Planters Inn

Housed in a charming historic building right on Reynolds Square, the Planters Inn oozes Southern charm and character. Interiors are decorated in a traditional Savannah style, with lots of floral prints, antique-style furniture, rugs over marble floors, and heavy drapes both in common spaces and rooms. Some areas are starting to show their age (including some rooms), but the property has managed to retain its quaint atmosphere throughout the years, and the vibe is romantic and intimate. Rates are right for an upper-middle-range boutique in the Historic District, and though on-site amenities are limited, the long list of great freebies add value, making the Planters Inn an attractive option for couples. Savannah offers a wide array of accommodation options that range from generic chain hotels to quaint bed-and-breakfasts. Travelers seeking something as charming as the Planters Inn but not wanting to pay as much may want to compare rates at the River Street Inn, which is also centrally located and features a small gym. The hip Andaz Savannah is a great alternative in the same price range for those who find traditional Southern design dated rather than charming. The hotel offers a small outdoor pool, stylish rooms, and a trendy restaurant and bar. For a romantic, upscale getaway, consider the Mansion on Forsyth Park, Autograph Collection. 

The hotel is located on Reynolds Square, right in the heart of the Historic District and within walking distance of all of Savannah’s top attractions. There are plenty of restaurants and bars within a few blocks, including the hotel’s own Olde Pink House (located across the street), a coveted dining option with nightly live music. The Planters Inn is within a 10-minute walk of top Savannah sights such as the Owens-Thomas House, City market, Colonial Park Cemetery, Telfair Museum of Art, and the birthplace of Juliet Gordon Low, founder of the Girls Scouts. The Savannah River is also just a few blocks away, and the Savannah History Museum can be reached in about 15 minutes on foot. Other major attractions -- such as Forsyth Park and the Roadhouse Railroad Museum -- are just a five-minute drive away. The drive to the Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport takes about 20 minutes. 

The hotel has 60 spacious rooms, all decorated in a quaint Southern style that combines dark carpeting, four-poster beds, green walls with white crown moldings, heavy antique-style furniture, and floral prints on heavy curtains. While most guests find rooms full of charm, others consider them a tad dated, and there have been some reports of sagging mattresses (which the hotel claims to be replacing in the near future), worn carpets, and spots where the wallpaper is peeling. Views vary between rooms: some have pretty vistas of Reynolds Square, but others overlook an unsightly, multi-story parking lot on a side street. Standard amenities are good for the price, and include free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, terry robes, and coffeemakers. Newspapers are delivered to the room daily, and basic evening turndown service is provided free of charge. Mini-fridges are available for a fee, as are cots for a third guest. Straightforward marble bathrooms have shower/tub combos, white sinks, black granite counters, quality toiletries, and hairdryers. 

This boutique is light on amenities but it offers a range of freebies and perks that make it a solid pick in the Historic District. Six evenings per week, wine and cheese are served free of charge to all guests in a cozy space that can get crowded on busy days. Warm cookies are brought out in the late afternoon, and a big pot of filter coffee is always available in the lobby during the day. A simple continental breakfast that includes fresh fruit, breads, cold meats, cheese, and pastries is served every morning free of charge in a spacious room with big windows, while the rest of the meals are available at the Olde Pink House, the hotel’s acclaimed restaurant located across the street. The restaurant also provides room service during opening hours. The front desk is manned 24/7, and concierge services are available on request. Valet parking is provided for a daily fee with unlimited in/out privileges. There is also a boardroom on the penthouse level with basic audiovisual equipment. Pets are not allowed.