Eliza Thompson House or elsewhere.

Question

My husband and I are coming for 4 days in May. I was about to pull the trigger and book Eliza Thompson and then got a little worried it wasn’t conveniently located for touring the historic district or close to restaurants and shopping. Should I book or other suggestions?

Answer

The Eliza Thompson House is a lovely and historic option, but it's important to consider its location relative to the things you want to see and do in Savannah. Let me give you a clearer picture so you can decide whether to book there or explore other options.

The Eliza Thompson House is located on Abercorn Street, which is just a short walk away from the heart of the historic district. It’s a beautiful, charming bed-and-breakfast with plenty of character, and many guests love the ambiance. However, it is a bit on the edge of the more bustling areas of the historic district, so if you’re looking for something more central to shopping, dining, and sightseeing, you may need to walk a bit more to get to those key spots.

While it’s definitely walkable to most of the main historic sites, restaurants, and shops, it’s slightly off the main thoroughfares of Broughton Street and River Street. The Eliza Thompson House is in a quieter, more residential area, which can be a plus if you want a peaceful stay, but it also means you might need to walk or take a short drive to get to the more tourist-heavy areas.

If you’re looking for something more centrally located: There are other hotels and B&Bs right in the heart of the historic district, which would put you closer to the shops, restaurants, and main attractions like Forsyth Park, River Street, and the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist. Some popular options include:

The Hamilton-Turner Inn – A gorgeous, historic B&B just a couple of blocks from Forsyth Park and close to shopping and restaurants. It’s right in the center of the action.
The Marshall House – Another historic hotel that’s located near the heart of downtown. It’s known for its great location, comfortable rooms, and proximity to everything you’ll want to explore.
The Mansion on Forsyth Park – A luxury hotel right by Forsyth Park, offering easy access to both historic sights and dining options. It’s a great choice if you want something a little more upscale and in a prime location.

If you prefer a quieter, less touristy area but still want convenience: The Eliza Thompson House could be ideal for you. It’s located in a charming, peaceful neighborhood that offers a more intimate experience. You can enjoy the historic charm without being in the busiest areas, but still be within walking distance of everything you’ll want to see.
Other Considerations: If you’re planning on walking a lot, you’ll definitely get some exercise, but Savannah is a very walkable city with beautiful tree-lined streets, so it can actually be quite enjoyable to stroll through the historic district from one end to the other. Just keep in mind that it may not be as convenient for short trips back and forth if you plan to stop by the hotel during the day to rest.

In summary, the Eliza Thompson House is a great choice if you don’t mind a short walk to the busiest parts of Savannah. However, if proximity to shopping, dining, and the main attractions is a priority for you, you might want to look into other options closer to the center of the historic district. Either way, Savannah is a fantastic city with so much to offer, so you’ll be in a great spot no matter where you stay!