Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Savannah Gateway, GA

The lobby of this Country Inn & Suites makes a nice first impression. Wooden floors, pale yellow walls, a patterned rug, and a wooden front desk greet guests as they enter. Immediately off to the side is the bright and airy breakfast room that has two gray armchairs near a homey fireplace and numerous standard tables. But the large glass chandelier seems out of step with the simplistic decor of the property and better suited to a ballroom. Also off the lobby is a small nook with a couch, flat-screen TV, fireplace, and a few books for reading. Hallways are spacious and finished with a brown-and-gold patterned carpet that looks worn. Overall, the hotel has pleasant decor but it's starting to show its age. Most guests are families and couples who can be found congregating in the breakfast room. 

The property sits right off of I-95 on the southwest side of Savannah, making it far from the city's center. Places like River Street are a 20-minute car ride away. But a few attractions are closer; the Coastal Georgia Botanical Gardens at the Historic Bamboo Farm and the small outlet shops of the Savannah Festival Outlet Center are both a three-minute drive away. Henderson Golf Course is an 18-minute walk or two-minute drive away. And there’s dining options like Applebee’s and Cracker Barrel within walking distance. It’s an 18-minute drive to the Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport. Parking is both free and easy on a paved lot surrounding the hotel. 

The guest rooms at the Country Inn & Suites by Carlson Savannah Gateway are generously sized and have a homey vibe thanks to a soft golden color scheme. Beds are made up with white linens and gold bed runners matching the gold accent walls. Patterned carpet and a pale green couch add to the homey vibe, while black-and-white framed photographs provide a modern touch. All of the rooms are outfitted with flat-screen TVs, desks with chairs, and coffee- and tea-making facilities. There’s also microwaves and mini-fridges, which can be useful as there’s no room service. The bathrooms are decently sized and have long granite counter tops with plenty of counter space, plus shower/tub combos with deep tubs. Hairdryers and basic toiletries are provided. But complaints have been made concerning cleanliness issues and moldy smells, and wear and tear on furniture is evident. 

Features at this Country Inn & Suites are nicer than expected for the price point. A free hot breakfast, that includes waffles, is served daily in the breakfast room, and coffee and tea are free in the lobby throughout the day. The hotel has a tiny fitness center with a single, dated cardio and weight machine plus four free weights. The highlight of the hotel is an indoor area that has a pool, hot tub, and loungers. The hotel lacks meeting rooms, but it does offer free Wi-Fi and a business center with two computers and a printer. Other perks include a coin-operated laundry room and a small snack shop with ice cream, chips, candy bars, and cold drinks -- a convenient option for a late night nosh, as there isn't a restaurant or bar on-site.