Savannah is a mystical, enchanting and ever-growing city with 18th and 19th-century Victorian architecture and romanticism. People from all over travel to Georgia’s First City just to see the rich culture and historic charm. Why stay in just any hotel, when you can indulge in the romantic, southern charm and history that Savannah has to offer? Take your vacation to a whole new level at these enchanting inns nestled in the heart of Savannah’s Historic District!
1. Planters Inn
In 1734 the Planters Inn was a Church of England parsonage. Methodist church founder John Wesley was a part of this parsonage. The 200-year-old Planters Inn offers 60 intimate rooms with tasteful period décor. This elegant 18th-century boutique hotel features a nightly wine and cheese social and balcony views, overlooking Reynolds Square.
This charming boutique hotel has a sister in Charleston. Not unlike Charleston, its prime location in Savannah allows guests to leisurely stroll and enjoy the city’s history.
2. Hamilton-Turner Inn
It’s hard not to be captivated by the luxurious lure of Hamilton-Turner Inn, a Second French Empire mansion built for Samuel Pugh and Sarah Hamilton in 1873 on Lafayette Square.
Made famous by John Berendt’s Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil, this ornate mansion mesmerizes guests. High ceilings and 11-foot windows, lush linens, claw-foot bathtubs and fireplaces provide a Victorian ambiance. Their 17 individually designed rooms are named after significant figures in Savannah. Each day this enchanted inn invites their guests to savor southern breakfasts in their elegant dining room. Enjoy afternoons in their sun-soaked parlor and sip on wine with tasty hors d’oeuvres during the evening reception.
3. Olde Savannah Inn
Olde Savannah Inn oozes in the soft charm of French Renaissance ambiance, delicate décor and the inviting owner. Built in 1877 and restored in 2005, the Olde Savannah Inn is nestled in the neighborhood one block away from Forsyth Park on Gaston Street. This sweet inn seduces guests with private baths—one of which features a limestone Jacuzzi surrounded by Corinthian columns complete with underwater lights—and plush beds with Egyptian, Italian and European linens, perfecting the peaceful oasis of pure romance. With French doors, the rear private terrace opens to a scenic sanctuary complete with a Tuscany fountain, providing guests with French countryside charm set in Savannah. Saunter on into the Olde Savannah Inn and stay awhile because the charm and elegance that this inn exudes is more than you could ask for and all that you could want.
4. Azalea Inn
The serenity of the gardens and the grandiosity of the beautiful rooms will entice anyone who steps inside the Azalea Inn. Where else in Savannah will a cute little Yorkie greet you at the door? At the Azalea Inn, the residential pup, Joey, will be sure to make you feel welcome and right at home! With 10 guest rooms and three private villas, this inn is the perfect setting for a cozy, intimate getaway. Every morning the inn prepares a three-course breakfast made with scrumptious produce from their garden.
Enjoy wine and appetizers in the courtyard or a cup of coffee on the inn’s front veranda while enjoying their garden, groomed to reflect Savannah in 1885, after taking a refreshing dip in the crystal clear pool. The Azalea Inn specializes in comfort. You will feel like royalty when you stay at the Azalea with its rich hues, luscious décor and wood mantles.
5. Ballastone Inn
What could be more perfect than cozying up with your sweetheart in a king-size English-canopied bed or settling into a soothing Jacuzzi tub after a day venturing around the historic squares in Savannah? At the Ballastone Inn, known to many as the “most romantic inn in Savannah,” guests will get to discover what it feels like to live in a mansion with more than a few heavenly comforts.
Built in 1838, this prominent home was converted into a bed and breakfast in 1980. Featuring 16 unique guest rooms, an enchanting courtyard garden to enjoy afternoon tea in and a fully-stocked hotel bar, this bed and breakfast truly exudes romantic luxury. Enjoy an elegant southern breakfast when you arise from the comfort of your private room, indulge in the warm homemade pastries during high tea in the afternoon and enjoy your favorite wine in the evening at the bar.
6. Foley House Inn
Voted one of the “Top 10 Romantic Inns in America,” this British Colonial-themed inn signifies Savannah in everything from the décor and the food, to the ghosts in the walls.
Overlooking the moss-draped Chippewa Square, the pet-friendly Foley House Inn features 19 rooms, complete with working fireplaces, giant jacuzzis, balconies and porches. This inn’s history is rooted deeply in the paranormal phenomena that make Savannah so special. It was constructed over the ashes of a residential home that burned down in the Great Savannah Fire of 1889. During renovations in 1987, human skeletal remains were found within the walls of the inn. Staff and guests have noticed activity that can only be described as otherworldly. Be sure to ask the innkeeper about Wally, who is known to stroll the gardens late at night.
7. River Street Inn
Overlooking the breathtaking Savannah River, the River Street Inn charms guests with its stunning location, sophisticated décor and historic setting. This 19th-century building was once as a cotton warehouse. They proudly bear the honor of being the only “Historic Hotel of America” in Savannah and will soon celebrate the building’s 200th birthday.
With 86 luxurious guest rooms, free complimentary use of their fitness center, a small library on the top floor and a tavern complete with a bar and billiards, the historic inn gives guests more than a few reasons to stay. There is nothing like watching the sunset or stargazing from your own private balcony or stepping out on the porch after the evening guest reception and relaxing in rocking chairs, watching ocean freighters pass by along the river.
8. Armstrong Inns
Armstrong Inns exceeds expectations, with their two beautiful suites and three private townhomes. These cozy, cottage-like accommodations are unlike their counterparts offering guests more privacy and even allowing pets.
With vintage, period furniture placed in vibrantly accented rooms featuring fluffy feather beds and stylish bathrooms, Armstrong Inns set the scene for an enchanting experience. Whether it be an accent of yellow in the room or scenic paintings saturated with color by renowned painter and owner William Armstrong, something is sure to catch your eye. Gourmet coffee, complimentary wine and sweet treats make appearances throughout the day. Enjoy them anywhere you please—the gleaming garden, picturesque porch or backdoor balcony.
These inns, owned by Monique and William Armstrong, are perfect for a completely private experience. They offer dozens of packages, and if you stay for four nights, your next night just might be free!
9. McMillan Inn
Enter a world of yesteryear at the McMillan Inn, a romantic Italianate Revival inn built in 1888, right in the heart of the Historic District, where Victorian Renaissance antiques fill their four rooms and carriage house, allowing guests to take in the beauty of the 1800s with all the amenities of the present. The inn got its name from the original owner, Thomas H. McMillan. The beautiful azaleas planted in Forsyth Park are due to Mr. McMillan. Enjoy pastries on the beautiful veranda, homemade goodies in the parlor and delicious desserts in the courtyard. The innkeepers, Eric and Melissa Calhoun, are Southeast natives and love to extend their southern hospitality to everyone they meet.
10. Forsyth Park Inn
Step inside this Queen Anne Victorian home built in 1893 and let relaxation take over in the gentle, pastel-colored suites. Just as Lois and the Nova Scotian sea captain Aaron “Rudder” Churchill’s love story grew when they lived in the home, let the inn woo you with their handsomely tiled fireplaces, period parquetry hardwood flooring and 14-foot ceilings with 12-foot windows providing pristine views of Forsyth Park.