The sleepy Savannah in Georgia’s Deep South paints a gorgeous picture with moss-swathed oak trees, lush public squares, and elegant mansions. It sits on the banks of the Savannah River overlooking the North Atlantic and was Georgia’s original capital and first city. While the Deep South isn’t exactly known for being liberal, Savannah is brimming with acceptance and open-mindedness. Nicknamed ‘Hostess City of the South,’ Savannah, GA is a charming gay friendly oasis frozen in time, complete with dining, shopping, and even hotels. In fact, it’s ideal for a non-traditional gaycation and you’ll be spoilt for choices when it comes to gay hotels in Savannah, Georgia. Apart from hotels, the city has stunning B&Bs and inns that are heavenly to stay at.
The first planned city in America, Savannah boasts a thriving LGBTQ scene. Even though it doesn’t have a gay scene or neighborhood as big as other cities, its welcoming attitude is woven into the very fabric of the city. The city is so accepting of the LGBTQ public that it doesn’t need a neighborhood per se for them to step out, explore, and enjoy. In fact, the city is famous for its many drag queens. Also, it also has many gay festivals held in the city, including the Tybee Island Gay Days and the vibrant Savannah Gay Pride Festival. Moreover, there’s even a large gay community right in the heart of Savannah’s downtown historic district, which is one of the best places to explore in town. Also, River Street has many gay-owned and friendly boutiques, restaurants, and hotels.
So, whether you want a relaxing gay getaway or even a romantic one, historic Savannah is where you should be. To that end, here are the top 11 gay friendly hotels in Savannah, GA.
Kimpton Brice Hotel
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One of the best gay friendly hotels in Savannah, GA is the Kimpton Brice Hotel, which sits a mere two blocks from the Savannah River. Staying here puts you close to Savannah’s lively bar and pub scene, as well as its scenic squares and townhouses. Lighthearted design and historic allure make the hotel end up feeling like your very own private villa.
Every building in Savannah has a history, and the Kimpton Brice is no different. The building has lived a life as a Coca-Cola bottling plant, livery stable, and even a cotton warehouse. So, you’ll see a maze of hallways hiding secret gardens and tucked-away spiral staircases that seem to lead just about everywhere. A menagerie of butterflies and horses on the wallpapers give you company. The lobby is a mishmash of bookshelves, tufted sofas, and terrariums. French doors that lead off the place open to a stunning outdoor courtyard with cushy seating and fairy lights. It’s the perfect place to curl up with your partner and listen to live music on Monday nights. The quaint pool is the hotel’s highlight, surrounded by green lawns, daybeds, and palm trees. Rounding up the amenities is the restaurant serving all meals, complimentary coffee, and wine hour in the evenings.
Rooms are divided into Deluxe and Premier, but all have comfy brass-poster beds and standard mod-cons. We recommend you splurge on the Premier ones, which have soaking tubs and Juliet wrought-iron balconies overlooking the pool.
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Mansion on Forsyth Park
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The Mansion on Forsyth Park is unarguably one of the best, and most special gay hotels in Savannah, Georgia. The property sits on the eastern edge of Forsyth Park. Opulent interiors, contemporary character, and nearly 400 pieces of European and American art create a one-of-a-kind experience.
The newer wings of the hotel blend in beautifully with the original, Victorian-Romanesque terracotta and redbrick mansion. Right from the lobby to the public spaces to the rooms, every space delivers something special and yet unexpected. Think century-old Italian Corona-marble pillars, an Arabian Nights-esque canopied patio, a creative water wall, and even its antique hat collection. Book an appointment at its Nordic-looking full-service spa, which is an experience you and your partner shouldn’t miss. What’s more, its restaurant and a lounge are amongst the city’s best dining and drinking spots. The highlight is the outdoor pool that’s fringed by daybeds and palm trees. Also, it’s imposing columns seem to lend a degree of privacy.
Rooms are spacious and feature high-end designer-level decor, high-tech amenities, and vintage furnishings. Bathrooms are equally decadent, with the deep soaking tubs having room for two.
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Catherine Ward House Inn
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Comfort meets elegance at the Catherine Ward House Inn, a gorgeous gay bed and breakfast next to Forsyth Park in Savannah. The Italianate home sits in an 1886-built house that a former sea captain built for his beloved wife. Elegant touches like period fireplaces, cozy, mood lighting, and soft music make for a warm and inviting space. Fresh flowers everywhere and antique bric-a-brac add to the old-world ambiance, making for an unforgettable experience. It’s no surprise that it’s counted amongst the best gay friendly hotels in Savannah, GA.
A classic Southern front porch peppered with wicker chairs sets the tone as you step into the B&B. On balmy Savannah days, a glass of wine and your partner’s company on the porch is perfect. The utterly charming, high-ceilinged living area flows straight into the dining room. The comfy furniture and the gorgeous antiques apart, it’s the long, vintage, and beautifully-set dining table that catches your eye. Breakfast here is truly a notch above everything else and comes with rave reviews. Think succulent Southern meats and hearty baked goods along with fresh fruits, eggs, and more. Begin your day with a high note at the breakfast table with your partner, while striking conversations with interesting fellow travelers.
All nine rooms here feature queen beds and immaculate decor with flowers and modern ensuite bathrooms. If you can, then choose a room with a balcony that overlooks the gardens with the gushing fountain and koi pond.
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Andaz Savannah
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If you’re looking for trendy gay hotels in Savannah Georgia, then look no further than Andaz Savannah. The centrally-located hotel sits overlooking Ellis Square, just two blocks from the Savannah River. Staying in the thick of action cannot get better than this. The statement interiors lie just beyond a jaw-dropping floor-to-ceiling glass entrance, complete with exposed-brick walls, gleaming floors, and vibrant modern art. The 22 Square restaurant/bar is a favorite with both locals and tourists and is a great place to meet exciting people over a cocktail. A 24-hour gym is a rarity, and a blessing if you’re a fitness fanatic. The standout feature, however, is the outdoor pool on the second-floor terrace. Right off the pool lies a fire pit, a stunning water wall, and tons of plush daybeds, It’s the ideal place to cool off, soak some sun, and watch beautiful people.
Wait till you reach the rooms, for you’ll be impressed by every square bit of it. Free Wi-Fi, complimentary minibar beverages and snacks, and top-of-the-line linens make staying here more than just comfortable. Despite differing in size, all rooms are spacious and feature a slew of mod-cons and modern bathrooms with shower space for two. Upgrade to a room on the higher floor and ask for Ellis Square views – they’re the best of them all.
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River Street Inn
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The River Street Inn is one of the most beautiful gay friendly hotels in Savannah, GA on the riverfront. The inn lies in a five-story converted warehouse from 1817. Moreover, it boasts a striking yesteryear-nautical theme, complete with model schooners and harbor-themed murals. As you enter, the hotel emanates the air of an old-world Savannah manor house. The indoor courtyard with the sky-lit atrium makes for a striking entrance. There are many peaceful little alcoves to lounge and relax on-site, bedecked with pretty floral wallpaper and bookshelves. Even though it doesn’t offer breakfast, the hotel does have bicycles that you and your partner can use to explore the neighborhood. Nightly turndown treats courtesy Savannah’s Candy Kitchen are a real treat. Topping it off is the complimentary hors-d’oeuvres and wine reception in the afternoons.
However, it’s the rooms that are the real treasure here. Many rooms face the river, complete with floor-to-ceiling windows and French-style balconies. The rooms radiate Southern charm and luxury through its exposed brick walls, fireplaces, four-poster beds, and maritime curios. It makes for the perfect romantic nest for you and your partner while visiting Savannah. You can spend hours on the bed or at the window or the balcony, watching the ships float by along the Savannah River.
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Hampton Inn & Suites
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If you’re looking for a value LGBTQ hotel in the heart of Historic Downtown, then the Hampton Inn & Suites are perfect. One of the best value gay hotels in Savannah Georgia, the hotel boasts a slew of amenities that is a rarity for a hotel at this price point. As you enter, the lobby with a banister staircase, hardwood floors, and fireplace creates an immediate impression. It’s here that, on weekend mornings, a bunch of historical re-enactors dish out interesting tidbits about Savannah’s storied past. Besides the gym, the highlight here is the swimming pool. It’s perfect for a swim and dip after a long day of exploring the town. Surprisingly, breakfast is a hearty affair with sausages, omelets, baked goods, fruit, and coffee. Furthermore, the place even offers you a to-go breakfast in case you’re leaving early.
Rooms, studios, and one/two/three-bedroom suites here are remarkably good, and even have kitchenettes. So, if you’re traveling with your family or a group of friends, then this is the perfect base. Plus, the mini-market on-site is ideal for picking up ingredients and basic food supplies. Plush beds, sleek mod-cons, and minimalist but spotless bathrooms complete the place.
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East Bay Inn
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Located smack dab in Savannah’s historic district, the East Bay Inn offers antebellum luxury and ambiance right in the heart of town. One of the most well-located gay hotels in Savannah, Georgia, it’s the perfect base to explore the Top 12 Things To Do In Savannah. The hotel is housed in a magnificent 1792-built Greek Revival-like building that has lived many former lives as a meeting hall, foreign office, bakery, and even a cotton warehouse. Intricate crown molding, hunter-green awnings, and handsome brick exterior make it one of the most Instagrammable structures in town.
Soaring ceilings greet you as you step into the lobby, with comfy chairs and couches perfect for mingling with fellow travelers. The interiors are notably lavish, right from the architecture to the restaurant. Dig into a delicious breakfast of scrambled eggs, meats, fresh fruit, baked goodies, and cereals at the cheery restaurant. It also serves American, European, and Asian fare for lunch and dinner. Rounding up everything is the reception of hors d’oeuvres, wine, and other beverages in the parlor for an hour or so every evening.
The rooms might not be fancy, but they have oodles of understated charm. Queen beds, comfy chairs, and a couch make the place very relaxing, complete with modern bathrooms. What’s more, the hotel even delivers the Savannah Morning News to your door every morning.
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Azalea Inn & Gardens
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Step back in time, and that too in style, at the Azalea Inn & Gardens, one of the most amazing gay hotels in Savannah Georgia with a plethora of amenities. The inn lies in a historic mansion dating back to 1889 and which once belonged to a cotton exchange merchant. Besides a fabulous Forsyth Park address, there’s a lot to love about this inn. Patios, verandas, antiques, gardens, and impeccable service – this one has it all.
A postcard-perfect front porch leads up to the entrance and lobby-cum-dining room, complete with a showstopper of an antique dining table. This is where you’re served a breakfast, which can only be described as a feast. In fact, the seasonal menu is so vast that it cannot be described here. However, mainstays include delicacies like bacon, fresh berries drizzled with raspberry sauce, cheese blintz crepes, buttermilk pecan pancakes, and so much more. What’s more, you can even enjoy all this in the comfort of your own bed. The evening social hour is the perfect place to meet fellow travelers over fine wine pairings. The highlight is, undoubtedly, the outdoor pool nestled amidst lush gardens, complete with lounge chairs.
You can choose from rooms, suites, and even villas here, each of which is unmistakably high-end and luxurious. Bathrooms are modern, with bespoke bath products adding to the luxury experience. Also, many have private decks, and some even have large soaking tubs.
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Kehoe House
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The family mansion of William Kehoe, Kehoe House, is now one of the most gorgeous gay friendly hotels in Savannah, GA. The handsome house dates back to the 1890s and mesmerizes you with historic wonder and whimsy from the minute you step in. The double parlor is the highlight on the main floor, complete with soaring ceilings and two fireplaces. It’ll make you feel like royalty as you sit down to a delectable made-to-order Southern breakfast.
Even though it doesn’t have a restaurant, the hotel treats you to a sumptuous afternoon tea and desserts spread as well as an evening reception of hors-d’oeuvres and wine. The music room with the baby grand piano and the lovely courtyard garden are the perfect places to spend some quiet time with your partner. Finally, when you retire for the night, you’re treated to freshly-baked cookies with impeccable turndown service. If you were to max out your clothes while vacationing here, we wouldn’t be surprised.
Above all, it’s the rooms that are the standout here, with a decidedly Victorian feel thanks to the gilt mirrors and vintage curios. Original grandeur and contemporary mod-cons come together in the tastefully opulent and spacious rooms. During summer, go for the Oglethorpe or Mercer rooms which have private balconies. Also, most rooms feature both showers and bathtubs, while the Emma Kelly room’s bathtub even has soothing jets.
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Galloway House Inn
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With just four rooms, you know you’re in for a special experience at the Galloway House Inn, one of the most sophisticated gay hotels in Savannah, Georgia. If you’re a discerning couple and seek space and privacy, then you’ll be swept off your feet by this inn. The Galloway House Inn sits in a historic mansion dating back to 1895 and is now operated by the eponymous owner-operator and his partner. You can see that the inn is a real labor of love, right from retaining the original features to making new additions that are both modern and cozy. You’ll get a lot of insider tips about exploring Savannah from Galloway himself and can go about discovering all hidden gems in town yourself.
Nothing begins a day well as a good breakfast, and the inn lays out a continental spread of tea, coffee, muffins, standard bagels, and cooked-to-order delicacies. Staying in an inn Southern-style is incomplete without sipping a cocktail on the front porch, and it’s the same here. Since the inn sits in a tranquil, leafy neighborhood, you won’t know where the hours slip away as you lounge on the porch. Moreover, both downtown and Forsyth Park are very accessible, with the latter being a short leisurely stroll away.
Another special facet of the inn is that it’s an all-suite property, with every suite having discrete entrances, living areas, and kitchens as well. They’re also peppered with rustic and contemporary pieces that make some suites contemporary and the others, bohemian.
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Foley House Inn
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There is more than one reason why the Foley House Inn sits stop the list of best gay friendly hotels in Savannah, GA. To begin with, it sits right in the heart of the Historic District, so exploring Savannah is a cinch. Secondly, it’s full of history and character, even the movie kind. Its rooms overlook Chippewa Square, where Forrest Gump once said that life was like a box of chocolates. Finally, it’s also one of the Top 11 Pet-Friendly Hotels in Savannah, GA, with very little size/breed restrictions. Additionally, it even sets aside three rooms for those with pet allergies. Now, who wouldn’t want to live here?
The elegant inn is set in two townhouses built 50 years apart. Once you climb the steps of this historic row home, an attractive parlor-cum-dining room filled with period furniture is as gorgeous as you’d expect. You and your significant other will love the romantic ambiance brought about by the ornate molding, fireplaces, and chandeliers. The intimate, foliage-filled courtyard at the back is even prettier, and one hell of an Instagrammable spot. In the afternoons, the B&B sets out a charming tea service. Come evening, and there’s a complimentary hors d’oeuvres and wine reception that awaits you.
All 19 rooms feature antique furnishings, fireplaces, private bathrooms with bespoke products, and mod-cons. Of them, 3 have patios and 4 even have whirlpool tubs. If you’re a movie fan, ask for a room that overlooks Chippewa Square. If you seek less expensive rooms, then there’s even a carriage house at the back of the inn.
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Just So You Know:
- Savannah is proud of its LGBT residents. One of its most famous denizens was the drag queen Lady Chablis, affectionately called ‘Queen of Savannah.’ She became famous with the release of the book and movie ‘Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil,’ one of whose most important scenes was set in Bonaventure Cemetery, one of the 13 Of The World’s Most Beautiful Cemeteries.
Get Some Culture in Savannah:
- Savannah Pride: The annually-held Savannah Pride celebrates diversity and inclusion like it’s always been part of the city. Apart from a fun parade, there are many other events, including fun after-parties.
Best Gay Bars / Clubs in Savannah:
- Club One: This multi-level, iconic gay club has two dance floors and a video bar, and even hosts drag shows.
- The Bar Bar: This fun bar with pool, board games, and a huge drink menu are popular with both visitors and locals.
Best Gay Saunas in Savannah:
Savannah doesn’t have a gay sauna or a bathhouse yet. We’re hoping to see that change in this open-minded and extremely LGBTQ friendly city in the future.