Marriott accommodation over the new year?

Question

Hello everyone! The family and I are planning to drive into Savannah on new year's eve from Charleston, SC. I will be using my Marriott reward points for the hotel stays, so trying to decide between The Alida on Williamson St. vs the Residence Inn Downtown/Historic District on West Charlton St. Briefly considered the Westin across the river as well, but their site says they only have two double beds, and I don't think my teenagers will be very happy crammed into one bed with a parent each. LOL Cons? I read that the Alida can be pretty noisy at night, while the Residence Inn might be too far of a walk to the tourist areas.

Thoughts? TIA!!!

Answer

It sounds like you’re deciding between two great options for your New Year's Eve stay in Savannah, and both have their pros and cons. Here's a breakdown of each property based on your concerns:

The Alida on Williamson St.
The Alida is a stylish, modern hotel located in the trendy Warehouse District, not far from River Street and other historic areas. It has a great vibe, with a rooftop bar and a lively atmosphere, making it a fun place to stay if you're looking to enjoy the New Year's Eve festivities. However, it can get quite noisy, especially on weekends and during holidays, as the area is popular for nightlife. If noise is a concern, you might want to request a room away from the street or the rooftop bar area.

Pros:
- Great location for dining, shopping, and exploring the historic district.
- Stylish and modern with lots of amenities, including a rooftop bar and a cozy vibe.
- Perfect for enjoying the city's nightlife and New Year's Eve celebrations.
Cons:
- Potentially noisy, especially at night due to its location in a lively area.
- Rooms can be on the smaller side for families with teenagers.
Residence Inn Downtown/Historic District on West Charlton St.
This hotel is a great choice if you're looking for more space and convenience for a family stay. The Residence Inn offers suites with kitchenettes, which can be very convenient for families, especially when traveling with teens. It’s a bit farther from River Street and some of the more tourist-heavy areas, but it's still within walking distance of many attractions in the historic district, such as Forsyth Park and the Savannah History Museum.

Pros:
- More space, especially with suites offering separate living areas and kitchenettes.
- Great for families, offering a more relaxed and spacious atmosphere.
- Free breakfast and kitchen amenities for added convenience.
Cons:
- It’s a bit of a longer walk to the major tourist attractions, which might not be ideal if you’re short on time or don't want to walk too much.
- Not as close to the action or nightlife as The Alida, so it may feel quieter.
Westin across the river
While the Westin is a bit further from the main historic district, it has a great view of the Savannah River, and it’s located near the Savannah Riverfront area. However, as you mentioned, the two double beds might not be the best fit for your family, especially with teens. The distance and the potential room setup could make this less ideal.

Pros:
- Great views of the Savannah River and a peaceful setting.
- Located near the riverfront with some great dining options.
Cons:
- The room configuration might not work well for your family.
- Farther from the historic district and main tourist attractions.

Overall, it depends on your priorities. If you want to be close to the action and don't mind a little noise, The Alida would be a great choice for a fun New Year’s Eve stay. If you prefer more space and a quieter, more relaxed atmosphere, the Residence Inn might be the better option, though it’s a slightly longer walk to some of the main sights.

Hope this helps, and I hope you and your family have a wonderful time in Savannah!