We always get asked the same question by people planning to visit—where is the best place to stay?
Well, that all depends on the kind of trip you want to have! We’ve done our best to break down the answer to that question by the different exciting possibilities, from inns off serene squares, to happening hotels right in the heart of the Historic District and accommodations to suit every preference.
For the Ultimate Downtown Experience
The best place to stay for exciting events, with an abundance of shops and restaurants, is the famous River Street! With all kinds of festivals organized by the Savannah Waterfront Association, there’s always something to do! Stop in either the Savannah Candy Kitchen or River Street Sweets and indulge in taffy and pralines. Then head over to Wet Willies or another bar and grab a to-go cup of your favorite cocktail or beer! Enjoy delicious seafood at Fiddler’s Crab House. Walk along the Savannah River and discover several monuments while enjoying the view of the river and the Talmadge Bridge. You might even see a cargo ship go by on its way out to sea.
Try These Downtown Hotels
Try these: The Bluff Hotel Historic Savannah, Planters Inn | Historic District, Hilton Garden Inn & Suites Homewood Suites Savannah Historic District/Riverfront
If you enjoy a Thriving Nightlife
The best spot for live music, nightlife and bar hopping is the City Market. City Market is a four-block marketplace between Ellis Square and Franklin Square on West St. Julian Street. It features art galleries, shops, bars, live music and restaurants. The market is inside of old warehouses that have been around since the 1700s. City Market doesn’t shut down after hours. Instead, things pump up with live music, concerts, performers and more! Enjoy walking around with Savannah’s famous “to-go” cups. Hear live music and pop in an after-hours eatery if you get hungry.
Try these: Lucky Savannah Vacation Rentals, Planters Inn | Historic District, DoubleTree by Hilton Savannah Historic District, Hilton Garden Inn Savannah Historic District
If you’re a History Buff
Want to soak in all of her vibrant history? The best accommodations for history buffs are the hotels, bed & breakfasts and inns near the local museums. The must-sees for history lovers are the Savannah History Museum and Georgia Railroad Museum. Don’t forget the Telfair Academy, Jepson Center and Thomas-Owens House, as well.
Another great area to stay is around any of the dozens of squares that are peppered throughout the Historic District. The squares say the most about our history, and are often called the “heart and soul” of the Hostess City. There are 22 in total, six of which were built by James Oglethorpe, the founder of Savannah.
Try these: Planters Inn | Historic District, River Street Inn, President’s Quarters Inn
If you’re an Art Lover
The Hostess City is the home to many amazing artists, and the art community continues to thrive and grow every day. Some of the best areas to stay to really soak in the culture would be around the many art galleries of City Market. Lodging near the Telfair Museum or the Jepson Center is another option. Here, you can enjoy exhibits and culture alike. We are also home to the Savannah College of Art and Design. The college owns and operates its own art museum that is open to the public.
Try These Art Loving Hotels
If you’re a Shopaholic
Do you enjoy shopping and hitting up boutiques? Try staying around Broughton Street or somewhere along Bull Street, where there are boutiques and stores aplenty! Shops are scattered throughout the Historic District, around City Market and also lining the many historic squares.
Try these: Lucky Savannah Vacation Rentals, Planters Inn, Hilton Savannah Desoto
If your pup is with you
Staying at pet-friendly hotels and inns around any of the many squares is a great option if you bring your pooch with you. The squares provide a green space for your furry friend to walk around. Even better is Forsyth Park, the largest park in the Historic District. This park offers 30 acres of serenity nestled right in the middle of the busy downtown area. Both humans and dogs alike can enjoy just about every inch of this park. Swing by the Forsyth Fountain, the splash pad, the playgrounds and open fields, recreational courts and the amphitheater. Forsyth Park is a hub for the locals and tourists alike. There’s something for everyone, even Fido, to enjoy!
Try: Southern Belle Vacation Rentals
Try These Pup Friendly Hotels
If you have a car
If you are making the drive to the Hostess City of the South, then consider booking a hotel in Midtown. Just south of the Historic District, Midtown features more restaurants, the Oglethorpe Mall and several other shopping centers. There are several hotel options in the midtown area, and the downtown area is only a 10-minute drive away!
Try these: Fairfield Inn & Suites Savannah Midtown, Homewood Suites by Hilton Midtown, Hilton Garden Inn Midtown
If you’re visiting a college
Are you visiting the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) or Georgia Southern? If you’re visiting SCAD, the two best areas to stay are either around the Savannah Visitor Center, near the Civic Center or on Bull Street. If you’re visiting Georgia Southern University’s Armstrong campus, you’re going to want to stay on the city’s southside. This is about 20 minutes outside of the Historic District. The Southside features the Savannah Mall, Bass Pro Shop, Target and a number of other stores, as well as some of everyone’s favorite restaurants.
Try these for SCAD: Embassy Suites Historic Savannah, Hamilton-Turner Inn
Try these for Georgia Southern’s Armstrong Campus: Days Inn Savannah Abercorn Southside, Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Savannah – Midtown, TownePlace Suites Savannah Midtown
If you’re on a budget
Want to save some cash during your trip? Try staying at a neighboring city, such as Garden City or Pooler. These areas offer less expensive hotels, and are only a short drive away! If staying Downtown is something you’re not willing to negotiate, do not worry. There are also a handful of hotels in the Historic District that cost a little less than their neighbors.
Garden City: Baymont Inn & Suites Savannah/Garden City, InTown Suites (Extended Stay)
Pooler (near the airport): Courtyard Savannah Airport, Doubletree Savannah Airport, Comfort Inn & Suites Savannah Airport, Fairfield Inn & Suites Savannah Airport, Best Western Plus Savannah Airport Inn & Suites, Quality Inn Pooler,
Downtown: Quality Inn Savannah Historic District, DoubleTree by Hilton Savannah Historic District, Thunderbird Inn
