Best Hotels in Savannah Historic District: Where to Stay in 2026
By Best of Savannah
What are the best hotels in Savannah's Historic District? Kehoe House tops our list as the highest-rated property in Savannah — a stunning 1892 Renaissance Revival mansion turned intimate bed and breakfast with a 4.8 Google rating. For luxury with a modern edge, Perry Lane Hotel (4.6 rating) delivers a rooftop pool, curated art collection, and walkable access to everything in the Historic District. History lovers should book The Marshall House, Savannah's oldest hotel, operating since 1851 — and famously haunted. Every property on this list sits within the Historic District, putting you steps from Savannah's best restaurants, ghost tours, and the city's iconic moss-draped squares.
Key Takeaways
- Best overall: Kehoe House — intimate historic inn with the highest guest ratings in Savannah
- Best luxury: Perry Lane Hotel — rooftop pool, modern design, Luxury Collection property
- Best for history buffs: The Marshall House — haunted Civil War-era hotel on Broughton Street
- Best riverfront: Bohemian Hotel Savannah Riverfront — right on the water with rooftop bar
- Best boutique: Kimpton Brice Hotel — stylish courtyard property in a converted 1860s warehouse
Why Stay in the Historic District?
Savannah's Historic District is the heart of the city — a walkable grid of 22 original squares shaded by live oaks and dripping with Spanish moss. Staying here means you can walk to nearly everything: Mrs. Wilkes' Dining Room for family-style Southern food, River Street for waterfront bars, food tours that depart from the squares, and Genteel & Bard ghost tours that wind through the most haunted corners of the city.
Unlike cities where "downtown hotel" means a concrete block near a convention center, Savannah's Historic District hotels occupy restored mansions, converted warehouses, and buildings with genuine stories. Several are reportedly haunted. All are walkable to each other and to the major attractions. A car is genuinely optional here — we cover that in depth in our guide to how walkable Savannah really is.
Best Historic Inns
Kehoe House — Best Overall (4.8 Rating)
Kehoe House is a Renaissance Revival mansion built in 1892 by Irish immigrant William Kehoe for his family of ten children. Today it operates as an intimate bed and breakfast that consistently earns the highest guest ratings in Savannah. The property offers just a handful of rooms, each individually decorated with period antiques and modern comforts. Expect a full Southern breakfast each morning and an evening wine reception in the elegant parlor.
Pro tip: Kehoe House is adults-only and has limited rooms — book well in advance, especially for spring and fall weekends when Savannah tourism peaks. Its location on Columbia Square puts you in one of the quieter, more residential parts of the Historic District.
Eliza Thompson House (4.7 Rating)
Eliza Thompson House was one of the first fine homes built in Savannah's Historic District, dating to 1847. The property features a lush courtyard garden that serves as the backdrop for complimentary wine and cheese receptions. The rooms blend historic architecture with updated amenities, and the location on Jones Street — widely considered one of the most beautiful streets in America — is hard to beat.
The Marshall House — Best for History Buffs (4.4 Rating)
The Marshall House has been welcoming guests since 1851, making it Savannah's oldest hotel. During the Civil War, the building served as a Union hospital, and during construction renovations, workers discovered human remains beneath the floorboards. Guests regularly report paranormal activity — flickering lights, unexplained sounds, children's laughter in empty hallways. If you're planning to take one of Savannah's ghost tours, staying at The Marshall House means the experience follows you back to your room.
Best Luxury Hotels
Perry Lane Hotel — Best Modern Luxury (4.6 Rating)
Perry Lane Hotel, a Luxury Collection property, represents Savannah's contemporary side. The rooftop pool and bar offer panoramic views across the Historic District, and the hotel's curated art collection reflects the city's deep connection to SCAD (Savannah College of Art and Design). The location on Perry Street places you within easy walking distance of Forsyth Park, Broughton Street shopping, and the best fine dining in the city.
Bohemian Hotel Savannah Riverfront — Best River Views (4.5 Rating)
Bohemian Hotel Savannah Riverfront sits directly on the Savannah River with unobstructed water views. The rooftop Rocks on the Roof bar is one of the best sunset spots in the city. The hotel's eclectic, art-forward design sets it apart from the more traditional properties in the district. You're steps from River Street and can easily walk to boat tours departing from the waterfront.
Mansion on Forsyth Park (4.5 Rating)
Mansion on Forsyth Park overlooks Savannah's most iconic public space — the 30-acre Forsyth Park with its famous fountain. The hotel houses a significant art collection throughout its public spaces, a full-service spa, and an on-site restaurant. The Forsyth Park location is ideal if you want to start your mornings with a walk through the park before heading to one of Savannah's best coffee shops.
Andaz Savannah (4.4 Rating)
Andaz Savannah occupies a prime spot on Ellis Square, right in the center of the Historic District. The Hyatt-owned property blends a modern aesthetic with Savannah's historic character. The lobby doubles as a social space with complimentary wine hours, and the location directly above City Market means restaurants, live music, and nightlife are literally beneath your feet.
JW Marriott Plant Riverside District (4.4 Rating)
JW Marriott Savannah Plant Riverside District transformed a historic power plant into a sprawling riverside resort with multiple restaurants, bars, a spa, and entertainment venues. It's the largest and most resort-like property in the Historic District — ideal for travelers who want everything on-site. The riverfront promenade connects to River Street, and the property regularly hosts live music and events.
Best Boutique Hotels
Kimpton Brice Hotel (4.5 Rating)
Kimpton Brice Hotel occupies a converted 1860s warehouse in the heart of the Historic District. The interior courtyard with a heated pool creates a private oasis, and the Kimpton brand's signature evening wine hour gives guests a chance to mingle. The design balances exposed brick and industrial elements with Southern warmth.
The Bluff Hotel (4.5 Rating)
The Bluff Hotel is one of Savannah's newer boutique properties, bringing fresh energy to the Bay Street corridor. The hotel features thoughtfully designed rooms with local art and a rooftop space with views of the Savannah River. Its location on Bay Street provides quick access to both River Street below and the Historic District squares above.
River Street Inn (4.3 Rating)
River Street Inn occupies a converted 1817 cotton warehouse directly on River Street. The building's original exposed brick walls and heart pine floors give every room historic character. You're in the middle of the River Street action — which is a plus for nightlife lovers and a consideration for light sleepers.
The Cotton Sail Hotel (4.4 Rating)
The Cotton Sail Hotel sits at the intersection of Bay and River Streets in another beautifully restored warehouse building. The rooftop bar, Top Deck, offers some of the best views in the city. The nautical-inspired design nods to Savannah's history as a major port city.
How to Choose the Right Hotel
For romance: Kehoe House or Eliza Thompson House — intimate, beautiful, and quiet. Pair with a dinner at one of Savannah's romantic restaurants.
For ghost hunters: The Marshall House is genuinely haunted (or so the stories go). Book a Hearse Ghost Tour to complete the experience.
For families: JW Marriott Plant Riverside has the most space, amenities, and activities. Check out our guide to Savannah with kids for more tips.
For foodies: Perry Lane Hotel or Andaz Savannah both sit near the densest concentration of restaurants. Walk to The Olde Pink House or The Grey for dinner.
For river views: Bohemian Hotel Riverfront, hands down. Or The Cotton Sail Hotel for a more affordable riverfront option.
Booking tip: Savannah's peak seasons are March through May (azaleas and perfect weather) and October through November (fall foliage and Halloween ghost season). St. Patrick's Day weekend — Savannah hosts the second-largest parade in the country — books out months in advance. For the best rates, visit in January, February, or August.
Getting Around from Your Hotel
Every hotel on this list sits within the Historic District, which means you can walk to most attractions. The district spans roughly 1 mile by 1 mile, so even the furthest points are a 20-minute walk. The free DOT shuttle runs through the district if your feet need a break. For trips to Tybee Island or day trips from Savannah, you'll want a car or rideshare. Most hotels offer valet parking for $30-45 per night.
Ready to explore beyond your hotel? Browse our complete guides to Savannah restaurants, ghost tours, food tours, and boat and dolphin tours to fill your itinerary.