Staybridge Suites Savannah Historic District

Housed in a historic building that was once used as a storage space and the adjacent (and more modern) structure, the Staybridge Suites Savannah Historic District has more charm than your average mid-range chain hotel. The slightly faded red-brick facade with big warehouse-style windows is cute and fits in well with its surroundings, and the latest round of renovations -- carried out in 2015 in common spaces -- helped emphasize the main building’s historic appeal. The space housing the lobby and the breakfast room has embraced the industrial style of the former storage building, with exposed brick walls that are only half-covered with plaster, unfinished wooden floors, and thin metal pillars. This industrial design has been combined with dark-wood furniture and gray couches and armchairs to create a rather stylish, contemporary space. A big stone fireplace in the middle of the lobby lends it a cozy feel. 

With a meeting room, walking access to the free ferry to the Savannah International Trade and Convention Center, free Wi-Fi, free hot breakfast, and on-site parking, this Staybridge Suites is a good pick for business travelers, but its location in the Historic District and comfortable suites with kitchenettes draws couples and families as well. While common spaces have some local character, rooms are generic, and those looking for a more authentic Savannah experience might prefer the Planters Inn, which is in the same price range as the Staybridge Suites and offers similar freebies. The nearby Hampton Inn Savannah Historic District is a comparable option with a pool, while the Andaz Savannah is a great pick for travelers seeking something more upscale and hip. 

The Staybridge Suites enjoys a prime location on E Bay Street, just a couple of blocks from the riverfront and surrounded by great restaurants, shops, and entertainment venues. Guests can walk to just about anywhere from this home base. There are several pretty parks within a two-block radius and many major tourist attractions can be reached in 10 to 15 minutes on foot, including the City Market, Telfair Museum, the Savannah College of Art and Design, and the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist. Other main attractions, such as the Roundhouse Railroad Museum and Forsyth Park are each about a 25-minute walk (or five-minute drive) from the hotel. This location also offers easy walking access to ferries and local public transport. Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport is a 20-minute drive away.

The hotel has 104 studios and suites spread over five floors. All underwent renovations in early 2017 and feature chain-like contemporary decor with pea-colored accent walls that stand out against the chocolate-brown furniture and caramel-colored carpets. White plantation shutters are cute touches and rooms are clean and comfortable overall, but the interior design is rather generic, and a painting in earth tones is all there is in the way of wall ornaments. Suites are fairly spacious, but studios are just average-sized hotel rooms, and some units have windows that face the indoors. 

All studios and suites at the Staybridge have kitchenettes outfitted with stoves, microwaves, sinks, full-sized fridges, dishwashers, toasters, and coffeemakers. There are no washer/dryers in rooms, but the hotel offers free use of a 24-hour laundry room. Other in-room amenities include free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs with cable channels, and air-conditioning. Straightforward bathrooms have off-white tiles throughout, basic shower/tub combos with curtains, and spacious sink areas with big mirrors. 

A decent breakfast buffet with a few hot and continental options is included in all room rates. Although most guests find it just average, it fuels you up for the day, with fresh fruit, cereal, waffles, bagels, pastries, toast, egg dishes, sausages, and bacon. The hotel lacks a full restaurant, but guests are offered free drinks and small bites several nights per week. The medium-sized fitness center has a good array of cardio and strength-training machines, including several ellipticals and treadmills, a recumbent bike, and weight equipment. Towels and yoga mats are also provided. The hotel features a spacious meeting room with audiovisual equipment, a 24-hour business center with a couple of computers and a printer, and free use of washers and dryers. Pets are allowed for a fee, and self-parking is available on-site, also for a fee. Some guests have pointed out that larger SUVs might have a hard time parking, as the spots are tight.