DoubleTree by Hilton Savannah Historic District

Following a major renovation in 2015, the six-story Doubletree looks more like an upmarket boutique property than a middlebrow chain hotel. The lobby is filled with enticing scents and contemporary furnishings in elegant hues of soft gray, deep blue, and dusky purple. A black baby grand piano flanking the entrance adds soft background music, while off to one side a library with midnight-blue walls, billowing silk drapery, and a large fireplace offers a quiet retreat. The restaurant exudes modern Southern charm with jaunty striped chairs in dusky purple and blue, fluted drum chandeliers, and crisp white tablecloths. There's also a casual lobby bar with giant flat-screen TVs over a granite-topped bar. Even the hallways, with bold and modern floral carpeting, playful lamps and accessories, and soft-beige walls, feel comforting and warm. There's an undeniable bit of romance to the hotel, which is an amazing feat given that this is a Doubletree -- a typically homey and bland chain. The property sees mostly couples and business travelers who want easy access to dining and shopping, and all of the conveniences that come with a recognized brand.

The Doubletree is situated on West Bay Street in Savannah's charming waterfront district, about two blocks from restaurants, bars, and shops on lively River Street. There are more eateries and quaint shops in City Market, a fun local plaza behind the hotel. A tourist trolley stops directly in front of the property, although the area is easy to explore on foot. Travel times to other major destinations are as follows:

• First African Baptist Church: a two-minute walk
• City Market: a four-minute walk
• Telfair Museum of Art: a 14-minute walk
• Juliette Gordon Low Birthplace Museum: a 12-minute walk
• Savannah College of Art & Design: a nine-minute walk
• Cathedral of St. John the Baptist: a 20-minute walk or five-minute drive
• Savannah International Trade & Convention Center: a six-minute drive
• Port of Savannah: a 10-minute drive
• Savannah Hilton Head International Airport: a 15- to 20-minute drive

The Doubletree's large rooms are handsomely decorated and feature views of the river or City Market square. Some guests have noted that "city view" rooms lack great views, so it may be wise to emphasize the view one wants when making a booking. Room styles range from standard Guest Rooms to Suites, and include contemporary deep-brown wood furniture and coordinating carpets and drapes in shades of gray, purple, and gold. The artsy gray-scale panels over the beds are a nice touch, and a nod to the city's flora -- they also complement the dramatically striped gray and plum carpets. 

Suites feature sitting areas with sectional sofas and work desks, while some standard rooms are spacious enough to include corner sectional couches and ottomans beside large windows. The standard 37-inch flat-screen TVs are atop wooden desk units. Mini-fridges and coffeemakers are provided along with granite-topped wet bars. Closets hold ironing facilities. Bathrooms are spacious and modern, with generously sized granite-topped vanities and shower/tub combos or walk-in showers with pretty gold-tile accent walls. Some Suites have separate showers and jetted tubs. The hotel has responded to noise issues by providing free earplugs and white-sound machines. All rooms have free Wi-Fi. 

As might be expected just by looking at the hotel's upgraded style, the features on offer also go a slight step above Doubletree's normal amenities, though all will be familiar enough to brand loyalists. A southern-style breakfast is served daily at John Ryan's Bistro, with items such as grits, breakfast casserole, bacon, sausage, eggs, and fresh fruit. Breakfast is not included with room rates. John Ryan's Bistro also serves dinner, with items like steaks and seafood, and room service is available from early morning until late at night. John Ryan's Pub has a daily Happy Hour with wine and beer. The hotel also hosts a daily reception for guests with free cocktails. Those looking to keep up with a fitness regimen are in luck as the hotel has a fitness room that's equipped with modern cardio machines and free weights, but no weight machines. There's also a small outdoor pool and hot tub on an upper level. Corporate amenities include several meeting rooms and a small two-person business center; Wi-Fi is also free throughout the hotel. A convenient garage is located on the main level and available to guests for a fee.