Where to Stay in Savannah GA – Neighborhoods & Area Guide (2023)

Founded in 1733 on the banks of Savannah River, Savannah, Georgia is reportedly the oldest city in the United States of America. Ever since it was established around three centuries ago, the city has borne witness to two significant American Wars, the American Revolution and the Civil War. Since then, Savannah has transformed into one of America’s most favorite cities, attracting millions of visitors from all around the world to come explore its diverse history, cobbled streets, historic buildings, and friendly neighborhoods.

Savannah Historic District, along with Savannah Victorian Historic District and 22 park-like squares comprise one of the largest National Historic Landmarks in the nation.

I’ve lived in Savannah for several years and visited every part of the city, so you’re in good hands. Savannah is definitely one of those places that people dream of visiting once in their lives. So, if you are about to make your dreams come true, check this quick guide I made to the popular neighborhoods in the city so you could decide where to stay in Savannah GA when you visit.

Historic District

Source: Sean Pavone / shutterstock

The heart of the city, Savannah Historic District is not only the most prominent neighborhood in the state but is also one of the largest of its kind in the United States of America. A true portrayal of Savannah’s robust history, fascinating architecture, and diverse culture, this place is best discovered on foot and random exploration of its many cobbled streets. Visit the many historic squares within the city – here is your chance to spot an old oak covered with the fabled “Spanish moss”. Sometimes a little quirky, but with a lot of character for sure, Savannah captivates your heart with its many majestic mansions, historic buildings, and, of course, a plethora of shopping, dining, and entertainment venues.

Good For: All kinds of travelers.
Other Highlights I recommend: Sorrel Weed House, Jepson Center for the Arts, SCAD Museum of Arts, Mercer Williams House Museum, Georgia State Railroad Museum, and Forsyth Park.

Hotels I recommend:

• Residence Inn Savannah Downtown Historic District – Featuring old-style charming cottages, a brick-lined courtyard, and an outdoor pool with a gazebo, the property is a short drive from many important attractions in the city. The pet-friendly hotel also offers free Wi-Fi throughout the property and a complimentary breakfast. Suitable for all kinds of travelers.
• Courtyard Savannah Downtown/Historic District – Set in the heart of the famous Savannah Historic District, the hotel features a well-equipped fitness center, a refreshing outdoor pool, an on-site restaurant, and a modern meeting room. Guestrooms here offer LCD TVs with over 70 HD and normal channels, a coffee maker, soundproofing, and a private bathroom. Private parking is available on the premises. Great for all kinds of travelers.
• B Historic – One of the most sought-after properties in the Historic District, B Historic is a fabulous boutique property with amazing features such as an indoor pool, a fitness center, an enormous meeting space with audio-visual facilities, and a delightful on-site restaurant specializing in Southern-inspired delicacies. Perfect for all kinds of travelers.

Related: 15 Exciting Day Trips from Savannah

City Market

Source: Gestalt Imagery / shutterstock

Located on the northwest end of the Historic District, City Market is Savannah’s one stop shop for all its entertainment, shopping, and dining needs. A retailer’s haven, City Market is a primary center of commerce and public market in the city. Spread across four blocks of amazingly-restored grain warehouses, City Market was once the place where farmers and fisherman brought their produce to sell to the locals. If you are an art lover, don’t miss out on exploring the many art studios and galleries spread across the neighborhood. City Market is also known for its spontaneous, live music events that often fill the evening air here. Whether you are into jazz or just wish to enjoy a fun-filled night in the city, this is the place to be.

Good For: All kinds of travelers.
Other Highlights I suggest: Ellis Square, Telfair Academy and Square, Juliette Gordon Low Birthplace, and Owens-Thomas House.

Hotel Recommendations:

• Andaz Savannah – A Concept by Hyatt – A stone’s throw away from the very popular City Market, this stylish hotel provides its guests with impeccably-decorated guestrooms, an indoor pool with poolside cabanas (need to be reserved for a fee), a sun terrace, and a brilliant farm-to-table restaurant with an extensive menu of handcrafted cocktails. Perfect for all kinds of travelers.
• Hotel Indigo Savannah Historic District – A few steps from the bustling streets of the City Market, Hotel Indigo Savannah Historic District is a historic property from the 1850s and is known for its premium hospitality and services. The pet-friendly hotel offers its guests with a 24-hour business center, a fully-equipped fitness center, and a fancy restaurant and bar. Suitable for all kinds of travelers.
• Quality Inn Savannah Historic District – Located less than one block from the City Market, Quality Inn Savannah Historic District offers pet-friendly accommodation in well-appointed guestrooms with air-conditioning, free Wi-Fi, cable TV, and private bathroom. A complimentary American breakfast is served daily. Great for all kinds of travelers.

Further Reading: 55 Best Things to Do in Savannah

East Bay Street

Source: Bruce Tuten / Wikimedia

Not too far from the city’s Historic District and the Riverfront neighborhood, East Bay Street is a great base to begin exploring Savannah. Whether you are in the city for its history or its haunted places, East Bay offers easy accessibility to all the best that Savannah has to offer. One of the most interesting things I would suggest as a first-time visitor to the city is to take a Trolley tour which will take you through the entire historic district and give you a chance to explore many of Savanna’s notable sites conveniently. And, if you are really here to explore the scary side of Savannah, chances are there will be plenty of Ghost tours available (you can also ask your hotel to arrange one). The neighborhood also consists of many spa and wellness centers in case you want to unwind yourself during your Savannah Holiday.

Good For: All kinds of travelers.
Other Highlights I recommend: Emmet Park, Warren Square, Washington Square, Davenport House Museum, and The Cathedral of John the Baptist.

Hotel Recommendations:

• East Bay Inn – Located across Historic District’s River Street, East Bay Inn is a boutique hotel within a remarkable building from the 1850s and is known for its brilliant facilities and services, including a complimentary turn-down service, an international restaurant specializing in Asian, American, and European cuisines, and evening wine reception with cheese, hors-d’oeuvres, and of course, wine. Great for all kinds of travelers.
• The Suites at Bay – Featuring well-appointed, self-catering guestrooms with facilities such as comfy beds, cable TV, tea/coffee maker, washing machine, and private bathroom with free toiletries, The Suites at Bay is located right on the popular East Bay Street. Free parking and complimentary Wi-Fi is available in the premises. Suitable for all kinds of travelers.
• Kimpton Brice Hotel – A short drive from Savannah Hilton Head International Airport, Kimpton Brice Hotel features fully-furnished guestrooms and suites within a short distance from the Historic District. The pet-friendly hotel also offers an on-site restaurant with Italian delicacies, a well-equipped fitness center, an outdoor pool with lounge chairs and poolside cabanas, and a library. Perfect for all kinds of travelers.

Recommended reading: 15 Best Tours in Savannah

Midtown

Source: booking.com

Home to many unique and interesting boutiques, locally-owned stores, and beautiful residential neighborhoods, the Midtown neighborhood of Savannah comprises several sub-neighborhoods, including the famous Habersham Woods, Ardsley Park area, and Kensington Park area. Gorgeous 20^th-century structures can be seen scattered around the area with a handsome number of fine-dining restaurants. Habersham Woods, perhaps the most prominent area in the neighborhood, is known for its amazing shopping venues including Abercorn Walk and 12 Oaks Shopping Center. Though there aren’t too many nightclubs or hangout bars in the vicinity, places like Pub 29 (Paulsen Street) and Bar + Food (Habersham Woods) are definitely worth a checkout.

Good For: All kinds of travelers.
Other Highlights I would recommend: Bonaventure Cemetery, Oatland Island Wildlife Center, Savannah Victorian Historic District, Ardsley Park, and Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church.

Hotel Recommendations:

• Courtyard by Marriott Savannah Midtown – Boasting an outdoor pool, a state-of-the-art fitness center, a hot tub, and an on-site bistro, this luxurious property offers smartly-designed guestrooms within a kilometer distance from Oglethorpe Mall. Each guestroom here is fitted with cable TV, seating area, free Wi-Fi, and private bathroom. Suitable for all kinds of travelers.
• Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Savannah Midtown – A 5 minutes’ walking distance from Abercorn Walk shopping, Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Savannah Midtown features opulent guestrooms, a business center, a fully-functional fitness center, an outdoor pool, and free Wi-Fi. A superb complimentary breakfast is served daily. Great for all kinds of travelers.
• Residence Inn Savannah Midtown – Featuring spacious, self-catering suites with free Wi-Fi, kitchenette, refrigerator, cable TV, and private bathroom, Residence Inn Savannah Midtown is an excellent vacation property with a well-equipped fitness center, free parking, and an indoor pool with a hot tub. Guests can enjoy a fabulous complimentary breakfast to start their day and savor exclusive wines and snacks at the evening reception. Great for all kinds of travelers.

Riverfront/River Street

Source: Sean Pavone / shutterstock

Another historic district in the historic city of Savannah, the Historic River Street or Riverfront Plaza sits along the banks of the Savannah River. As you stroll gently on the 200-year-old cobblestones that pave the riverfront pathway, it is hard to imagine this area was once shattered due to a yellow-fever epidemic which left the neighborhood quarantined and ignored for over a century. Now home to over 70 restaurants, shops, and tourist businesses, the area has much more to do than just the usual waterfront activities, including the intriguing Waving Girl memorial. As the story goes, Florence Martus, who lived around the area with her brother who worked at the lighthouse, was known to wave to every ship that entered or left the port (white handkerchief in the day and a lantern at night) for 44 years. While no one really knows why she did what she did, there are various rumors to it, including that she may have been waiting for her estranged sailor lover who never returned.

Good For: All kinds of travelers.
Other Highlights: Emmet Park, 1996 Olympic Yachting Cauldron, Ships Of The Sea Maritime Museum, Ellis Square, and Warren Square.

Hotel Recommendations:

• Cotton Sail Hotel Savannah Riverfront – A former cotton warehouse from the 1800s, Cotton Sail Hotel Savannah Riverfront features wonderfully-designed guestrooms with cable TV, a work desk, 200-year-old pine hardwood floors, and a view of the river or the city (selected rooms only). Additional facilities at the hotel include a fitness center, a 24-hour front desk, a rooftop lounge, and an on-site convenience store. Great for all kinds of travelers.
• The Bohemian Hotel Savannah Riverfront, Autograph Collection – Nestled along the stunning Riverfront in Savannah, this exclusive hotel is noted for its world-class amenities and services, including a fully-equipped fitness center, a riverside restaurant featuring fire-grilled American delights, a rooftop bar with an extraordinary view of the city, and complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the property. Perfect for all kinds of travelers.
• Savannah Marriott Riverfront – Boasting a full-service spa and wellness center, a bistro and bar featuring American delicacies and cocktails, a state-of-the-art fitness center, an exquisite décor, and a refreshing outdoor swimming pool with sun loungers. An optional breakfast is available daily. I recommend it for all kinds of travelers.