Savannah's BEST Hotel? This Historic District Gem Will SHOCK You!
Savannah's BEST Hotel? This Historic District Gem Will SHOCK You! (Spoiler: It Kind Of Did Me)
Alright, folks, buckle up. Because I just got back from a whirlwind trip to Savannah and, frankly, my soul is still sipping sweet tea on a wraparound porch somewhere. And I think I just found the perfect base camp for your own Savannah adventure – this place. Forget the tourist traps churning out generic Southern charm. This hotel… this hotel is something else. I'm still trying to process it. And, yeah, it might be the BEST. Let's get into it, shall we?
First things first: The Gut Check (Accessibility & Cleanliness - HUGE, HUGE DEAL)
I’m a bit of a stickler for a clean hotel, and in these Covid times (let's be honest, they're still here, lurking in the shadows), cleanliness is PARAMOUNT. The hotel? Honestly, I was floored. Seriously, floored. They're not just saying they're taking precautions; they're doing it. Anti-viral cleaning products? Check. Daily disinfection in common areas? Double check. Rooms sanitized between stays? Triple check. You guys, I could practically eat off the floor (though I did not, for obvious reasons). Hand sanitizer dispensers were everywhere, and the staff? Trained to the gills on safety protocols. I even saw them sterilizing equipment – like, actually sterilizing, with those UV light things. Impressive!
Accessibility is a huge thing for some travelers (myself included at certain times, depending on the shenanigans I’ve gotten into the night before). I'm happy to report that this place had a good handle on it. Elevator? Check. Facilities for disabled guests? Check. I didn't specifically test the wheelchair accessibility, but it certainly appeared to be accessible, considering it's an older building cleverly adapted. And the fact that they’re thinking inclusively like this always earns major points in my book.
The Room: My Sanctuary… And Where I Almost Lost My Mind (In a Good Way)
Okay, so the room… Forget those cookie-cutter hotel rooms. This place had character. Air conditioning? Obvs. Free Wi-Fi in all rooms? YES! (And it actually worked. Bless.) But it was the little details that got me. Blackout curtains? Crucial for those Savannah mornings that get bright. Complimentary tea AND coffee? (Essential for functioning.) Bathrobes? Yes, please, and thank you. Extra-long bed? Bonus points for my six-foot-two frame.
The room had a desk, a mini-bar (hello, late-night snacks!), a refrigerator (for my emergency champagne supply, naturally), a seating area (perfect for journaling, people-watching, or just staring out the window), and a mirror. The bathroom was a proper oasis, with a separate shower and bathtub. And the slippers! They were the most luxurious slippers I've ever worn in my life. Seriously, I almost smuggled them out.
But here's the thing. The room wasn’t perfect. There was a tiny bit of a problem with the water pressure in the shower. And alright, I admit, I couldn't figure out how to work the television for a solid ten minutes, and, by the time I figured it out, I felt like an idiot. But, honestly, these were such minor inconveniences that faded into the background quickly once I sunk into that gloriously comfortable bed knowing I was in paradise.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Fueling the Shenanigans
This is where things got really good. And where my bank account took a hit. The hotel had multiple restaurants, a coffee shop, a poolside bar, and a snack bar. The options were abundant, from Asian cuisine to Western fare, with a surprising selection of vegetarian dishes. Breakfast (buffet and a la carte) was available, and they even offered breakfast takeaway service for those rushed mornings. And oh, the desserts in the restaurant were heavenly. I may or may not have become a regular…
The Poolside bar was an absolute treat. The sun, the drinks, the vibe… it was pure bliss. And they have a Happy Hour which, if I'm being honest, I might have missed a few appointments for. The Poolside bar was easily accessible, and the Pool with view made it truly special.
Ways to Relax (And, Okay, Possibly Overindulge)
Okay, so the hotel has a Spa. I may or may not have spent a significant portion of my travel budget there. It had a sauna, a steamroom, and offered massages, body scrubs, and body wraps. I went for the full-body massage and, honestly, it was one of the best I've ever had. My shoulders, which are perpetually hunched from typing, actually melted. I was practically drooling. The spa area was also impeccable. I went to the fitness center a few times; it was clean, well-equipped, and (bonus!) had a killer view.
Services and Conveniences: They Thought of Everything
The hotel had a ridiculously long list of services. 24-hour front desk? Check. Concierge? Check. Currency exchange? Check. Dry cleaning and laundry? Check, check. Luggage storage? Check. Gift shop? Check. You get the idea. They made everything easy. Super easy. It's things like this that transform a hotel into a home.
For the Kids and the Family:
I didn’t travel with kids, but I did notice a few things. Family/child friendly? Yes. They had babysitting services and kids meal available. So, this is an excellent option for families as well!
Getting Around (And Parking!)
Car park [free of charge]? Yes! (Huge win in Savannah, trust me). Taxi service? Yep. They also offered airport transfer.
The Quirky Stuff (The Things That Made It Memorable)
Okay, so the hotel is in the historic district, and while it's updated, it clearly has been around a while. There's that charming, slightly creaky feel of a historic building. And you know what? I loved it. It adds to the charm. I will never forget the moment I saw the Shrine!
The Verdict: Go. Just Go.
Honestly, this hotel was a triumph. Beyond the luxurious rooms, the incredible spa, and the delicious food, there was something else…an undeniable sense of warmth, charm, and Southern hospitality. Did I mention that I would go back tomorrow? I cannot recommend this hotel enough. Book it. Right now. You won't regret it. My only regret? Not staying longer.
Sarasota's BEST Kept Secret: Aloft Sarasota Hotel Unveiled!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, 'cause you're about to get the unvarnished, slightly messy, and hopefully hilarious truth about my Savannah adventure, based right out of that charming (fingers crossed) Residence Inn. Prepare for rambles, opinions, and more than a few “did I really just do THAT?” moments.
My Savannah Shenanigans: A "Get-Real" Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival and Existential Queso
Afternoon (ish): Arrive at Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport (SAV). Okay, first hurdle: not getting lost in the airport. I swear, every time I fly I'm convinced they rearrange the terminals just to mess with me. Found the rental car! Victory! Then, the battle with the GPS. Why does every navigation system have a personality disorder? It's all "Recalculating… Recalculating… You are now headed… THE WRONG WAY! Turn around NOW!" Eventually, I make it to the Residence Inn downtown. The lobby… looks promising. Hopefully the "complimentary breakfast" isn't just sad, rubbery eggs. Fingers crossed. Check-in… smoother than expected. (Side note: always pay attention to the elevator… I’m directionally challenged and once ended up on the seventh floor looking for the pool.)
Evening (ish): Okay, unpacked-ish. Let's be honest, my "unpacking" usually involves chucking my suitcase on the bed and hoping for the best. First stop: Olde Pink House. Everyone raves about it. The website's even got a picture of a ghost – a lady in pink! I’m not really good at ghosts. I’m more of a “please don’t tell me it’s haunted” kind of person. Reservations made weeks ago, so I should be good. Pray for no hour-long waits. The pink house is beautiful, though, I can admit that. And the food… Oh. My. God. The food. I ordered the she-crab soup and the crispy shrimp… and I might have cried a little. Maybe it was the ghost stories, maybe it was the wine, but… perfection. Totally worth the trip, and yes, I highly recommend it. I could have written a whole book about the meal, every single bite, every sip, every… sigh. Then, I attempted to walk around. My stomach protested at the sudden movement so it was back to the hotel.
Night (ish): Room service… maybe? The food was so perfect, that room service, should it fail, wouldn't be the end of the world. Plus, I'd need to check the bed for ghosts.
Day 2: History, Hangovers, and Horse-Drawn Mayhem
Morning (7:30 AM-ish): Rise and… actually, rise feels a little optimistic. The complimentary breakfast. I approach the buffet with the cautious optimism of a seasoned traveler. Eggs… are eggs. Toast… is toast. The coffee, however, is surprisingly decent. Fuel, achieved!
Morning (9:00 AM): Historic District Walking Tour. It's HOT. Like, "I'm pretty sure my sunscreen is melting off my face" hot. The tour guide – bless her heart – is trying, but I’m already regretting my choice of footwear (cute sandals, but NOT walking-mile shoes). Learned things, though! Savannah's squares are lovely, the architecture is stunning. The stories? A mix of fascinating and… slightly morbid. Apparently, Savannah has a lot of ghosts. I clutch my water bottle.
Lunch (12:00 PM-ish): Mrs. Wilkes' Dining Room. Okay, this is a must. Expect a wait (seriously, embrace it), family-style dining, and so. much. food. Fried chicken? Check. Collard greens? Double check. Sweet tea? I'm in heaven. The other diners… definitely have a thing for chit-chat. There was more talk than eating, but I got through it. Stuffed, happy, and ready for a nap.
Afternoon (2:00 PM-ish): Here’s where things get interesting. Forsyth Park. Gorgeous. Picturesque. Perfect for a post-lunch stroll… and a gentle dose of shade. Oh, dear. I may have indulged in a little too much sweet tea at lunch. The "gentle stroll" rapidly turned into a panicked search for a public restroom. (Note to self: Always find the bathroom FIRST.) Victory! Then, a casual horse and carriage ride. Romantic, sure. A little bit… slow. And I swear the horse was judging me. I think I asked the driver too many questions at once.
Evening (ish): River Street. Crowded. Lively. A bit overwhelming after the quiet elegance of the squares. But, the river… the lights… the atmosphere… It’s kind of… magical. Found a random bar, had a questionable margarita (lesson learned: stick to the locals' recommendations), and watched the boats go by.
Night (ish): Room service. I'm tired. And maybe, just maybe, a little bit… hung over. Another quiet night with the ghosts that will not be.
Day 3: Sweet Surrender, Souvenirs, and the Savannah Shuffle
Morning (9:00 AM-ish): Sleep in! Thank goodness it's not Monday. I really did feel like I needed the break after two days of non-stop activity. Breakfast… the same, but comforting in its familiarity. Packing… a work in progress. I always buy too many clothes in the stores and am forced to pack the wrong things.
Morning (10:30 AM): Leopold's Ice Cream. Legendary. Worth the wait in line. I go for a peanut butter and chocolate combo. Pure bliss. Possibly the best ice cream ever. I might have shed a tear. And then, the line started getting really long.
Late Morning/Early Afternoon (11:30 AM): Shopping. I wander. I browse. I buy… too much! A few knick-knacks, all the usual tourist traps. I got a t-shirt. I'm sure I'll never wear, but I'm sure I had to have it. But hey, souvenirs, right? Gotta bring something home!
Afternoon (1:00 PM-ish): Chippewa Square. The bench from Forrest Gump. Obligatory photo. The square itself is lovely, but it's hot again!
Afternoon (2:00 PM-ish): The Telfair Museums. Trying to get cultured! (Okay, I tried). The art is definitely there, the effort is there. Honestly, I may have had more fun people-watching.
Later Afternoon (3:00 PM-ish): One last stroll through the Historic District. Maybe I'll see a ghost this time. I hope so, if only to have something to write about!
Evening (ish): Dinner. Pack up. Maybe, just maybe, I am coming to the realization that I'm leaving.
Night (ish): Early to bed. Flying out tomorrow.
Day 4: Departure (Reluctantly)
Morning (Anytime): Check out. Head to the airport. Reflect on my epic Savannah adventure. Remember that time I got lost looking for the restroom? Or when I tripped getting on that horse? Or the she-crab soup…
Departure: Adios, Savannah! You were… interesting. And I'll be back. Eventually. Maybe. Definitely. Soon.
Overall Rating of the Trip: A solid 8/10, with a few deductions for questionable margaritas and a slight fear of ghosts. Savannah, you're charming, you're beautiful, but maybe next time, I'll pack better shoes. And, I'll definitely be back for the food, the history, and the general… chaos.
Pheasant Run: Your Unforgettable Illinois Getaway (Luxury Awaits!)
So, is this place *really* as amazing as everyone says? The "Best" in Savannah? Spill the tea!
Okay, okay, deep breaths. Here's the deal. Is it amazing? Sometimes. Is it the undisputed champion of Savannah lodging? Hmm... that's a *much* harder question. The hype is *real*. They play it up. They *should* play it up. Because the moment you walk in, it's like… a movie set. Think: cobblestone streets, Spanish moss, and... well, *old* money. It's got that classic Savannah charm – the kind that whispers secrets and promises ghosts (which, let's be honest, is half the appeal, right?). I remember the first time I walked into the lobby. My jaw just *dropped*. Then, I promptly tripped over a rug. Not the most auspicious start, but hey, it's Savannah. Imperfection is part of the charm.
Let's get specific. The rooms... what's the deal? Cramped? Luxurious? Trapped-in-a-time-capsule stuffy?
Rooms vary. I've stayed in some that were HUGE, like, could-host-a-small-wedding huge. Gorgeous antiques, four-poster beds, the whole shebang. And then I've stayed in… let's call them "cozier" accommodations. One time, I swear, I think my room was originally a broom closet. Don't get me wrong, it was *beautifully* decorated, all dark wood and velvet, but... claustrophobic. You could practically reach out and touch the walls from the bed. (Which, by the way, had the MOST comfortable mattress I've EVER slept on. God, I miss that mattress). The air conditioning, however, was a bit of a crapshoot. Sometimes it blasted icy air, sometimes... well, you'd *think* you were in a sauna. It's hit or miss. Be prepared. And maybe pack a fan.
The *staff*… what's the vibe? Are they snooty, charming, or just plain overworked?
This is where things get interesting. The service? Generally, FANTASTIC. They're *trying* to be charming, and 99% of the time, they succeed. The bellhops are usually lovely, the concierge (when you can find them) is *incredibly* helpful. But... you get that feeling sometimes, right? That they're walking a tightrope between Southern hospitality and, you know, not totally losing their minds dealing with tourists all day? I once asked for an extra pillow, and the poor guy looked like I'd asked him to perform brain surgery. But he got me my pillow! And that's what matters.
Breakfast! Because, *duh*. Is it worth the cost? Is it included?? Tell us everything.
Breakfast, my friends, is a tale of two cities. (Okay, maybe not *that* dramatic). Sometimes it's included, sometimes not (check your booking, people!). When it *is* included, it's usually a continental buffet, which is… fine. Think pastries, fruit, yogurt, maybe some sad, rubbery eggs. Nothing to write home about. Now, the *real* treat? The a la carte breakfast menu. Oh. My. God. I had the Eggs Benedict *once*. Just once. And it haunts my dreams. Perfectly poached eggs, rich hollandaise, the most delicious ham I've ever tasted… it was pure heaven. But… it's EXPENSIVE. Like, "nearly the price of a whole meal in a normal restaurant" expensive. So, weigh your options wisely. Honestly, I'd skip it and head to Mrs. Wilkes' Dining Room. Just saying.
The Bar and Dining Experience: Worth it? Overpriced tourist traps?
The bar is gorgeous. Seriously, picture a dimly lit, mahogany-paneled space with perfect cocktails. The bartenders *know* their stuff. Prices reflect that knowledge. You're paying for the ambiance, the craftsmanship, and the feeling of being slightly fancy. The main restaurant? Hit or miss for me. One night, I had a divine seafood dish. The next, I had something… less memorable. It's pricey, again. Think about alternatives. Seriously, Savannah has *amazing* food options. Don't feel obligated to eat at the hotel every night. Explore!
Location, Location, Location! How's this hotel for exploring Savannah?
Okay, this is where this hotel *wins*. Seriously. It's smack dab in the heart of the Historic District. You can walk *everywhere*! The squares are a stone's throw away. The shops, the restaurants, the ghost tours – all just a hop, skip, and a jump. It's a huge advantage. Especially if you're like me, and you like your cocktails and don't want to worry about driving. Everything is ridiculously walkable. It's a huge selling point. And trust me, walking around Savannah is a *must*. It's the best part.
Okay, let's get down to the *real* nitty-gritty. The ghost stories! Does it *feel* haunted?
Alright. Here's the truth. Savannah *is* haunted. It just is. Did I feel a presence? Maybe. I swear I heard someone walking around in the room next door... *at 3 am*. But the next door was unoccupied. A creaking door. A whisper of wind. You know the drill. It's Savannah. You go in expecting some ghostly encounters, and you usually get them. It adds to the charm, honestly. Especially after a few cocktails in that gorgeous bar. I mean, you *want* to believe. And it's fun.
Alright, the Bottom Line: Would you recommend this hotel, and who is it *really* for?
Okay, the verdict. Would I recommend it? Yes. With caveats. It's not perfect. It's expensive. It has its quirks. But it's beautiful. It's in a fantastic location. The staff (mostly) are lovely. And the general *vibe* is just… Savannah. This hotel is for people who want to experience Savannah in style – people who appreciate history, beauty, and a good cocktail. It's for people who are willing to pay a premium for a memorable experience. It's *not* for budget travelers or those who demand perfection. If you go in with realistic expectations, you'll probably have a wonderful time. Just be prepared to laugh at any little imperfections along theComfort Inn
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