As with nearby Charleston, South Carolina, one reason that travelers visit Savannah, Georgia, is to soak up the city’s history.
Videos by TravelAwaits
It’s a treat to do so in Savannah, thanks to the city’s walkable historic district. Some streets are still cobbled, some homes date back centuries, and some ghosts are still clinging publicly to the vestige of their mortal coil. Even if you have a week to soak up the city’s main attractions, you might still be short on time.
To fully immerse yourself in the city’s long legacy, I recommend staying at one of the highly rated hotels in Savannah’s historic district. It’s located downtown and is about the same size as the city was prior to the Civil War, when the area was based on the civic Oglethorpe plan that divided the area up by gridded streets with central plazas.
Today, the small area spans only around 1,300 acres, and is home to 22 public squares and a 30-acre park to the south (Forsythe Park). And it’s home to a number of hotels, inns, and B&Bs, including six historic inns.
Here’s what you need to know about the best hotels in Savannah’s historic district. First up, let’s count down the oldest and most historic hotels in the area.
Top 8 boutique hotels in Savannah’s historic district
The Marshall House
Constructed in 1851, The Marshall House is one of Savannah’s oldest hotels that’s still standing—and also one of the most haunted. You’ll notice plenty of decals that date back to the 1800s, which have been carefully maintained. Rooms come with complimentary breakfast, plus free wine and snacks in the evening. Just watch out for those ghosts!
Olde Harbour Inn
First opened in 1892, Olde Harbour Inn is still going strong as one of the most popular hotels in Savannah’s historic district. It’s known today as being one of the city’s most pet-friendly hotels, in case you want to bring Fido with you! Along with a complimentary breakfast and evening wine, the hotel also delivers special ice cream treats for guests each night—delivered right to your door. Just know that there aren’t any elevators. You need to take the stairs.
The DeSoto
Around since 1890, The Desoto is a landmark hotel that’s been renovated to meet more modern tastes. Expect upscale and modern amenities throughout, including a rooftop pool. Some elements, like the terracotta tiles and chandeliers, have been kept from the original property. Expect fine dining, as well, as the hotel has two upscale restaurants on the grounds.
Forsyth Park Inn
Forsyth Park Inn is a historic B&B that dates back to 1893. Located right on the edge of the scenic Forsyth Park, you’ve got the perfect location to enjoy Savannah’s historic district without staying smack in the middle of its busiest streets. Like any great B&B, guests are served a full, fresh-made breakfast each morning—and on the patio, if weather permits.
Eliza Thompson House
Similar to Forsyth Park Inn, Eliza Thompson House is one of the best B&Bs in the historic district—and it’s also the oldest. The property is housed in a mansion that dates back to 1847 and is located on a quiet street. Expect excellent daily breakfasts, wine, snacks, and desserts—which are served up in a lush interior garden.
The Thunderbird Inn
Dubbed a ‘delightfully quirky motel’, The Thunderbird Inn is unlike the other hotels in Savannah’s historic district. Room rates come with treats like Baker’s Pride Donuts and Moon Pies, along with highly rated staff. Just know that this is a two-star, true motel experience—one that I’d have no problem booking.
Hotel Bardo Savannah
Flashy, upscale, and shouted out by major travel publications like Conde Nast and Travel + Leisure, Hotel Bardo Savannah is also about creating ‘ephemeral moments’. There’s a hyper-trendy pool area, spacious rooms decked out with lux amenities, and programming for guests to join, like daily workout classes. Unsurprisingly, it’s one of the more expensive options on this list—but well worth the price.
Hamilton-Turner Inn
I’d call it a feast for the eyes, but that doesn’t do the Hamilton-Turner Inn justice. Set inside a historic mansion that has a private interior courtyard, each room and space has been crafted with an eye for lush, hard-to-define design—and I mean that in a good way. If you want to be absolutely wooed by a hotel in Savannah’s historic district, book a room at the Hamilton-Turner. She’ll take your heart in no time.
[Just a heads-up: We may earn an affiliate commission when you make a purchase from a link in our articles.]
