The captivating city of Savannah, Georgia, is brimming with a rich history. Touted as America’s most haunted and hallowed city, Savannah is all about historic architecture, cobblestoned streets, and 22 public squares covered in Spanish moss and oak. In fact, it’s this vibe of the city that you’ll see plastered all over the internet. If you want to make your stay in the city memorable, why not go down memory lane and stay in one of the historic hotels in Savannah GA? Whether you want to stay in an antebellum hotel, an old warehouse on the river, or a lavish converted mansion, Savanah has it all. What’s more, these historic hotels and inns are so picturesque that your Instagram followers will go green with envy! With lush manicured grounds, iconic architecture, and stylish rooms, here are the 11 most historic hotels in Savannah, GA.
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Kehoe House
11
Kehoe House is one of the most charming historic hotels in Savannah, GA. It sits amongst the plethora of Victorian mansions lining the shady squares of historic downtown, and it still stands out. The striking redbrick facade is immediately noticeable, with Renaissance Revival flourishes and a grand staircase and Italianate pillars welcoming you within. Even the rooms and suites are evocatively regal with period antiques, dark wood paneling, high ceilings, and plush drapes. Two rooms have balconies, including the John Wesley Room with large windows, wooden floors, and mustard-yellow walls. The crystal chandelier and the fancy gilded mirror lend a historical touch to the room, while the bathtub, flatscreen TV, and room service make up the modernity.
The adults-only inn serves a delicious, made-to-order breakfast with choices of French toast, pastries, eggs, and more. In the evening, there’s wine and hors d’oeuvres and even warm cookies at turndown. The veranda and the shared courtyard are wonderful spots to savor a glass of wine during sunset. It’s no wonder that this 1890s-built inn is touted as one of the region’s best B&Bs.
The Gastonian
10
Ornate on the outside, luxurious on the inside – that’s The Gastonian for you. The historic inn is one of the finest examples of Regency-era Italianate architecture that defines the decadent part of this town. A towering porch, wrought iron-lined steps, and an ornate entrance welcome you within this historic inn. It sits in two adjacent 1868-built white-stucco brickwork mansions and is one of the world’s top-rated inns. All rooms are individually decked out, with some being duplexes and the others having private balconies. What’s more, some rooms have clawfoot tubs, while others have fireplaces and tall windows.
Besides free and fast Wi-Fi, the highlight here is the sumptuous breakfast, which includes favorites such as cereals, fruits, sausages, and eggs. There’s also a selection of canapés and wine in the double parlor in the evenings. Sincere and personal service and the sumptuous nature of the inn are something that discerning travelers will love.
The Drayton Hotel
9
You’ll feel the grandeur and history immediately as you approach The Drayton Hotel, one of the most historic hotels in Savannah, GA. It sits in the heart of the historic district. The original 19th-century facade with large, stately, gray bricks takes you back in time, but a tide of modernity hits you as you enter the lobby. The decor pays homage to the city’s history, complete with light wood paneling and bright blue sofas. Rooms and suites face the Savannah River or the surrounding historic neighborhood. Playful details such as standalone bathtubs, vintage telephones, and mirrored wooden minibars lend the rooms a whimsical vibe. Moreover, they’re all bright and breezy from the get-go, with reclaimed wood lending a contemporary feel and the blues and greens packing an aesthetic punch.
The onsite Southern seafood restaurant Saint Neo’s Brasserie employs local ingredients to create delectable dishes. After a day of exploring Savannah, soak in the scenery from the Rooftop Bar as you lounge on the striped sofas and lime-green wicker chairs. Do you like morning cups of joe and nightcaps? The small coffee stand and the Downstairs Cocktail Lounge serve excellent coffee and mean craft cocktails.
Hamilton-Turner Inn
8
The Hamilton-Turner Inn oozes old-school Southern hospitality. Tucked in an ornate Victorian mansion in Lafayette Square, the 1873-built structure boasts a “Second Empire” aesthetic marked by intricate ironwork balconies and tall windows. Every room, right from the gorgeous hallway to the elegant dining rooms and parlor, radiates chicness and period glamour. All rooms and suites are different, but the Thomas Charlton Room is special. It has eclectic period decor ranging from an Art Deco desk to paisley patterned furniture and 12-feet-high ceilings. Even the bathrooms are elegant, with modern walk-in showers and chandeliers.
The inn is about Savannah’s famed hospitality, with breakfast served on a set menu. Moreover, the kitchen turns out everything from sausages and traditional eggs to French praline toast and orange blossom pancakes. Discerning travelers who love Savannah’s historic district will love staying here, as it’s a real treat.
Mansion on Forsyth Park
7
Southern gothic doesn’t get any better than at Mansion on Forsyth Park, which also happens to be one of the top gay-friendly hotels in Savannah, Georgia. This 19th-century redbrick building was a funeral home earlier but was turned into a hotel in 2005. The vibe extends to the rooms and suites, complete with old-timey candelabras, cream and brown hues, and grand wooden headboards. Thanks to the game trophies, animal portraits, and wood paneling, the all-day restaurant is a romantic spot for an intimate meal. It’s also where breakfast is served, as are lunches and dinners.
The hotel also appeals immensely to art lovers thanks to the many sculptures and paintings peppered everywhere. The star amenities here, though, are the Poseidon Spa, the onsite cooking school, and the standalone gallery full of Victorian hats. It’s no wonder that this is one of the best historic hotels in Savannah, GA.
Olde Harbour Inn
6
The historic Olde Harbour Inn is also one of the best luxury hotels in Savannah GA. This riverfront digs origins go back to 1892, with a modish and tasteful lobby welcoming you within. While rooms on the higher floors have better views and are quieter, the building doesn’t have an elevator since it’s a historic building. Nevertheless, all rooms radiate a historic charm, modern decor, and ice cream treats with turndown service! Moreover, they also have TVs, microwaves, and small fridges in every room. Since this is a chilled-out place, you can order everything from coffee to chilled wine or champagne in your room. Furthermore, you could also relax in the lobby with a beverage of your choice and complimentary newspapers. Finally, don’t miss the complimentary evening cheese and wine receptions.
Planters Inn
5
The 60-room Planters Inn is one of the most romantic hotels in Savannah, and there’s more than one single reason for that. Firstly, the origins of the inn go back to the early 1800s, which is much before most of the city’s historic inns even came about. Secondly, the lobby and even the digs radiate an unmistakably historic ambiance. What’s more, the fact that it sits right on Reynolds Square means that some of the best rooms enjoy the best views of this plaza. This includes the Deluxe Fireplace and the Balcony Parkview Rooms. However, no matter which rooms you choose, they all feature lovely freestanding baths in the luxe bathrooms, plush four-poster beds, and coffeemakers.
If you’re here celebrating a special occasion, choose the “Romance Package,” which includes roses and champagne delivered to your room, and even a private carriage tour. You both could even rent bikes to explore the neighborhood on your own.
The Eliza Thompson House
4
With excellent service, impeccably lush grounds, and a fabulously historic ambiance, The Eliza Thompson House is a notch above the rest. The rooms and suites here are some of the most romantic in the town and have fireplaces and four-poster beds in all of them. The bathrooms are luxe and feature his-and-hers plush robes, high-end and bespoke bath products, and deep-soaking tubs. So, what makes them historic? Art, antique furniture, and wrought-iron balconies in many courtyard rooms.
The rest of the hotel is great, too, especially the lovely parlor area with a fireplace and antiques. It’s the perfect place to enjoy the evening reception of wine and hors d’oeuvres. Your day begins with a delectable homemade Southern-style breakfast of casserole dishes, traditional Southern grits, bacon, eggs, sausages, fruit, juices, and coffee. Sit in the gorgeous inner courtyard and soak in the Savannah vibe as you enjoy breakfast. It’s also the perfect place for sipping coffee or champagne during the rest of the day.
Cotton Sail Hotel
3
Imagine staying in a refurbished cotton warehouse from the 1800s – that’s the 56-room boutique Cotton Sail Hotel for you. These stunning digs pay homage to Savannah’s riverside commerce industry, and it sits, understandably, right on the Savannah River. A redbrick exterior and pinewood floor interiors make for an immaculate contemporary aesthetic. Even the standard rooms are romantic, with huge windows and period wooden floors, all of which directly overlook the river. The brown and green hues, fluffy robes, and modish bathrooms emanate a pseudo-rustic ambiance, making it the perfect love nest.
Despite the hotel not having a full restaurant, there’s a delicious continental breakfast buffet awaiting you, complete with gorgeous sunrise river views. At the end of the day, enjoy a sundowner cocktail or drink at the rooftop bar, which also enjoys river views. It’s also perfect for nightcaps, after which you can retire to your rooms right below.
Galloway House Inn
2
It’s impossible not to be swept up by the 1895-built Galloway House Inn, complete with huge two-story pillars and a spectacular topiary. This all-suite place has been a real labor of love and boasts discrete entrances for every suite. For instance, the Caroline Suite boasts a living area, a kitchen, a bedroom, and a luxe bathroom, with the overall decor blending rustic and contemporary pieces. What’s more, every suite is different, with some more bohemian and others filled with antiques. The free and fast Wi-Fi aside, the other amenity here is the continental breakfast of tea, coffee, muffins, and bagels. Galloway himself is a gregarious host, whether you’re a first-time visitor or a faithful loyalist. And finally, staying at this Southern mansion is incomplete without sipping a cocktail on a front porch.
The Marshall House
1
The Marshall House is the grande dame of Savannah, GA’s historic hotels. It opened in 1852 as one of the city’s first hotels but was first a hospital for Civil War soldiers in the mid-19th-century. With exposed brick walls, handsome woodwork, and original pine floors, this hotel radiates the intimacy and charm of a B&B. The best rooms and suites in the house have their wrought-iron balconies overlooking the street. Bathrooms are well-thought-out, too, with traditional clawfoot bathtubs for romance and modern showers for practicality. However, all rooms have retained the original wood floors, whose pristine upkeep only adds to the historical authenticity.
The rest of the hotel is impressive, too, with the lobby featuring dramatic white-and-black chess tiles, leather furnishings, and elaborately carved dark wood banisters. In the library, listen to classically trained musicians play twice a week as you mingle with other guests over cheese and wine. What’s more, a local historian comes in three nights a week to weave exciting and thrilling stories of Savannah’s past. Don’t miss meals at the resident 45 Bistro, which serves classic French cuisine and southern favorites.
