Last June, during our summer trip to Savannah, the oldest city in the United States, my husband and I chose Thompson Savannah as our hotel for a 3-day, 2-night stay. It was our first time visiting the port city of Savannah, and we opted for a modern “lifestyle” hotel within the Hyatt Hotels group. Thompson Savannah not only offers sophisticated luxury but also provides a vibrant space that connects guests with the distinctive culture of the American South.
Storytelling Design and Million-Dollar Views
Nestled right on the Savannah River, Thompson Savannah boasts a contemporary architectural design that skillfully integrates traditional elements such as faux brick, cast stone plinths, and columns, pilasters, and cornices reminiscent of Savannah’s illustrious past. The hotel’s overall design philosophy revolves around creating a “modern, free-spirited Southern lifestyle” experience.
I’m always impressed by the “signature” main entrance gate, distinctively Thompson in style, crafted from black powder-coated steel and featuring the prominent hotel logo. The main lobby is strikingly designed, balancing a modern chandelier with an impressive geometric reception desk, creating a space that is both elegant and artistic.
A distinctive highlight at Thompson Savannah is that the hotel’s design ensures all 193 rooms, including 21 suites, offer breathtaking views of the Savannah River. From here, you can admire the mystical city skyline to the west or gaze at the Savannah River with its large ships and ferries transporting goods.
Elevated Suite Experience and Warm Welcome
Upon check-in, guests are greeted with a special welcome drink: refreshing cold draft beers served in signature Savannah aluminum cups, vibrant in color, much like the city itself. Just remember to show your ID to the staff to ensure alcoholic beverages are only served to guests over 21 years old.
After checking in and enjoying a cool beer, a feeling of pure bliss enveloped me. We quickly headed up to our room and were even more surprised by the special and warm welcome from Mr. Rafe Sinclair – the Guest Experience Manager. With a chilled bottle of champagne and a platter of premium cold cuts including various salamis, cheeses, and fresh fruits, he provided a perfect start to our vacation.
For a comfortable, home-like space, we chose a Suite on a high, airy floor. The room truly exceeded all expectations. With a spacious living room featuring a comfortable sofa, a modernly designed master bedroom, and a luxurious bathroom with a convenient bathtub, every space exuded refined, robust, and modern elegance. The combination of the rattan-paneled wardrobe, warm wood tones, soft velvet, and luxurious leather at the headboard created a cozy yet opulent and genuine ambiance. Notably, both the living room and bedroom offered direct river views, transforming every moment of relaxation into a truly special, one-of-a-kind experience.
Thompson Savannah is more than just a place to stay; it’s an indispensable part of the journey to explore and deeply connect with the unique culture of Savannah.
A Multi-Sensory Culinary Journey
Thompson Savannah features two restaurants: Fleeting and The Bar at Fleeting (Julian). Each restaurant offers a distinct experience that you should definitely make time to enjoy.
Fleeting is an à la carte restaurant serving breakfast and dinner. Fleeting stands out with its open kitchen concept running along the restaurant, where diners can easily watch talented chefs prepare and cook dishes up close. Sitting at the open kitchen bar, you can not only savor the food but also participate in a lively culinary show, chat with the chefs, and discover the secrets behind each dish.
The restaurant serves breakfast with beautifully presented, colorful dishes. But what truly impressed us was the romantic dinner by candlelight.
Notably, during our visit in June, Fleeting was showcasing a special “Peach Week” menu, in collaboration with Pearson Farm – a 140-year-old farm renowned for growing, handpicking, and shipping Georgia’s signature peaches. This menu was not only a tribute to the region’s distinctive flavor but also a meaningful initiative supporting CURE Childhood Cancer. Although we didn’t try every peach-themed dish, we were thoroughly impressed by the creativity of this seasonal menu.
For our romantic dinner, we chose a refreshing watermelon salad. It was a perfect blend of natural sweetness from juicy watermelon, the mild saltiness of creamy cheese, and a hint of fragrant herbs, creating an explosion of flavors. The main course was a premium steak, perfectly cooked with a tantalizing seared crust and tender, rosy interior. It was accompanied by fried dark bread with butter, a unique combination that offered a rich, slightly crispy texture.
Julian Bar, the hotel’s rooftop crowning jewel, is a must-visit destination. It offers spectacular panoramic views of the Savannah River and the entire city, creating an ideal space for relaxation and sightseeing, whether you’re enjoying the daytime sun or a dazzling sunset.
Beyond the stunning views, Julian also impresses with its sophisticated blend of modern architecture and Savannah’s traditional flair, featuring cast stone plinths, columns, and cornices reminiscent of the past. You’ll easily spot decorative statues and unique wall art throughout the bar, all following a consistent artistic concept, contributing to a highly aesthetic space.
On a beautiful summer afternoon, we chose a prime spot at Julian to enjoy brunch and fully admire the beauty of the Savannah River. The brunch menu was equally appealing. We opted for a Mezze Platter with various dips, pita bread, and crisp fresh vegetables, offering an enticing Mediterranean flavor. Next was a Pizza Del Mercato with a thin, crispy crust, covered in melted cheese and fresh, hot toppings. And the Agnello All Griglia (grilled lamb chops) were perfectly prepared, melting in your mouth, rich in flavor, and enjoyed refreshingly cool to the rhythm of the music.
This is an ideal place to enjoy expertly crafted cocktails, each sip a perfect blend of flavor and artistry. Under the vibrant sunset over the Savannah River, the cozy ambiance, soft music, and professional service transformed the evening into a truly memorable experience.
Our culinary journey at Thompson Savannah wasn’t just about delicious food; it was a holistic experience that connected us with the city’s culture and sophisticated lifestyle.
Prime Location for Convenient City Exploration
Situated directly on the Savannah River, Thompson Savannah’s location is a huge advantage for travelers wanting to fully explore the historical beauty, unique charm, and vibrant rhythm of this ancient city. From Thompson Savannah, you can easily access popular attractions, from the historic market to the colorful riverfront street and the heart of the national historic district.
Savannah is a port city and one of the oldest in the U.S., with a cost of living comparable to major American cities. For visitors to Savannah, the most convenient modes of transportation are Uber or the local bus system.
City Market: A Hub of Vibrancy and Art
Thompson Savannah boasts an ideal location, just a 10-minute walk to City Market – a bustling and energetic area that serves as Savannah’s cultural and entertainment hub. City Market is more than just a market; it’s a living piece of Savannah’s history, dating back to the 1700s. Originally, it was a thriving trading center where farmers and merchants exchanged goods. Today, this area has been redeveloped into a versatile center, blending ancient charm with modernity. The meticulously preserved old brick buildings now house art galleries, unique souvenir shops, cozy cafes, bustling restaurants, and vibrant bars.
City Market is home to numerous art galleries where you can discover works by local artists, ranging from paintings and sculptures to pottery and handcrafted jewelry. This is an excellent opportunity to shop for unique gifts or simply admire the creativity of Savannah’s artistic community. However, I found that the area primarily caters to tourists, so prices tend to be quite high.
The shops here sell a diverse range of items, from vintage clothing and antiques to exquisitely crafted artisanal products. You can spend hours wandering around, discovering intriguing items that are hard to find elsewhere.
City Market is famous for its wide array of culinary options. You can enjoy delicious street food, stop at a cafe for a rich cup of coffee, or dine at one of the charming restaurants offering a variety of dishes from traditional to modern. The outdoor spaces often feature live music performances, creating a lively and joyful atmosphere.
This area frequently hosts events, music festivals, and art exhibitions, especially during major holidays, making City Market a constantly engaging destination.
River Street: An Ancient Ribbon Along the Savannah River
From Thompson Savannah, you’re just a short walk from River Street – a quaint cobblestone street running along the Savannah River, the historical heart and soul of the city.
River Street was once Savannah’s busiest commercial hub in the 18th and 19th centuries. This was where merchant ships from all over the world docked to unload goods, especially cotton, tobacco, and sugar cane. The old brick warehouses along the street have now been skillfully converted into shops, restaurants, bars, and hotels, retaining their unique architecture and historical narratives. You can feel the breath of the past in every cobblestone beneath your feet.
Strolling along River Street is an unmissable experience. You can watch large ships entering and leaving the port, tourist ferries gracefully gliding on the river, and the peaceful beauty of the opposite bank. Especially at sunset, the golden light cast upon the river creates a truly stunning picture.
The shops along River Street sell a diverse range of goods, from handicrafts, paintings, and jewelry to souvenirs bearing Savannah’s distinct mark. You can find famous pralines, characteristic Southern hot sauces, or products made from seashells.
River Street is a culinary paradise with countless options, from fresh seafood restaurants and lively bars with live music to charming ice cream parlors and cozy coffee shops. You can enjoy lobster, crab, or traditional Southern dishes while overlooking the river.
From River Street, you can easily book river cruises on the Savannah River, from daytime sightseeing tours to romantic dinner cruises under the evening lights. This is an excellent way to see the city from a different perspective.
Historic District: The Heart and Soul of Savannah
The Historic District (Savannah National Historic Landmark District) – the largest urban National Historic Landmark District in the United States – boasts charming architecture, lush green squares, and cobblestone streets beneath ancient, Spanish moss-draped oak trees.
The most distinctive feature of the Historic District is its system of 22 verdant squares, planned by James Oglethorpe in the 18th century. Each square tells its own story, with fountains, monuments, or green lawns surrounded by elegant historic mansions and magnificent churches. You can spend hours walking from one square to another, each offering its unique beauty and ambiance. Forsyth Park, with its iconic fountain, is an unmissable highlight.
This area is an open-air architectural museum with countless structures in Gothic Revival, Italianate, Greek Revival, and Antebellum (pre-Civil War) styles. The historic homes with their intricately wrought-iron balconies, large windows, and secret gardens paint a vivid picture of Savannah’s glorious past.
The Historic District is home to numerous museums and historic houses, where you can delve deeper into Savannah’s history, culture, and people. From Juliette Gordon Low’s (founder of the Girl Scouts) childhood home to the Mercer-Williams House (made famous by “Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil”), each location has its own story to tell.
Savannah is renowned as one of the most haunted cities in America. The Historic District is the perfect place to join night ghost tours, exploring the mysterious and eerie tales behind the old houses.
Thompson Savannah, with its professional and friendly service that always makes you feel welcome, was an indispensable part of the beautiful memories of our trip to Savannah. If you’re looking for a luxurious retreat with impeccable service and an excellent location, I wholeheartedly recommend Thompson Savannah. Discover more by visiting the official Thompson Savannah website HERE.