Savannah, GA

[lovemygoofy]

I think we are going to Savannah for Labor Day weekend since it is so close to where Matt is right now. I found a decent rate at a Marriott on White Bluff Rd. I was wondering if this is an okay part of town. We were also wanting to hit the beach and want to know what is a nice area to see. Any other suggestions also welcomed. TIA

 

[vettechick99]

I just looked it up and you're going to be closer to the mall, not downtown (where everything is happening). The mall area is not bad at all, but it's more of a business area, not vacationy, per se.

Personally, I would stick to the downtown area. We eloped and honeymooned at the Eliza Thompson House and it only cost about $150 a night. It was within walking distance of downtown and we loved it! It's a nightmare to drive to downtown and get a parking spot. And cabs will get pricey.

Plus, downtown is as close as you can get to the beaches (Tybee) and islands without staying on them.

Have fun - I looooooove Savannah!

 

[lovemygoofy]

Thank you so much for the info. I'll keep looking and see what else I can find. Beautiful new girl you have but I guess we should call you minivanchick now

 

[lookingforward]

We just stayed there twice on the way to and from our children's summer camp in NC. We got a great rate at the Hyatt on the riverfront from hotwire.com. They don't actually name the hotels before you bid on them but the description for the hyatt is a 3.5 star on the river with pool, restuarant and pool. It was really nice and we got a rate of $110 per night plus about 18 in tax. And it is directly in the historic district, one block from Paula Dean's restuarant, on the river. Very romantic!

 

[lookingforward]

I checked and it is showing the "3.5 star" historic district hotel at $89 per night! A GREAT DEAL!

 

[Keli]

My parents vacationed in the downtown area and absolutely loved it. They've talked about it so much I'm halfway wanting to spend some time there myself although normally it wouldn't be my first choice (unless my dh was nearby as your's is).

 

[Goofyzgurl]

We stayed in the historic district last year for our anniversary at the Marshall House B&B. It was pretty nice, it was a short walk from the riverwalkn and Paula's restaurant. They have packages that include dinner vouchers and other stuff...don't forget to ask for a military discount if you don't get a package. They also have a continental breakfast too. I really enjoyed it. We just got back from Hilton Head, if that's a choice, I'd definitely think of going there, it's not too far from Savannah, about 45 minutes.

 

[Heather1101]

We were stationed at Hunter Army Airfield in Savannah for 4 years and White Bluff IS NOT a nicer area. It is close to the mall, but there is a quite a bit of crime in that area. It is close to the mall and restaurants, but it is mostly chain-type places and the mall is pretty small. You'd do better staying downtown..there is a Marriot there on Bay Street as well and it is right ON the riverfront. There are several restaurants, shops, and bars on River St. The hotel has a TGIFriday's in it, Outback is across the street a ways is you want chain places instead of local stuff. The beds in that Marriot are to die for..we stayed there after our Formal and I did not want to get out of bed the next morning!

If you drive your car downtown be careful where you park..those meter maids are vicious and unforgiving! LOL!

Stop by the candy store on River St. and eat a Praline for me! Yumm!

 

[tinatark]

The Marriott on Bay Street is what I was thinking about! Most of the hotels in the city seem crammed into the storefronts - but it is totally separate, close, but not in the middle of everything.

The beaches are a bit of a drive from there - 20-30 minutes - we've been to Tybee Island a few times - it's a "shabby chic" type area. Hilton Head (South Carolina) is pretty close, too. There are quite a few dolphin viewing tours you can take from the marinas - we did that once, it was cool - there are also a couple of Civil War era Fort's very close. There are also a few lighthouses you can go in/up - cool!

 

[MrsPete]

I assume you want to visit the historic district -- you really need to stay there. Savannah is so incredibly crowded that if you don't have a hotel room in the historic district, you won't be able to park your car anywhere! Yes, seriously! Last summer we were passing through the area (on the way back from Florida), and we decided on a whim to stop and have dinner at Lady and Sons (Paula Dean's restaurant -- oh, so good!). It was mid-summer, late afternoon. We drove around and around the historic district for the better part of an hour and were unable to find a place to park. There used to be a parking deck just outside City Walk near Lady and Sons, but it's been torn down.

If you MUST stay outside the historic district, plan to take a cab and leave your car at the hotel.

In another trip, we stayed at the Doubletree on Bay St. I think it's the same one someone else mentioned but called the Marriott. It's a property that's changed hands several times lately; when I stayed there (2 years ago?) it was a Doubletree, but they said it was going to become a Hilton. Anyway, it's 35 Bay St. It's a nice place. Nice rooms, free breakfast, small pool. One street off River St and several blocks from City Walk (nice shops and restaurants). The church directly behind this hotel was part of the Underground Railroad, and you can see the hiding places they used.

The beach you'll want to visit is Tybee Island. It has a small-town beach feel; you can wander through little shops or walk out on the pier (cheap lunch on the pier). There's a lighthouse you can climb and plenty of other things to see and do.

Consider taking a walking ghost tour after dark -- it was a real highlight of our trip, and my daughter still talks about it! The key was that we had a stupendous guide! There's a driving ghost tour that takes place in a modified hearse! Looks like a blast. Lots of people also enjoy the carriage ride/history tours, but we had a poor guide and ours was something of a bust.

You'll love Savannah. It's a wonderful city.

 

[Stimpy]

DH & I went to Savannah 2 years ago for St Patricks Day and it was great! I really can't wait to go back for a longer stay and with our kids. We stayed in the Homewood Suites on White Bluff and it was a PITA to get anywhere. The hotel itself was nice but we had to take taxis to get to the downtown/historic area. We had a rental car but finding parking was too difficult so it sat in the hotel lot the whole time. Next time I would definately stay IN the historic area. Our friends stayed in the Holiday Inn (I think?) across from River Street and it was a great location and pretty hotel.

And I second the Ghost tours. It was a lot of fun!

 

[jonestavern]

Be sure to get in line EARLY for Paula Deen's! We went there about 2 hrs before opening on a Saturday & already the line was at least 3 deep & down the entire block.
Mrs. Wilkes' is a great place to eat, too. It has been around for ages & is also family style. It has an excellent reputation. You'll need to que up early for this one, too! Only open for lunches, Mon - Friday. Cash only, no credit cards!
Here is a link:
http://www.mrswilkes.com/

We took one of the 'trolley' tours, you know, the hop on, hop off, hop on types.
If yr guide is lackluster, hop off & checkout the next guide. Bring some change or dollar bills for tipping.
Juliette Gordon Low's house is right on one of the squares there & is opened for tours.
There is a new art museum, too.

We stayed in HHI (DVC) which is a short (45 min?) drive from Savannah.
The front desk has printed directions to Savannah. We parked our car in the tour company parking lot, took a tour trolley in & hoofed about. Not at all taxing (but this was in March)
HHI is about a 2 hr drive from Charleston & all the history & good eats there.

We plan to go back!

Have a great time!

Jean