Gastonian or Kehoe House or ....?

Question

My husband and I will be in Savannah for 3 days in January. I am finding it very difficult to peruse the information on all the places and try to decide! We would like to be in the eastern HD, probably northern area. Would love a historic building, something pretty and unique. Price up to maybe $280 per night. It needs to be refundable. The last two times we were set to go to Savannah, we had to cancel because of Covid! Is the ground floor of the historic hotels ok, pluses and minuses? I have tried to go to the individual hotels' websites, but somehow I always end up with a booking agency! The ones that I think I am most interested in are The Gastonian, the Kehoe House, the Hamilton Turner. Recommendations on these? Any others that might be better? Thank you!!! (I assume that they are all wonderful, but I'm having ta lot of trouble committing! )

Answer

It sounds like you’re planning a lovely trip to Savannah! It's understandable that you're having trouble choosing between some of the beautiful historic hotels in the area, but I'll try to help you narrow it down based on your preferences for a historic building, a pretty and unique atmosphere, and a price of up to $280 per night.

Here’s a comparison of the hotels you mentioned, along with some thoughts on their locations, unique features, and overall atmosphere to help you decide:

The Gastonian The Gastonian is a charming and elegant bed-and-breakfast-style inn located on Abercorn Street in the historic district. It's housed in two beautifully restored 19th-century mansions and offers a cozy, intimate experience. The location is great for walking to the northern parts of the historic district, including Forsyth Park. Rooms are individually decorated, and the inn offers lovely touches like a daily gourmet breakfast and evening wine and hors d'oeuvres. If you're looking for a romantic, quaint experience in a historic building, The Gastonian would be an excellent choice. The ground floor rooms are fine, but keep in mind that they are typically a bit smaller than those on higher floors, and some may have limited views. However, they do offer convenience, especially for easy access in and out of the building.
The Kehoe House The Kehoe House is a beautifully restored mansion located in a prime location near the eastern edge of the historic district. It is a stunning example of 19th-century architecture, featuring intricate woodwork, a grand staircase, and elegant rooms. The Kehoe House is a bit more grand and formal compared to The Gastonian, and it also offers a fantastic rooftop terrace where you can enjoy views of the city. The rooms are spacious and luxurious, and the hotel has excellent service, including an included gourmet breakfast and evening social hour. It's a wonderful blend of old-world charm and modern amenities. The ground floor rooms here are also comfortable, but they may not have the same views as those higher up. If you want to stay in a classic, beautifully restored mansion, The Kehoe House would be a wonderful choice.
The Hamilton-Turner Inn This inn is located on Lafayette Square, one of Savannah's most scenic squares, and is housed in a stunning Victorian mansion. The Hamilton-Turner Inn has a more elegant and regal feel, with a classic Southern ambiance. It's well-known for its beautiful interior, including antique furnishings, and offers complimentary wine and hors d'oeuvres each evening. The location is fantastic for exploring the northern historic district, and it’s walking distance to attractions like the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist and the Savannah History Museum. The Hamilton-Turner Inn also has a lovely courtyard, which is a great place to relax. Ground floor rooms here are quite nice but may have limited views of the square. If you're looking for a charming, elegant, and slightly more upscale option, this could be a great pick.

Now, considering your criteria of staying in the northern part of the historic district and being in a historic building, here are a few other hotels you might want to consider:

17 Hundred 90 Inn This is one of the oldest inns in Savannah, with a charming and historic feel. It’s located on East President Street, which is a little further from the central square but still within walking distance. The hotel has a very romantic, old-world atmosphere, with a cozy, intimate vibe. It’s not as upscale as the others, but it’s a great option if you're looking for something unique and budget-friendly.
The Inn on West Liberty This boutique inn is located just slightly west of the historic district, in a quieter, residential area but still within easy walking distance to all the main attractions. It’s a beautiful historic building that’s been tastefully renovated. The atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming, with modern amenities but still plenty of character. It’s a great option if you prefer to be a little removed from the hustle and bustle of the tourist areas but still close enough to explore.

Regarding booking your stay, it's important to find a refundable option, especially given the uncertainties of travel. Most of the historic inns will offer a variety of booking options, including direct reservations through their websites. However, if you end up on a booking agency site, just make sure to check their cancellation policy carefully. For peace of mind, you might want to confirm that the hotel has a flexible cancellation policy or contact them directly to ask for clarification before booking.

In terms of the ground floor rooms, they tend to be a bit smaller and may have less natural light or less appealing views than higher floors, but they also have the advantage of being more accessible. If you’re concerned about noise, it’s worth checking whether the room is close to the lobby or entryway. In most cases, ground floor rooms are fine for a short stay, but if you’re seeking a bit more privacy or a better view, a room on the second floor or above would be ideal.

Ultimately, all of these hotels offer a wonderful mix of charm, history, and Southern hospitality, so you can’t go wrong with any of them. If you're looking for a romantic and intimate experience with a touch of luxury, both The Gastonian and The Kehoe House stand out. If you want to be closer to Lafayette Square with beautiful Victorian architecture, The Hamilton-Turner Inn would be a great choice. Each has its own unique charm, and any of them would provide a memorable stay in Savannah!