Savannah Bed & Breakfast Inn

This historic bed and breakfast has exposed brick walls, original beam ceilings, narrow staircases, oil paintings, and ornate dark wood furniture. The four-story inn has genuine history and was once owned by Jim Williams of Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil. Surrounded by lush gardens and moss-draped trees, the air is fragrant with magnolias and other local plants, and in the morning, with the aroma of homemade Georgia biscuits. Guests gather in the parlor or on the patio for afternoon tea or evening milk and cookies, or to read one of the many books that can be found in the rooms and public areas.

The Savannah Bed and Breakfast Inn is located on a quiet, tree-lined, cobblestone street. It is on a strip of 15 matching houses known as Gordon Row. Except for the cars and signs, the street feels like stepping back in time (and a car is not, in fact, necessary for a stay here). It's only a block to Forsyth Park, 15 minutes by foot to Paula Deen's restaurant, and 20 minutes to the shops and restaurants of River Street.

The rooms at the Savannah Bed and Breakfast Inn combine old and new, with creaky 1850's floors, four-poster beds, sometimes problematic doors, steep, narrow staircases, flat-screen TVs, Wi-Fi, and coffeemakers. Guests have reported occasional paranormal experiences in Connor House. Some rooms have private courtyards. Rooms vary in size, from cozy to large, and are individually decorated, many with exposed brick; some are located a short walk from the main building. Guests may want to take staircases into consideration, as large suitcases may be difficult to lug to rooms on high floors. Bathrooms are small but modern.

A stay at the Savannah Bed and Breakfast Inn revolves around food. Guests gather each morning in the parlor or on the patio for a homemade southern breakfast, included in the room rate. Chefs offer healthy options or a daily special that may include eggs cooked to order, bacon, homemade biscuits, grits, and locally made sausage. Afternoon tea, iced or hot, features a variety of fresh baked goods and each night the inn serves milk and fresh cookies. There are books galore, in rooms and common areas, which add to the genteel vibe of the hotel.