The Cotton Sail Hotel Savannah, Tapestry Collection by Hilton

Housed in a refurbished 1800s cotton warehouse, this riverfront hotel showcases beautiful heart-of-pine floors that were once part of the building’s original roof. The old planks have been meticulously restored and along with the original exposed brick walls, they characterize the hotel’s historic charm, but the interiors are bright and contemporary. Lots of windows cascade light into the multi-room lobby that’s decorated with reclaimed wood tables and several large iron chandeliers. Art depicting sails and nature scenes decorate the walls, and a lovely sitting area with pistachio green armchairs rests in one corner. Three handsome wood kiosks serve as the registration area. They rest in front of a large white and blue neon sign of the hotel’s name and logo. This is a quiet and inviting based from which to explore lovely Savannah. 

The Cotton Sail is located on West Bay Street in the midst of Savannah’s historic waterfront district, right on the riverfront and near dozens of restaurants, bars, and shops on lively River Street. The nearby, open-air City Market offers more dining and shopping options as well. The area is quick and easy to explore on foot, but a tourist trolley stops directly in front of the hotel for those who would rather not walk.  

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

Except for the 200-year-old, heart-of-pine floors, these tastefully decorated rooms are completely contemporary. The rich wood floors and matching espresso-colored furniture give the rooms a sophisticated feel. They contrast nicely with pale mint-green walls. Artwork in dark wood frames enhances the high-end ambiance. High ceilings and ample lighting ensures the rooms aren’t overly dark. The rooms are clean and spacious enough to include chaise lounges. Other standard amenities include 42-inch flat-screen TVs, electronic safes, coffeemakers with Starbucks coffee, robes, iHome docking stations, and free Wi-Fi. 

Rooms are divided into King and Double Queen bed options, and they come in City View or River View categories. Some River View rooms also have small balconies. Bathrooms are a bit small, but configured in a way to maximize comfort. Toilets are partitioned off from dark wood vanities, and illuminated, rectangular mirrors make the space cheerfully bright. Simple white tile covers the floors and the shower stalls. Magnifying mirrors and Essential Elements toiletries are provided. Reviews are mixed about noise levels, with some past guests complaining of ambient noise issues, especially in rooms next to the rooftop bar or close to the busy street. The hotel provides ear plugs for those guests bothered by noise levels.  

This quaint boutique hotel on the Savannah riverfront doesn’t have its own restaurant per se, but two independently operated eateries are in the same historic building and can be accessed by the hotel elevator. The ground-floor River House Restaurant serves lunch and dinner with a focus on steaks and fresh seafood; it has live music on weekends. Top Deck is more of a bar, but it does offer an expanded appetizers and desserts menu, along with fantastic views of the riverfront from the fifth floor. The hotel has a sundry shop that also sells snacks, and free coffee, tea, and lemonade are available in the lobby, as are free newspapers. But, there are no breakfast options at the hotel. 

The property's small fitness center has three cardio machines, and the business center has one PC with internet access and a printer. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the hotel, and the lobby has an ATM as well. The North Star Room is a rooftop events space that can accommodate meetings or weddings for up to 120 people. The fifth-floor room has great views and a deck with comfortable seating. Outdoor seating is also available on the large deck at the hotel’s entrance off West Bay Street. Concierge services include valet dry cleaning and assistance arranging area tours. Valet is the only on-site parking option, and it’s expensive, but generally in line with fees charge at other nearby hotels.