Savannah is on the eastern edge of Georgia. It attracts tourists throughout the year because of the city squares lined with Spanish Moss trees and 19th century architecture in the Victorian Historic District downtown. This southern city is also home to the Savannah River, which features riverfront hotel accommodations. The Savannah River offers opportunities for boating activities, and was used for yachting races during the 1996 Summer Olympics.
The Westin Savannah Harbor Golf Resort and Spa, located on Hutchinson Island, is a five-star accommodation, according to the Five Star Alliance hotel group, and features massage therapies at the Greenbrier Spa, four tennis courts and an outdoor swimming pool. The hotel's 18-hole golf course hosts the annual PGA Champions Tour Liberty Mutual Legends of Golf Tournament, as of fall 2010. Many of the guest suites feature living room areas with leather sleeper sofas, kitchens and private balconies that offer views of the Savannah River. On-site dining is available at the upscale Aqua Star, which serves seafood cuisine for lunch and dinner.
This hotel is accessible to the historic architecture and restaurants in downtown Savannah via a 90-second ferry ride across the Savannah River. The hotel is also adjacent to the Savannah International Trade and Convention Center, a complex that hosts seminars and banquets throughout the year. Three-mile and five-mile jogging trails are located on Hutchinson Island, within walking distance of the hotel.
The Hampton Inn and Suites Savannah Historic District is on the southern shore of the Savannah River, within walking distance of the Savannah Historic District. This hotel is reasonably priced in comparison to the luxury and boutique hotels in downtown Savannah, with room rates starting at $139 per night, as of fall 2010. However, this hotel has the appearance of an upscale townhouse, which makes it blend in with its historic surroundings. The lobby area and guest rooms have antique-style furniture, and some of the guest suites have sitting areas with sleeper sofas. Each guest room has a microwave and refrigerator.
Off-site dining is less than five minutes from the hotel on the Savannah River. Among these dining establishments are Huey's on the River and Kevin Barry's, a pub-style restaurant that is housed in a historic riverfront building. The hotel is also within walking distance to Savannah's historic town squares, including Johnson Square and Reynolds Square. The latter features a statue of John Wesley, a renowned English missionary who lived in Savannah during the 18th century.
Situated in eastern Savannah, the Olde Harbour Inn is housed in an converted, riverside warehouse that was built in 1892. This boutique hotel features antique-style furniture and fine artwork in the lobby, parlor, breakfast room and guest suites. Some of the suites have private balconies that overlook the river. According to the hotel's website, this hotel is a haunted accommodation, and Olde Harbour Inn offers a "Haunted on the River" package, which includes a two-night stay, a book entitles "Savannah's Ghosts" and a trolley tour through downtown Savannah that points out all of the haunted sites in the city. Pets may stay in designated suites for an additional fee, and the hotel must be notified in advance if you plan to bring a pet.
The hotel is within walking distance of riverfront restaurants, including the Oyster Bar and the Exchange Tavern. Walking and bicycling paths are within walking distance of the hotel at Emmet Park. This recreation also features the historic Savannah Harbor Light, a mid 19th century structure that was used as a beacon for ships on the Savannah River. The hotel is also within walking distance of the historic homes in the Savannah Victorian Historic District, such as the Sorrel Weed House and the Mercer House, which was used in the motion picture "Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil."
