Hilton Garden Inn Savannah Historic District

The stately, six-story building in the heart of Savannah’s waterfront district has a large, lovely lobby that reflects its historic location. Some areas resemble a formal Southern parlor, with antique wood furniture and traditional drapes, wallpaper, and upholstered chairs and sofas. Framed sketches of historic buildings and old black-and-white photos are among the many interesting pieces that decorate the walls. Polished, sand-colored marble frames a double-sided gas fireplace. Pink granite tops the large, white-wood registration desk. Attractive hardwood floors lead to the concierge desk and the restaurant, where daily lunch and breakfast buffets are served. Given its prime location, the hotel attracts tourists -- mainly couples and families -- but with its five meeting rooms and steady schedule of corporate events, it gets a good share of business travelers too. 

The Hilton Garden Inn is located on West Bay Street in the heart of Savannah's lovely Waterfront District, about one block from dozens of restaurants, bars, and shops on lively River Street. The historic, open-air City Market is adjacent to the hotel and offers more dining and shopping choices. A tourist trolley stops directly in front of the property, although the area is easy to explore on foot.

• One-minute walk to First African Baptist Church
• Two-minute walk to City Market 
• Three-minute walk to Ships of the Sea Maritime Museum
• Five-minute walk to Telfair Museum of Art
• Eight-minute walk to Historic Reynolds Square
• 11-minute walk to Juliette Gordon Low Birthplace Museum
• 12-minute walk to Savannah College of Art & Design
• Six-minute drive to Cathedral of St. John the Baptist 
• Eight-minute drive to Savannah International Trade & Convention Center
• 22-minute drive to Savannah Hilton Head International Airport 

The Hilton Garden Inn Savannah Historic District's 133 rooms are traditionally styled, with light-gray floral-print drapes and olive-colored carpeting in a leafy print. The overall decor feels a bit outdated and bland, but it's not unpleasant. White walls and duvets lighten the space, and bright-orange armchairs add much-needed pops of color. Matching reddish-brown furniture includes curved headboards and spacious desks with ergonomic office chairs. Standard amenities include microwaves, mini-fridges, Keurig coffeemakers, cordless dual-line phones with voicemail, and 37-inch flat-screen TVs, along with free Wi-Fi. Wallpapered bathrooms have roomy granite vanities and shower/tub combos. Neutrogena toiletries are stocked by the sinks.

Standard Rooms, which are the least spacious, have either a single king or two queen beds, which can make the layout a bit tight. Deluxe Double Queens offer 40 percent more space, and various Suites are available with sleeper sofas. Select Suites have whirlpool tubs as well. Suites and upgraded rooms have balconies that face the Savannah River, but views are often somewhat obstructed by other buildings closer to the waterfront. Many rooms also offer lovely views of the charming old city, including the open-air City Market. Be aware that some ambient noise can filter in from other rooms, and from the busy street below, especially in rooms on lower floors.

This hotel is geared primarily to tourists exploring historic Savannah, but it offers some business amenities, such as meeting space for up to 120 people, free remote printing from rooms, and free property-wide Wi-Fi. Guests can also make use of the  business center, which is open 24/7. Free newspapers are available in the lobby as is an ATM. 

For dining, The Garden Grille restaurant/bar serves a full hot breakfast and lunch buffets. The bar offers appetizers and daily happy hour specials each afternoon, and room service is available as well. Sundries, snacks, frozen entrees, and drinks including beer and wine can be bought at the Pantry Pavillion; it also has a Keurig coffeemaker. 

While its small and underwhelming, the fitness center gets the job done with free weights and a few pieces of cardio equipment. The pool is equally small, but it's situated in a nice brick courtyard with tables, loungers, and a whirlpool. The only parking option is valet, and it's expensive. Concierge services include valet dry cleaning and laundry, and there is a guest laundry room.