The Mansion on Forsyth Park is arguably one of the best -- and most special -- hotels in town, with a wonderful art collection, a great cooking school, a solid spa, an outdoor relaxation pool and a popular restaurant on-site. Spacious rooms have eclectic designer-level decor, with vintage furnishings and contemporary touches, plus deep soaking tubs, high-tech amenities, and original artwork on the walls. Those wanting to be in the heart of the tourist action might prefer a property located closer to the riverfront, however.

This upscale boutique hotel has a location right by the river, on the northern edge of the Historic District. It has 75 rooms (though some are small for the price) with outstanding bathrooms and unique high-end decor inspired by the period when 18th-century British maritime settlers landed in Savannah (think: headboards of red velvet and sturdy dark wood, faux fur throws, leather and brass accents). One of the most attractive features of this boutique is the hopping rooftop bar with river views, which is popular with locals and tourists alike. But it lacks some amenities standard in properties of this category (and high price point), such as a pool or a spa.

The 403-room Westin Savannah is an upper-middle-range resort located on an island across the river from Savannah's Historic District. The main draws here are the PGA golf course and the high-end spa, but there are other features that make this a great pick: a large pool, two solid restaurants, spacious rooms with high-end amenities (and most with great views of the city), and dozens of activities available daily for the whole family. It's true that the location is secluded, but there's a free ferry that takes guests to the lively riverfront area (a quick ride straight across the river from the resort).

Comprised of two historic mansions surrounded by lush foliage, the historic Gastonian has the B&B feel down to a tee. Each of the 17 rooms features antique furniture and a working fireplace, and free breakfast is served every morning, either downstairs or directly to your room. This upscale B&B lacks the amenities of larger hotels -- there is no fitness center and no elevator -- but modern perks like free Wi-Fi and flat-screen TVs make this 19th-century property feel up to date.