By Kim P. Alden
Hotels in Savannah
Savannah, Georgia is the essence of Southern hospitality and graciousness. It is also a beautiful, charming city. Rich in history and lore, Savannah has ghosts---or, at least, ghost stories. Architecture from the old South and lovely gardens are everywhere. Savannah is a modern city, too. Active nightlife, plenty of cultural activities and varieties of delicious cuisine can be found easily. Residents are friendly and helpful, glad to point out their favorite spots in this fascinating destination. As with any modern city, there are plenty of hotels. Here are a few of the most popular accommodations.
The Mansion on Forsyth Park
This opulent boutique hotel is a historic mansion on the edge of a public park. Lavish suites and guest rooms feature luxurious bedding, original artwork, Bose brand clock radios and whirlpool or soaking tubs. Guests can enjoy use of the outdoor heated pool, exercise center, business center and the tranquil, full-service Poseidon Spa. An unusual feature of The Mansion on Forsyth Park is a circulating collection of 400 paintings and sculpture. Internationally recognized artists are showcased in the Grand Bohemian Gallery. The hotel's 700 Drayton Restaurant serves eclectic dishes, and the two lounges---Bosendorfer Lounge and Casimir's Lounge---provide live entertainment and a view of Forsyth Park.
The Mansion on Forsyth Park
700 Drayton St
Savannah Georgia
Reservations: (888) 711-5114 or (912) 238-5158
mansiononforsythpark.com
The Ballastone Inn
Courtesy: Ballastone Inn
The popular Ballastone Inn has an interesting past. At one point in its history, the mansion served as a bordello; at another point, it was a branch office for the Girl Scouts. The Juliette Gordon Low House (home of the Girl Scouts founder) is next door. The award-winning Ballastone has been chosen as Savannah's most romantic inn many times. The four story antebellum mansion is furnished with exquisite antiques and gracious touches. Its Southern heritage is reflected in the appointments of the sixteen suites and guest rooms. Plush beds have Egyptian cotton linens, down pillows and French duvets. Made-to-order breakfast, afternoon formal tea and pre-dinner hors doeuvres are served daily. Amenities also include a twenty-four hour concierge and a full service bar. Free access to the Downtown Athletic Club is included.
The Ballastone Inn
Fourteen East Oglethorpe Avenue
Savannah Georgia 31401
Reservations: (800) 822-4553
ballastone.com
Avia Savannah
This newly-built boutique hotel opened in January 2009. Each of the 153 rooms and suites is elegantly appointed with lush fabrics, crisp cotton bedding and Italian matellaise coverlets. Many of the rooms have park or city views. Wine tasting takes place each evening in the Avia Kitchen + Wine Bar. The hotel's Avia Savannah Terrace has a swimming pool, fire pit and private cabanas. Guest rooms offer abundant amenities, including refreshments from Dean & Deluca, waffle terry robes, Cuisinart coffee makers, MP3 docking station, wired or wireless Internet access, blackout drapes, designer bath products and more. The Avia is a smoke-free facility.
Avia Savannah
14 Barnard Street
Savannah Georgia 31401
Reservations: (912) 233-2116 or
aviahotels.com/hotels/savannah/
Catherine Ward House Inn
Courtesy: Catherine Ward House Inn
This 19th century inn is only half a block from lovely Forsyth Park. Here in Savannah's Victorian District, the Catherine Ward House is an example of "Carpenter Gothic" Victorian architecture. Each of the nine guest rooms features a fireplace and mantle, and most have a porch or balcony. Some of the rooms open to the inn's serene courtyard with a fountain and fish pond. Dogs are welcome in several of the guest rooms with a $25 fee. Free wireless Internet access is available. Full breakfast is served in the formal dining room each morning; with advance notice, special diets can be accommodated. After visiting Catherine Ward House Inn, rent the DVD of "Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil," and you'll see a lovely long shot of the inn.
Catherine Ward House Inn
118 East Waldburg Street
Reservations: (800) 327-4270 or (912) 234-8564
catherinewardhouseinn.com
About the Author:
A professional writer and editor for more than 25 years, Kim Alden is also a certified yoga therapist who has lectured in and traveled to many parts of the world. She combines her travel savvy with natural health and yoga expertise to write for various online publications. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Southern Methodist University in Dallas, TX.
Photo Credits:
Photo: National Park Service
