Just Back From: Savannah, Georgia
While I've stopped in Savannah on my way to Palmetto Bluff, I've never stayed overnight. I’ve heard wonderful things about Perry Lane Hotel, so I was excited to chat with a couple who visited the city for the first time this past November. We talked about their impression of the Savannah, the pros and cons of Perry Lane Hotel, and why they will definitely be back in the future!
On how they reached Savannah:
We flew Delta from JFK for a couple hundred dollars each. The service was good and on time, so we’d fly Delta there again.
On Perry Lane Hotel:
Perry Lane Hotel has a midcentury eclectic design with a stylish atmosphere. The lobby is spacious, with a sitting area and a striking fiddle leaf fig plant that adds a touch of greenery to the space, and it serves all-day Champagne. There is a large restaurant to one side of the lobby, while the other opens up to a living room area. The overall design combines modern elements with nods to the past. The rooftop bar and pool are very beautiful as well, with comfortable seating areas and stunning views of the city. That being said, we were there in November when it was too cold to swim.
On the room:
During check-in, there was a mix-up with our reservation, and they couldn't find it for 20 minutes. However, as a result, we were upgraded to a massive corner room. The room's design was a beautiful blend of modern and midcentury styles, with striking black ceilings and large windows that offered plenty of natural light. The bed, though low to the ground, was very comfortable. The room also featured a spacious corner sitting area and a large entry hall. It was an unexpected upgrade that really enhanced our stay!
On the gym & spa:
The gym is below ground and offers all the usual amenities, including various workout stations and Peloton bikes. While it's not the most stunning gym, it effectively meets the needs of its users and gets the job done. They do not have a spa facility, but they do have a partnership with Spa Bleu—they offer services like massages and facials in guests’ rooms. We didn’t try a service, though.
On the service at Perry Lane Hotel:
The staff was very friendly, accommodating, and professional. They helped us find a tour guide and set up a few reservations—everything, besides the little bump at check-in, went smoothly.
On Savannah:
Savannah has a quiet, historical atmosphere that is full of charm: cobblestone streets, beautiful gardens, and the iconic moss-covered live oak trees that line the squares. It reminded us of other Southern cities like New Orleans and Charleston, blending culture, history, and natural beauty. The city also felt clean and safe. It is perfect for those interested in Southern history, who enjoy walking around, and who love Southern food and hospitality.
On activities:
We walked around Savannah’s gardens and did a history tour with a private guide, which we loved. The guide’s name was Mike, and our hotel set us up with him.
We also visited some great stores and restaurants, each teeming with charm. The Paris Market is a must-stop. It’s a two-floor, Instagram sensation that sells home goods as well, like candles, glassware, and other gifts. We loved E. Shaver bookstore—they had a wonderful selection, and I think four cats live in the store, so the cat-allergic should beware. I recommend visiting Courtland and Co., a wonderful little shop for linens. The Savannah Bee Company makes great honey, and we got some jars to give as gifts.
We rented a car to explore more of the area, including Tybee Beach and Fort Pulaski. If the weather is nice, visiting Tybee Beach should be on your agenda. November turned out to be a great time to visit since it wasn’t too crowded—I'm sure it gets busier in the summer. After lunch, we spent some time sitting on the beach and dipped our toes in the ocean. It was an enjoyable way to take in the surroundings.
One afternoon, we visited the SCAD Museum and toured the SCAD campus. The museum has an incredible selection of contemporary art—we loved the Thukral and Tagra exhibit. SCAD campus has fantastic examples of modern and historic architecture, so I definitely recommend walking through and then visiting the SCAD shop. They had some great artwork and options for gifts.
On restaurants:
We had a great dinner at Elizabeth’s on 37th, an elegant, prix-fixe Southern restaurant in a charming 1900s mansion. The food was delicious and showcased traditional Southern flavors. The staff was attentive and friendly, and the setting was beautiful, with several elegant rooms on the first floor, one of which had a cozy fireplace.
Another highlight for dinner was Common Thread, which was also located in a historic mansion. It had a modern theme that was a cool contrast to its classic surroundings, and the oysters were a standout dish—they’re Savannah’s specialty. We also enjoyed dining on the porch under heat lamps.
We also dined at Local 11ten, which offered a more modern vibe with its sleek design and darker ambiance. We sat at a table in the bar area, which was a nice setting for a relaxed meal. The food was also delicious and the service was great. Common Thread’s sister restaurant is FARM, located in Bluffton near Palmetto Bluff.
If you're in a hurry, Fire Street Food is perfect for a quick, tasty poke bowl. It’s a great option if you're craving something fresh and flavorful without having a full sit-down meal.
For lunch, we ate at The Deck on Tybee Island. The vibe was casual and beach-chic, with a great view of the water.
For brunch, we visited Collins Quarter. The food was tasty, and the menu had character. I tried the "Swine Time Beni," an indulgent dish that might have taken a year off my life but was totally worth it!
No visit to Savannah would be complete without a trip to Clary’s Cafe, made famous by Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil. It has a warm, down-to-earth vibe with friendly service, and we enjoyed a lovely breakfast there before heading to the airport
As for breakfasts during the rest of the trip, we had the complimentary breakfasts at the hotel. The food was fine—nothing extraordinary.
On visiting Savannah again and staying at Perry Lane Hotel:
We would totally visit Savannah again and stay at Perry Lane Hotel. It was great for a couple’s weekend or a girls’ trip. I recommend reading Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil before you go to get even more out of your stay and learn about this one-of-a-kind city.
Mindy’s Savannah Tips:
If you're considering a trip to Savannah, Whittaker Street is a must-do, offering a mix of southern boutiques and ‘Mom & Pop’ stores, such as Hannah E., PW Short Mercantile, Asher + Rye, and Courtland & Co.
I recently ate at The Wyld, a casual outdoor restaurant with a view of the water. They have live music on the weekends, and it can get crowded and fairly lively in nicer weather—people like to dock their boats there for happy hour, lunch, or dinner.
I also keep hearing about The Grey, an old Greyhound bus station turned restaurant. Friends in the culinary world absolutely love it!
