don’t forget to check their event schedule, which often features live music from local artists.

Perry Lane is another Savannah hotel that blends contemporary amenities and design without losing sight of its historical and cultural roots. For starters, the hotel is dedicated to art curation, selecting local and international pieces for display throughout its public spaces and guestrooms.

The guestrooms really focus on creative details, with velvet and leather furniture, Italian linens and views of the historic district. One of the best hotels in Savannah with a pool, guests can swim or lounge in the sophisticated outdoor space while admiring 360° views.

But sophistication can still be fun, and this hotel has something for every member of the family. My son loves playing foosball on the rooftop while I enjoy the views, and my entire family gets competitive with a rooftop lawn game of bocce ball or cornhole.

Another of the best hotels in Savannah for fans of the eerie, the Kehoe House is a popular stop on the city’s ghost tour circuit. The building dates back to 1892, formerly the home of the Kehoe family, then a boarding house and, later, a funeral parlour (hence the possible presence of unearthly guests).

Nowadays, the adults-only hotel is known as one of the most beautiful buildings in Savannah. I gasped out loud the first time I saw it, thanks to its stately columns and balconies and pinkish brick exterior. Inside, walk the carpeted staircase to some of the 13 guestrooms, each of which is distinct. I recommend either the Oglethorpe or the Mercer, as these rooms have private outdoor verandas.

Kehoe House also has one of the tastiest hotel amenities I’ve ever enjoyed: freshly baked complimentary cookies each evening for guests.

Amp up a trip to Savannah with a stay at the JW Marriott Savannah Plant Riverside District, located in the city’s entertainment district, which is home to great shopping, drinking and dining.

This is one of the best hotels in Savannah for families, thanks to its one-of-a-kind lobby, which doubles as a museum and gallery. My son is obsessed with the massive dinosaur that hangs from the ceiling, and I love taking in the various gemstones and sculptural pieces scattered throughout the space.

You can choose the style of guestroom you want, from an industrial-inspired space in the Power Plant wing; a room in the Three Muses wing, where soft and beautiful art reigns supreme; or a spot in the Atlantic, inspired by Savannah’s maritime past and present. Whatever you do, don’t miss the rooftop pool, which has in-water loungers, a lively bar and a peaceful cabana area.

Hotel Bardo captivated me from the moment I spotted its castle-like turrets. Beyond its regal exterior, the hotel’s spaces aren’t at all medieval or Victorian. In fact, the guestrooms are quite the opposite: light and bright, with a blend of kitsch and sophistication, featuring amenities like private terraces or Juliet balconies, custom artwork and Nespresso coffee makers.

One of the best hotels in Savannah if you’re looking for something a little different, it also functions as a private members’ club. The pool area feels very Miami-inspired, flanked with palm trees and coral geometrically patterned umbrellas shading lounge chairs.

Yes, it’s a trendy “it” spot, but kids are welcome, and the hotel sits directly on Forsyth Park. My son enjoys frolicking in the Bardo’s courtyard, playing lawn games and snacking on pineapple carpaccio at the outdoor Bar Bibi.

One of the best hotels in Savannah along the riverfront, I head to the Thompson when I need an infusion of luxury. The mid-century modern guestrooms feature Sferra linens and D.S. & Durga bath products, and I enjoy the rooms with the expansive city views just as much as the ones that overlook the tranquil river.

Speaking of views, the Thompson’s Bar Julian has one of the best rooftop river views in all of Savannah, which you can enjoy while sipping specialty cocktails—and, on certain days, to the tune of live music. The pool deck is the ideal spot for a dip after exploring Savannah on the hotel’s complimentary bikes.

Make sure to find out if your stay coincides with any special programming, as the hotel often partners with other local businesses to put on enticing culinary events.

The Marshall House is a beloved Savannah landmark that dates back to 1851 and was once used as a hospital during the Civil War. Its wrought iron balconies and green shutters make it one of the most memorable buildings in the city’s historic district.

Also rumoured to be haunted, it’s one of the best hotels in Savannah for a bit of ghostly fun, especially on the 4th floor, where I thought I may have heard some strange wailing sounds at night during my stay.

To really experience the hotel’s charm, I recommend booking a balcony room, where you have access to the wrought iron verandas you see on the hotel’s exterior. The hotel’s nightly wine and cheese reception is a fun place to get to know other guests and perhaps chat about any unexplainable noises you heard during your stay.

With just 17 rooms, the Hamilton Turner Inn is one of the top hotels in Savannah for a boutique experience. They really go above and beyond to make you feel like a valued guest here.

The luxury, historic inn features an elegant design that feels newly refreshed, which only adds to its opulence—think twinkling chandeliers, ornate gold finishings and rich fabrics. The mansion, built in 1873, features a range of unique guestrooms, some of which are in the inn’s carriage house. Some rooms feature four-poster beds, while others have fireplaces or freestanding clawfoot bathtubs.

Although this hotel doesn’t have a lot of additional amenities, I appreciate that there are in-room massages and other spa services available. Visitors can also enjoy a full Southern breakfast. Please note that only children aged 10 and up can stay at the hotel.

One of my favourite hotels in Savannah for a waterfront lodging experience, The Alida encapsulates the best of Southern living. The nearby Savannah College of Art & Design helped the hotel procure special elements for each guestroom and suite, and the property claims no two rooms are alike.

Guestrooms are all bright and airy, however, with white fabrics and deep wood furnishings. Each floor has a special guest nook, where you can pick up snacks and sparkling water.

I like this hotel because it helps me get a real feel for the local surroundings. From locally roasted coffee in the in-room Keurigs to the complimentary use of bikes and a rooftop with fire pits, the Alida is all about bringing Savannah’s charm directly to guests. It even offers poolside happy hours at its riverfront cabana club and pool, guided runs of the local surroundings, live music and yoga classes.