225 E Bay St, Savannah, Georgia, United States | (618) 248-8274
Central location in Savannah, one block away from the River Walk
Rooms with historic charm, like brick walls and antique-style furniture
Hot continental breakfast including eggs, sausage, grits, and biscuits (fee)
Free glass of wine or beer every day of your stay at Tandem Coffee & Spirits Bar adjacent to the lobby
Free turndown service
Free newspaper delivered to the room
Free coffee and lemonade in the lobby
Free (though spotty) Wi-Fi throughout
Rooms have thin walls and creaky floors
Very limited closet space (only armoires)
Heavy traffic on the street outside
The small, historic East Bay Inn is located smack dab in the middle of Savannah's Historic District, and caters to older clientele who can appreciate its feeling of a bygone era. With its multitude of free features (including evening wine-and-cheese receptions), the hotel puts a lot of emphasis on its old-fashioned charms, though some can be grating (like thin walls and creaky floors). Still, it offers much more character than nearby chain hotels like the Hampton Inn or the Hyatt Regency.
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Scene
Traditional decor hints at building's centuries-old history
Originally constructed as a cotton warehouse in the 1800s, the East Bay Inn was remodeled in the 1980s into a 28-room hotel in the heart of Savannah's Historic District. The hotel recently updated its lobby, replacing antique Southern decor (carved wooden armchairs, 19th-century paintings, and a grandfather clock) for a look that's more posh, but still classic -- think handsome hardwood floors, plush sofas, a crystal chandelier, and a Hollywood Regency mirror. Though the hallways are somewhat dark and narrow, the lobby is well-lit due to the wall of large windows bordered by yellow-and-white curtains that look out onto the Spanish-moss-covered trees of Emmet Park. Considering the dignified decor and heirlooms sprinkled around the common areas and rooms, this is probably not a hotel for families with young children -- it definitely skews toward an older crowd.
Location
Close proximity to Savannah's hottest tourist spots
The East Bay Inn is located on a somewhat noisy, busy street with a fair amount of traffic, but that's because it's in the center of the city's Historic District. It's only a block away from the River Walk, a main tourist attraction along the Savannah River lined with dozens of stores and restaurants. If guests feel like traveling further afield, it takes eight minutes to walk to to the City Market for art galleries and outdoor entertainment.
Rooms
Handsome old-fashioned rooms, with flat-screen TVs and coffee machines
The historic theme of the hotel is especially apparent in the 28 rooms, which have brick accent walls and are outfitted with carved-wood furnishings, gilded mirrors, claw-footed writing desks, and toile curtains. Sitting areas feature patterned armchairs and sofas, and wooden armoires come equipped with modern flat-screen TVs and safes. There isn't much room to hang clothing (though there are two small drawers). Bathrooms feature shower/tub combos, ProTerra toiletries, and -- awkwardly -- Keurig machines. Older buildings have their drawbacks, however. The wooden floors tend to creak and are a bit dusty. The walls are thin and noises can be heard from other rooms. There are also no microwaves or fridges in the rooms (though free coffee and lemonade is offered all day in the lobby).
Features
Multiple free features offer plenty of down-home charm
In the spirit of that famous Southern hospitality, the hotel offers many free services to make guests feel a little more special. There is free Wi-Fi (though service can be spotty), a free turndown service, and free newspapers delivered to rooms each morning. In addition, there is a free evening reception every night that offers wine, cheese, and hot hors d'oeuvres. Parking is offered on-site, though there is a fee and there are fewer than a dozen spots in the parking lot. If those are filled, guests can park at a parking garage a block away for the same price. Up to two pets are allowed in six dedicated pet-friendly rooms, for a one-time (rather than daily) fee.
