It’s easy to see why Savannah, Georgia, “The Hostess City of the South,” is one of the most popular travel destinations in the U.S. This charming city is home to one of the largest historic districts in the country, countless festivals and events, moss-covered Spanish-style buildings and many stunning architectural designs. When booking your clients a getaway to Savannah, consider these new properties for their stay.
Renovations and Celebrations
Last spring, the 351-guestroom Hyatt Regency Savannah in historic downtown Savannah completed a major renovation to its guestrooms and corridors, with new carpeting, furnishings, fresh paint and enhanced amenities. The Hyatt Regency Savannah’s close proximity to the Savannah River provides guests with panoramic views of the waterway, city and atrium from the hotel’s restaurants and rooms; direct access to the boutiques, galleries, artists’ studios, restaurants, and pubs on River Street; and the perfect jumping-off point for the bounty of year-round events and quirky festivals taking place downtown, including the River Street St. Patrick’s Day Celebration (March 17-19), River Street Seafood Fest (May 6-7), Savannah Blues, Jazz & BBQ (June 3-4), River Street Fourth of July Celebration and Savannah Bacon Fest (Sept. 2-3), just to name a few. Room rates start at $169 per night. For more information, call (912) 238-1234 or visit savannah.hyatt.com/en/hotel/home.html.
Historic Squares and a Breath of Fresh Air
Hotel Indigo Savannah Historic District, part of the InterContinental Hotels Group, is preparing to make its debut at 201 West Bay Street in downtown Savannah next month after a 9-month renovation. The property was previously a dry goods storage house and shop, a grocery store and most recently the Inn at Ellis Square, and is once again being reinvented into what will be one of the largest Hotel Indigos with 252 rooms and 57 suites. Hotel Indigo Savannah Historic District is located next to City Market and Ellis Square near at least five of the city’s 22 iconic squares. Each square has a personality all its own and are the ideal spot for picnics under the shade of huge live oak trees and weddings against the backdrop of historic churches, homes, and museums. For more information, call (912) 236-4440 or visit ihg.com/hotelindigo/hotels/us/en/savannah/savid/hoteldetail.
Local Eats and Classic Treats
Choice Hotels International, Inc. is opening a new Cambria hotel & suites next year at 321 Montgomery Street in the heart of Savannah’s historic district. The 103-guestroom property will feature a large lobby, oversized rooms with flexible spaces, and the latest technology to keep guests digitally connected—all within a short distance from the area’s shopping, restaurants, museums and entertainment venues. Additionally, the Savannah property, like all Cambria hotels & suites, will offer locally inspired foods, liquor, wine, beer and freshly prepared grab-and-go gourmet salads and sandwiches at the onsite contemporary bistro and barista bar, Social Circle. For more information, visit choicehotels.com/cambria.
Speaking of cuisine, while Savannah is home to a slew of top-notch soul food restaurants—Mrs. Wilkes’ Dining Room, Sisters and Sweet Potatoes—it’s a 96-year-old ice cream shop that truly deserves top spot on your client’s must-see, must-eat & must-do list. Leopold’s Ice Cream was founded in 1919 in downtown Savannah and has managed to preserve its classic charm while continuing to serve original recipes from the early-1900s such as tutti frutti and butter pecan. For more information, go to visitsavannah.com.
