Where to Stay in Savannah, GA

Our Favorite Hotels in Savannah

• High-end: The Hamilton-Turner Inn
• 4-‧ Four star hotel: Hotel Indigo
• 3-star: Thunderbird Inn
• = For Couples: Olde Harbour Inn
• Suitable accommodation for families: Hotel Indigo

a building with a flag on the front of it

Where to Stay in Savannah, GA

Savannah, decorated with Spanish moss-filled parks, beautiful historical architecture, historic churches, and world-class restaurants, offers a charming sub-tropical experience, making it one of America’s most welcoming cities. The Historic District along the Savannah River attracts many visitors, but as expected, places to stay here can be costly. The city is home to luxurious hotels and B&Bs with high price tags, but the surrounding suburbs offer budget-friendly options. Location greatly impacts the price – remaining in Downtown Savannah is typically twice as expensive as accommodations further from the city center.

Visitors must make a key determination of whether paying a premium is worthwhile for the setting and ease of the Historic District or saving money and relying on a vehicle (or less regularly, public transportation) for mobility. Choosing a beach locale like Tybee Island can provide enjoyment but focuses the getaway on sand and relaxation instead of city exploration. These beach spots aren’t particularly convenient for touring the cityscape.

While exploring the charming Historic District streets on foot is relatively straightforward and preferred, using a motor vehicle or public transportation is necessary for seeing (or lodging in) the outer districts. The Chatham Area Transit (CAT) runs a free downtown transit framework. The dot Express Shuttle incorporates 2 loops, Forsyth and Downtown, which link Savannah`s visitor centers, Forsyth Park, and City Market. Numerous buses speed to destinations further away ($1.50). CAT also operates the Airport Express to and from Savannah Airport.

• Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport is located approximately 8 miles west of Downtown/Historic District.

• The complimentary Savannah Belles Ferry connects downtown with Hutchinson Island and the Savannah International Trade & Convention Center across the Savannah River from the Historic District.

– Do not rent a car if staying Downtown – there is no necessity. Public transportation is adequate in Savannah and beyond that, an Uber is always a simple option at night. If traveling in from elsewhere, consider obtaining a Visitor DAY PASS ahead of time: $15 for 24 hours and $24 for 48 hours (this allows parking in city parking garage/lots or at any parking meter with a time limit of one hour or more for a period of 48 hours from purchase. Download the ParkSavannah app to save time.

We’ve discussed our preferred neighborhoods to visit and stay in more detail below, but with extra time, it’s also worthwhile exploring the lesser recognized islands outside of the city center. Whitemarsh Island highlights the trails of shaded Whitemarsh Preserve and is near the Oatland Island Wildlife Center, home to 150 creatures from over 40 types. The Isle of Hope highlights its own modest but seldom visited Historic District, as well as the Wormsloe Historic Site, an old plantation ruin fronted by among those spectacular live oak-lined avenues.

Best Places to Stay in Savannah

a marina filled with lots of boats on a sunny day

Best Neighborhoods in Savannah for…

a statue of a woman sitting in front of a tree

  • Best Neighborhood for First Time Visitors/Sightseeing: Historic District (Downtown Savannah)
    Residing in the Historic District makes sense, if financial means allow. This is where most of the action transpires, home to Savannah’s finest restaurants and bars, the most luxurious hotels and B&Bs, the riverfront, City Market, and the most historic streets and manors – all the elements that render Savannah such a compelling destination. It’s also one of the few neighborhoods where a motor vehicle is not truly necessary, and where complimentary buses circulate around the district as far as Forsyth Park
  • Most Romantic Neighborhood: Historic District
    Though some might opt for the secluded beach resorts on Hilton Head Island for a tranquil escape, few places in the country can match Savannah`s Historic District in terms of historic charm and natural beauty. With Spanish moss-draped squares and wonderfully preserved colonial avenues and mansions, it creates an extremely romantic setting to explore on foot, interspersed with fantastic restaurants, bars, and cafés. It is also home to wonderfully romantic places to stay, from luxury hotels such as Perry Lane Hotel to lavish B&Bs like Bellwether House. Popular spots and activities for couples involve picnicking in Forsyth Park, sessions at Spa Bliss Savannah, rooftop cocktails at Peregrin or Top Deck Bar, and dining at elegant restaurants such as Cha Bella and 700 Drayton Restaurant.
  • Most Lively Precinct at Night: Historic District
    Savannah has a lively nightlife, with the Historic District again the place to be (not least because you can take your drink to go as you bar crawl), especially around City Market and River Street. There are nightclubs, pubs, sports bars, and live music venues here. Highlights include Club One and 3-level Club 51 Degrees; craft brewpubs such as Moon River Brewing Company,New Realm Brewing & Distilling, and Savannah Taphouse; classy rooftop venues such as Electric Moon Skytop Lounge,Rocks on the Roof, and Top Deck; live bands at Barrelhouse South; and the live shows at celebrated Savannah Smiles Dueling Pianos.

    • Over 21’s can drink legally on the street in Savannah (in the Historic District, between River Street and Jones Street) thanks to the city’s open container law. Just make sure the drink is in an open, plastic takeaway cup (no more than 16 ounces).

  • The most recommended areas for food and restaurants are the Historic District and Starland neighborhood.

    • Savannah has emerged as a culinary capital of the American South, especially celebrated for innovative takes on Southern staples. Unsurprisingly, the historic district offers top options in this realm, but adventurous eaters should also explore the emerging scene in the Starland district and seafood shops on nearby Tybee Island.

    Highlights in Downtown include the time-honored Southern dining at the classic institution Mrs Wilkes Dining Room, award-winning chef Mashama Bailey’s showcase – The Grey – in the old Greyhound bus station, fine dining at 700 Drayton Restaurant, innovative Southern fare at Husk Savannah, excellent Chinese cuisine at Flock to the Wok, and another Southern preferred choice, the Olde Pink House. Don’t forget also Leopold’s Ice Cream, handcrafted here since 1919.

    We enjoyed our evening meal at the buffet spread, and we would gladly dine there again. It`s considered one of the premier activities to participate in while visiting the waterfalls of Niagara, so be sure to reserve tickets for the Tower well in advance. Or do as we did and take this luncheon tour including a helicopter ride and boat cruise.

    Eating at celebrity chef Paula Deen’s flagship restaurant, The Lady & Sons in Savannah, remains a must-do activity for most visitors to the city. Though there are better restaurants in town, the rich Southern food here is quite good. It`s walk-in only with no reservations, so be prepared to wait in line, especially during lunch and dinner.

  • Best Neighborhoods for Shopping: Starland District and Historic District
    The unique boutiques and stores in the Starland District include art galleries, vintage clothing shops, and even a vinyl store – Graveface Records & Curiosities. Other favored locations include local gifts at the Cottage Shop; home goods at Emily McCarthy & Co; crafts, fabrics, and professional paint brushes at Starlandia Art Supply; and the secondhand clothing at Vintage Vortex Savannah.

    In the Historic District, the Broughton Street and Bull Street corridors are the primary purchasing regions, along with River Street for touristy gifts, and City Market (where you can get Byrd’s well known cookies and the ubiquitous pecan pralines, a local specialty). Highlights on Broughton Street include fragrant gifts and crafts at Pelindaba Lavender and fresh honey at Savannah Bee Company. On Bull Street, look for E Shaver Booksellers, the women’s fashions at Harper Boutique, the artwork and designs by former and current Savannah College of Art and Design students at ShopSCAD Savannah, and the handmade leather goods at Satchel (which was founded by SCAD graduate).

    For more traditional shopping malls, the Southside/Midtown area further south offers better options: Savannah Centre,Oglethorpe Mall, Twelve Oaks Shopping Center, and the Savannah Mall located near each other (though a vehicle is needed).

  • Best Neighborhood for the Coastline: Tybee Island
    Although there are many beaches and barrier islands near Savannah and Charleston along the Georgia and South Carolina coast, Tybee Island is exceptionally appealing. With over 3 miles of beautiful beaches, moderate amenities, superb seafood, and most importantly, a wide range of lodging options (including quite a few inexpensive selections), it’s a excellent family-friendly destination to swim, search for seashells, kayak through the marshy estuaries, or take a boat trip to view the bottlenose dolphins that frolic just offshore. There are also several laid-back bars here to entertain adults as well; an outlet of Wet Willie’s,Bernie’s Oyster House, and Fannies On the Beach are all near the shoreline (at the pier) selling cocktails and ice-cold beers
  • Best Districts for Low-cost Accommodations: Gateway and Southside
    Affordable lodging alternatives in Savannah exist in the outlying Gateway and Southside/Midtown districts. Gateway is located at the intersection of Interstate 95 and Abercorn Street/Fort Argyle Road. Southside/Midtown extends along White Bluff Road and Abercorn Street south of East Derenne Avenue, a few miles south of the historic center.

    The groupings of associated hotels and motels in these 2 places are invariably the most affordable in the region. Though not particularly convenient for exploring the Historic District, both areas do have good road connections, making them good bases for the entire region rather than just the city.

    Gateway also comes with the advantage of being near the Coastal Georgia Botanical Gardens, the Chatham County Wetlands Preserve, and the deals at Keller’s Flea Market. Quality hotel choices here comprise: Avid South Gateway,Glo Best Western Gateway I-95,SpringHill Suites I-95 South, and for the best cost, Red Roof Inn PLUS+ & Suites I-95.

    South of US-80 from Downtown Savannah, the city is known as Midtown, eventually ending up at Southside. Staying here is much more practical for the Historic District than Gateway, though you’ll still have to drive in and find parking or take the bus. Other than a series of large workaday shopping centers on the outskirts, there’s nothing much else to see here, though. Here we like Hampton Inn & Suites Midtown,Hilton Garden Inn Midtown,Residence Inn Midtown, and Tru Midtown.

    • Staying in either area is obviously not as convenient or atmospheric as the Historic District, but visitors can potentially save a lot on lodging out here.
    • There is a third cluster of chain hotels and motels off I-95 near the airport, but these tend to be much more expensive and are only really worth it if catching a very early flight.

  • Unsafe Areas of Savannah
    Downtown Savannah, the Victorian District, Starland, and the beaches are generally quite safe, though usual precautions should be taken at night. Most locals would indicate there are no real “problematic” areas in the city, and while the overall crime rate remains comparatively high regionally (including violent assaults), the major sights and locations noted here should be fine.

The 5 Best Neighborhoods in Savannah for Tourists

1. Historic District (Downtown Savannah)

a large body of water with a bridge over it

The Historic District (also called Downtown Savannah) ought to be the primary focal point of any trip to the city. This is where the majority of attractions are situated, along with many of the best hotels and restaurants, and some of the most scenic, meticulously preserved roadways and renowned squares – live oak trees dripping with Spanish moss, opulent mansions, magnolia trees, horse-drawn carriages, and ships sailing up the Savannah River. While at times it can seem akin to an enormous outdoor museum dedicated solely to tourism, it remains a popular place for many to reside, containing several flourishing residential areas on the fringes of the major tourist zones.

The historic district encompasses both the riverfront and the city market of Savannah, which is known for eating and drinking. It stretches south, inland from the river, all the way to Forsyth Park, the city`s premier outdoor space. Take in the atmosphere simply by exploring the streets and numerous points of interest: the gorgeous Cathedral of St John the Baptist, which dates back to 1873; the childhood home of Flannery O’Connor, where the legendary Southern Gothic writer was born in 1925; the Telfair Museum of Art, which shows a wide variety of works across 3 locations; the 1775 First African Baptist Church, one of the oldest black churches in North America built by enslaved workers; the Ships of the Sea Maritime Museum, which features ship models, scrimshaw, and maritime art; and the museum of contemporary art run by SCAD, which focuses on current works curated by the Savannah College of Art and Design.

Visiting several historic homes is worthwhile as well. The Gothic Revival Green-Meldrim House, which General Sherman used as his headquarters during the American Civil War, and the Andrew Low House Museum, the 19th century residence of Girl Scouts founder Juliette Low, offer good examples of architecture from that period.

Savannah`s downtown waterfront, situated at the base of a steep cliff below Bay Street, remains a beautiful area evoking the 19th century atmosphere, though River Street is now rather tourist-oriented, lined with seafood eateries and bars.

2. Victorian District

The area directly below the Historic District, south of Gwinnett Street incorporating part of Forsyth Park, is known as the Victorian District renowned for its architecture. Rows of splendid Victorian homes line the streets here, decorated with turrets, towers, ornamental trim, stained-glass windows and various other unique design features. Besides Forsyth Park (and the Saturday Forsyth Farmer’s Market), there is nothing specific one needs to visit here – the only museum is the Beach Institute’s King Tisdell Cottage, built in 1896 and once home to pioneering African-American entrepreneurs Sara King and Robert Tisdell.

  • There are few hotel options in the Victorian District (mostly B&Bs), but they are all situated in beautiful surroundings away from the main tourist areas – there are also plenty of places available for eating, drinking, and shopping locally.
  • The Historic District and Starland are walkable from here (and there’s a free bus to the former from Forsyth Park).
  • Hotel Ändra – Hotel phone: (206) 448 8600
  • Highly Recommended B&Bs:Catherine Ward House Inn – Roussell’s Garden Bed & Breakfast – Printmaker’s Inn – Thomas Weihs Haus

3. Starland District

Just south of the Victorian District, parts of the former Thomas Square and Metropolitan districts have been rebranded and renovated as Starland District, centered around the artistic shops, bars, and dining establishments on once rundown Bull Street. John Deaderick and Greg Jacobs, both graduates of Savannah College of Art and Design, established the foundations for the neighborhood in the late 1990s, and nowadays it`s a fun destination of independent shops and quirky cafes. Highlights include Starland Yard, an outdoor food plaza, stylish Foxy Loxy Café, and Savannah African Art Museum, which exhibits rare artifacts and artwork from West and Central Africa. Another local favorite is Back in the Day Bakery renowned for their signature vanilla cupcakes and biscones (a hybrid between a scone and biscuit).

  • Accommodation like hotels and bed and breakfasts are still scarce in Starland, though rental apartments can be found with more ease.
  • Top Accommodations: Galloway House Inn • Isetta Inn

4. Tybee Island

a person standing on a beach near the ocean

A short 20 minute drive from Savannah’s Historic District lies Tybee Island, the city`s Atlantic beach resort destination with a lovely expansive sandy coastline, a pleasant selection of moderately priced lodging, and low-key development that generally remains respectfully behind the dunes. Other than relaxing on the beach, visitors can fish from the wood pier, or explore the Tybee Island Light Station & Museum, Georgia`s tallest and oldest lighthouse, along with the nearby family-friendly exhibits at the Tybee Island Marine Science Center. Just across on Cockspur Island (connected by a causeway), the Fort Pulaski National Monument marks where Union forces compelled Confederate garrison`s surrender during a landmark siege in the Civil War. The Crab Shack is a beloved seafood restaurant overlooking Chimney Creek, while the Sugar Shack has been an island favorite since 1971 for their large hand-dipped ice creams

Visitors can access the water here through organizations like Sea Kayak Georgia to go kayaking or spots like Captain Mike’s Dolphin Tours or Captain Derek’s Dolphin Adventure Tour to view dolphins. Those focused on observing birds will often travel to the island’s North Beach hoping to see varieties such as black-bellied plovers, dunlins, knots, sanderlings, turnstones, western sandpipers, willets and more.

5. Hilton Head Island

While located across the border in South Carolina, approximately 20 miles northeast of Downtown Savannah, we`ve included Hilton Head Island here as the resort destination is only a 45-minute drive from the Historic District. Since the 1950s, much of the island has been established as luxurious condominiums and timeshares, though this was done rather tastefully to maintain its 12 miles of wide, sandy beaches, sea marshes on the western side, and wooded areas of live oak, pine, bay and palmetto trees in between. A lot of the lodging here is managed by Marriott Vacation Club (with upscale properties like Marriott’s SurfWatch) or Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort, which rents apartments and villa complexes in purposely-established “neighborhoods”, all with their own amenities. There are fort and plantation ruins scattered around the island, plus the Coastal Discovery Museum, which highlights the history and culture of the South Carolina Lowcountry region. A bit further away, Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge is a nature reserve of marsh and wooded areas attracting thousands of migratory birds each year.

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Welcome to my travel website! I’m Mary Howard, an American who has been exploring the world full-time for 8 years.

Together with my husband, Intan, we often find ourselves in our second home, Bali, but our adventures take us to exciting destinations all over the globe.

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