First time in Savannah

Question

Thinking about a trip to Savannah for next September. We have been to Charleston and loved it. We enjoy hotels with rooftop dining and cocktails. Trying to decide between the Hyatt and the Bohemian. Any advice? Are these hotels within walking distance of interesting things to see and do? We love historical sites, shopping and museums Does Savannah have a city shuttle service?

Thanks

Answer

Savannah is a beautiful city to explore, especially if you love historical sites, museums, shopping, and great dining options. Both the Hyatt and the Bohemian are excellent choices, each offering different experiences, and both are located within walking distance of many of Savannah’s main attractions.

Hyatt Centric Savannah: The Hyatt Centric is a modern and stylish hotel located on the Riverfront, offering great views and easy access to the historic district. It has a rooftop bar called the "Rooftop Bar & Lounge," which is a popular spot for cocktails with views of the Savannah River. While it may not be as boutique or historic as the Bohemian, it offers a more contemporary, comfortable atmosphere. You’ll be very close to River Street, where you’ll find many shops, restaurants, and galleries, and it’s just a short walk to attractions like the City Market and the historic squares.

Pros:
- Modern amenities with a rooftop bar and great river views.
- Within walking distance of River Street, City Market, and many historic sites.
- More spacious rooms and family-friendly.
Cons:
- The hotel is more contemporary and may not have the same "charm" as the Bohemian.
- Not as close to the heart of the historic district as the Bohemian.

The Bohemian Hotel Savannah: The Bohemian is a boutique hotel located in the heart of the historic district, offering a charming and unique experience. It is part of the Hilton Curio Collection and features a rooftop restaurant called "The Rocks on the Roof," which is a fantastic spot for cocktails and casual dining with stunning views of the Savannah skyline and river. The Bohemian is known for its eclectic and artistic decor, and it’s right in the center of the action. It's very close to the city’s historic squares, museums, and some of Savannah's best shopping areas.

Pros:
- Located right in the heart of the historic district, perfect for walking to museums, shops, and historical sites.
- The rooftop bar offers a great atmosphere with beautiful views.
- Charming, historic vibe with a unique decor.
Cons:
- Rooms are a bit smaller compared to other hotels in the area.
- Can be pricier compared to more modern hotels like the Hyatt Centric.

Walking Distance to Attractions: Both hotels are within walking distance of Savannah’s main attractions, but the Bohemian has a slight edge in terms of location as it’s situated more centrally in the historic district. You can easily explore the historic squares, visit the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist, stroll down Broughton Street for shopping, and visit museums like the Telfair Museums and the Juliette Gordon Low Birthplace. River Street, with its cobblestone streets, unique shops, and waterfront views, is also just a short walk from either hotel.

Attractions near the Hyatt: River Street, City Market, the Savannah Riverwalk, and the Cotton Exchange.
Attractions near the Bohemian: Historic squares (like Chippewa Square), the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist, Telfair Museums, and shopping on Broughton Street.

City Shuttle Service: Savannah does have a public shuttle service called the "DOT" (Downtown Transportation) shuttle, which is free and runs throughout the historic district. This is a great option if you want to get around without walking too much, especially if you're visiting farther attractions. The shuttle covers many stops around the historic district, including key areas near both the Hyatt and the Bohemian.

Shuttle stops include the Riverfront, City Market, and various historic squares.
The shuttle service is free and convenient, making it easy to get to different parts of the district without needing a car.

Conclusion: If you're looking for a more boutique, historic, and central experience with easy access to Savannah’s charm, the Bohemian is a great choice. It offers a unique, artsy vibe with a fantastic rooftop bar and is located right in the heart of the historic district, making it perfect for walking to nearby attractions.

On the other hand, if you prefer a more modern hotel with larger rooms, river views, and a rooftop bar with a relaxed atmosphere, the Hyatt Centric could be the better choice. It’s still within walking distance to many attractions, and it offers a more contemporary experience.

Both hotels are great options depending on your preferences, but either will provide you with easy access to Savannah’s historic district, museums, shopping, and dining.

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