When I tell people I live in Savannah, the next words I typically hear are: “You're so lucky!” — usually followed by a smattering of questions about the best places to eat and a discussion regarding whether or not the city is haunted. Finally, good friends ask when they can visit and strangers inquire about where to stay in the Historic District. I thought it was about time I compiled a list of the best places to stay in Savannah near River Street, since it's the city's most well-known area.
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If you're visiting Savannah for the first time, I suggest purchasing my Savannah First-Timer's Guide before your trip. It's extremely detailed and loaded with helpful insider tips about the city!
The Best Places to Stay in Savannah Near River Street
I realize accommodation preferences vary based on personal tastes and budget. To help your search, I've broken this post into categories of hotels, historic inns, and home rentals.
Prefer to cut to the chase and know exactly where I'd stay? I don't think you can go wrong with the Marshall House or East Bay Inn or Planters Inn.
TIP: No access to a car? No problem! You don't need one to enjoy River Street. Narrow your search to options to areas north of State Street — preferably between Barnard and Price Streets. It's a relatively safe area that's within walking distance to everything River Street has to offer.
River Street/Bay Street Area Hotels
There are approximately 20 hotel options to choose from both on River Street and within a short walking distance to River Street. I've only listed options that fall between Broughton and River Street so you won't need a car at all.
- Andaz Savannah: This one is at the corner of Barnard & Bay Street, which is one street above the river. It won “Best Hotel” for 2 years running in Savannah's annual “Best of Savannah” poll. There's a pool and full restaurant on-site, and you'll be within walking distance of not only River Street, but also City Market and the local shopping mecca of Broughton Street. It's a Hyatt concept property, in case you're part of their rewards program, and has a trendy/modern vibe. The Andaz is a 2017 Gold Award winner on hotels.com, which means confirmed guests consistently rate it “exceptional”.
- Ideal for: Families traveling with children and business travelers
- Check rates: Booking.com | Hotels.com
- Hilton Homewood Suites: This option is currently ranked #1 in Savannah hotels via TripAdvisor (of the options directly on the river). It's at the far end of River Street, so it's far enough from the bars that you won't be disturbed by the late night drinking crowd. It includes all the typical amenities Hilton offers (pool, gym, etc.). Be sure to join the Hilton Honors program to receive complimentary in-room wi-fi, discounts, and to earn rewards credits. This hotel is fairly new, so it's in fantastic condition. Homewood Suites is a 2017 Gold Award winner on hotels.com, which means confirmed guests consistently rate it “exceptional”.
- Ideal for: Families traveling with children, business travelers, everyone!
- Check rates: Booking.com | Hotels.com
The rooftop bar at the Cotton Sail Hotel has beautiful views of the Talmadge Bridge and Savannah's Georgia Queen riverboat.
- Cotton Sail Hotel: The views from the rooftop bar are incredible — particularly for catching stunning sunsets behind the picturesque Talmadge Bridge. Many of the rooms have exposed brick and feel very authentic to Savannah. While there aren't many food options within the hotel other than tapas style bar food, there are numerous restaurants just steps away on River Street.
- Ideal for: Honeymooners seeking a romantic getaway close to all the action
- Check rates: Booking.com | Hotels.com
Historic Inns
Marshall House a particularly festive spot for holiday stays because Broughton Street is so beautifully decorated during the Christmas season. [photo source]
- Marshall House: This is one of the more well-known options near River Street — thanks to its inclusion on numerous top 10 lists of “most haunted places to stay” in the U.S. The inn is located on my favorite shopping streets in Savannah, but it's easily within walking distance to River Street. This is an iconic location in Savannah and you'll often find ghost hunting tours gathered out front. Marshall House offers a wine & cheese hour, and they bring in a historian a few times each week to answer questions about Savannah.
- Ideal for: Ghost hunters, shopping fanatics, and those who appreciate historical properties
- Check rates: Booking.com | Hotels.com
Want to know the best places to stay in Savannah near River Street? The Kehoe House should top your list if you're seeking personalized attention and the best in Southern hospitality. [photo source]
- Kehoe House: Completed in 1892, the lovingly restored Kehoe House is located next to Columbia Square — which is one of the more peaceful spots you'll find within walking distance to the river. The staff at this refined B&B is well-known for their southern hospitality and accommodating manner. The chef serves a cooked-to-order breakfast for guests each morning — and on a silver platter, no less! The decor feels very authentic to the time period in which the home was built. I suggest this option for anyone seeking a quiet stay and personalized attention. Kehoe House is a 2017 Gold Award winner on hotels.com, which means confirmed guests consistently rate it “exceptional”.
- Ideal for: Couples seeking a quiet romantic getaway and business travelers
- Check rates: Booking.com | Hotels.com
The entrance to the Olde Harbour Inn on Factor's Walk is beautiful any time of year. It looks particularly welcoming with fall and Christmas decorations are on full display.
- Olde Harbour Inn: The inn is adjacent to the river and has beautiful views of passing cargo ships. They offer a nightly wine & cheese gathering so guests can get to know one another. The delicious ice cream treat that comes with their nightly turn-down service is a sweet touch. Although the inn is historic, renovations include modern amenities and decor. (It's still lacking an elevator, so make note if you struggle with stairs.)
- Ideal for: Families traveling with pets! This option is pet-friendly.
- Check rates: Booking.com | Hotels.com
- East Bay Inn: East Bay Inn is a very charming option on Bay Street. The staff gets high praise for their Southern hospitality, and I'm a huge fan of the exposed brick walls in many of the rooms. This one is also pet friendly and typically goes for around $150/night.
- Ideal for: Cost conscious travelers, antiques lovers, pet-lovers
- Check rates: Booking.com | Hotels.com
Home Rentals in Savannah
My post, How to Rent a Vacation Home You'll Absolutely Love, details my top tips for selecting the perfect home rental. It's definitely worth the read! If you prefer the convenience of renting a home vs. a hotel, here are my suggestions:
- River Street Loft w/Balcony: It's rare to find a home or condo rental that offers a balcony overlooking River Street, but this condo does — and in a prime location. It's above a clothing store, so it's relatively quiet during the hours you'll want to sleep. (Beware of condo rentals situated above bars or restaurants that operate into the wee hours of the night.) This second story rental is so close to the street you can sit on the balcony and chat with passers-by. With 100+ 5-star reviews on Homeaway.com, it's a clear winner. Check availability
- Ideal for: Guests who want to be in the heart of the action on River Street
- Airbnb discount: Get $40 off your first Airbnb rental
- Ellis Square Rental: This elegant rental is off Ellis Square, which is near City Market and Congress Street (lots of fun nightlife on Congress). It sleeps 4, has a full kitchen, and is very nicely decorated. I love the exposed brick walls.
- Ideal for: Couples or a family with 2 kids
- Airbnb discount: Get $40 off your first Airbnb rental
Related: The Ultimate Guide to River Street in Savannah, GA.
I hope this post has been helpful — or that it at least provides a good starting point in your search. I'm always happy to help visitors share in my never-ending love for this beautiful city! Want more?
- Here's where you'll find all of my Savannah posts.
- Here's where you'll find my Savannah favorites on Pinterest.
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This is incredible ! Thank you ! Where are the “must eat” places ?
So happy it was helpful! There are so many good restaurants in Savannah! If you like seafood, try Wyld Dry Dock or Pearl’s Saltwater Grille. The Vault and Atlantic are excellent local choices, as is Collins Quarter. For breakfast, go to Clary’s Cafe and check out all the fun memorabilia from Midnight in the Garden of Good & Evil. Green Truck Pub has won almost every award imaginable for burgers. Zunzi’s sandwiches are the best. Crystal Beer Parlor is a locals favorite and they serve all types of yummy food. I really need to do a post about my favorite area restaurants bc I could go on forever! Those above should get you started. If you’re headed to the River Street area only, I posted my favorite restaurants in that area on this post: https://sandsunandmessybuns.com/ultimate-guide-river-street-savannah-ga/
It’s incredibly beautiful. Jones Street, Gordon Street, Taylor Street are a few of my favorite spots to just walk around and look at the beautiful houses. And the Starland Arts district has lots of unique thrift shops!
You’ve provided such a great resource, and yes, “You’re so lucky!” I’ve been wanting to visit Savannah for a while now…hopefully soon!
I know…I feel lucky! It’s like a dream living here. 🙂 I hope you’re able to make the trip soon to see for yourself.
Currently reading ITGOGAE for the second time and Savannah is on my to-go list. I know it’s so much more than the book, too. How’s the wheelchair access?
The wheelchair access downtown is pretty good, but River Street is more difficult to navigate. Because it’s on a bluff and sits lower than the rest of the city, there are steep stairs to gain access to it. The Department of Transportation offers a shuttle from Bay St. & Drayton that drops off and picks up on River Street, so that or elevator access from one of the major hotels would be the best option. The Hyatt is very centrally located and you could enter from a car on Bay St., then take an elevator down to the River Street level. Also, just FYI, the majority of River Street is made of cobblestones, so it’s very bumpy.
Hi Erin, I shall file your tips for future reference! I honestly appreciate your thoughtful response. And my husband and I used to live in Edinburgh. Well-versed in avoiding cobbles, ha! Lorna x
Those cobblestones are no fun when I’m on my bike. lol Let me know if you make it back to town…would love to meet you!
I totally agree! Before I moved to Savannah, I ALWAYS stayed in home rentals. There are so many beautiful options in the historic district…and it’s so quiet if you stay a couple streets away from River Street. 🙂 My “Tips for Finding the Perfect Home Rental” is one of my most popular posts, so I think a lot of other people prefer the home rentals, too! (Here’s the post: https://sandsunandmessybuns.com/how-to-rent-a-vacation-home/)
These look so beautiful! I’ve always wanted to visit Savannah (probably since I read Midnight in the Garden of G & E which you linked!) so this makes me want to find a way to do it soon! I appreciate the ideas for different types of travelers – I have 3 kids so often look for family getaways but maybe in a few years I can start to look at holidays for just the hubs and me! Thanks!
That book was responsible for stimulating a LOT of interest in the city of Savannah! There’s so much more to the city than the little peek you get from the book, too. I hope you can make it one day soon! If you’re visiting with kids, you could plan a Tybee Island getaway, then plan to spend a day in Savannah with the kids to do the fun “kid stuff” (like ghost tours). Also, you could use care.com or there are plenty of SCAD students who would babysit the kids at the beach so you and your hubby could have a day (or night) to yourself in Savannah while the kids play. That way you’d get a family vacation and a romantic getaway. 🙂