The Belle of the South: A Weekend in Savannah, GA
As a Northeast Florida resident, Savannah has always been that easy escape just up I-95. But this past weekend, when my husband and I drove up for a wedding at the stunning Hotel Bardo, I was reminded that familiar destinations can still surprise us. I needed to experience these properties myself, to walk the streets during a busy spring weekend with marathons and conventions filling the city, and to understand exactly what I would be recommending to my clients.
We checked into the Thompson Savannah on the riverfront, and my first surprise came immediately. I had expected the typical riverfront energy, the crowds and noise that come with such a walkable location. Instead, we found ourselves in a quiet corner of the action. The property has a sleek, professional energy that makes it perfect for business travelers who want proximity to the convention centers without sacrificing peace. It is walkable to everything important, yet feels like a retreat.
But let me tell you about the food, because that is what I keep thinking about weeks later. We arrived hungry and found ourselves at Boar's Head Grille and Tavern, the longest continuously running restaurant on Savannah's riverfront, established in 1959 inside an 18th century cotton warehouse. We started with fried green tomatoes that were perfectly crispy and tangy, followed by she crab soup, crab cakes, and mahi sandwiches. Every bite reminded me why Southern cuisine deserves its reputation.
That evening at Hotel Bardo for the wedding, we experienced what I can only describe as a culinary tour. A raw bar overflowing with the freshest oysters and cocktail shrimp. Truffle arancinis that melted on the tongue. The juiciest tenderloin I have had in years. And then, just when I thought dinner was complete, out came the hotel's signature gelato cart. Hotel Bardo does not miss on their dining offerings, and I am already planning my return to try Saint Bibiani, their restaurant located in the historic portion of the building, along with their culinary experience classes.
Here is something most visitors would never discover on their own: a portion of the Hotel Bardo building was formerly a funeral home that served families in the area for over 50 years. Locals still visit the hotel with fond memories of loved ones who passed through those doors. In a city famous for paranormal tourism and ghost tours, this adds a layer of history that feels both poignant and perfectly Savannah.
Our final morning, we had breakfast at Fleeting, the restaurant on the Thompson's first floor. The creme brulee French toast was impossibly fluffy and not too sweet, exactly what we needed with our coffee after a night of celebrating. A live guitarist played softly, his music floating through the dining room and making even our departure day feel unhurried.
Who Should Book This Trip
If you love slow living, exceptional food, and endless entertainment options, Savannah will capture your heart. The Thompson Savannah is ideal for business travelers seeking quiet sophistication with opportunities for indulgence when time allows. Hotel Bardo, located on Forsyth Park, is perfect for longer stays with its colorful historic charm, modern amenities, daily fitness classes, and a club model that lets guests mingle with local business owners and residents.
Living in the Southeast, you might think you do not need a travel advisor for local trips. But the benefits come through heightened location knowledge and the VIP status granted when booking through partner properties, especially those within our Virtuoso network. There is no such thing as too little or too much time in Savannah. Whether you have a wedding or convention bringing you to town, tack on an extra day to experience the food scene for yourself. I now know exactly which property suits which traveler, and I cannot wait to help my clients discover this city the way I just did.