Savannah's Secret Gem: Unforgettable Stay at DoubleTree by Hilton Historic District
Savannah's Secret Gem: DoubleTree by Hilton Historic District - A Review (and a Bit of a Rambling Love Letter to Savannah)
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because I’m about to spill the tea on the DoubleTree by Hilton in Savannah’s Historic District. Forget pristine, perfectly-polished reviews – this is the real deal, folks. This ain't just a hotel; it's a launching pad for a Savannah adventure, and I'm here to tell you about my messy, wonderful, almost-too-good-to-be-true experience. My goal? To get you packing your bags NOW.
The Hook (and why you need to go):
Listen, Savannah is magic. Pure, unadulterated, Spanish-moss-draped, cobblestone-street GLAMOUR. It seeps into your soul. You feel it. And this DoubleTree? It gets you into that magic, seamlessly. No need to mess around, it's in a perfect location, with the historic district right outside the door, and it just "gets" what Savannah is all about: charm, history, and a dash of Southern… well, eccentricity.
First Impressions and Navigating the Labyrinth (Accessibility and My Clumsiness):
Okay, so, accessibility. I’m not disabled but I'm also not exactly graceful. I'm the kind of person who trips walking on a flat surface. So I am always on the lookout for potential accessibility issues! This hotel is pretty darn good. The elevators are a godsend for my clumsy self and would be super useful for anyone needing them! I saw ramps and stuff, all good signs. The lobby is designed for movement which I am all about. The staff, from what I could see, were wonderfully accommodating – always a plus.
Internet, Glorious Internet, and the Battle for My Sanity:
Essential in the modern world. We need it, we crave it. Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Praise be! Also a solid Wi-Fi signal in the public areas, which is great for those of us who need to Instagram the perfect shot of a fountain or a gorgeous square (and I mean, come on, it's Savannah – you will be doing that). Having LAN access is nice for the times that the Wi-Fi is not as good.
The Room – My Home Away From Home (and the Coffee Maker that Saved My Life):
The rooms? Clean, comfortable, and surprisingly well-appointed. My room, (I think it was a non-smoking one - whew!) was a haven. Seriously, I was exhausted after a full day of exploring! The Air conditioning worked flawlessly, which is crucial in Savannah (trust me, the humidity is a beast!). Blackout curtains are a MUST. So is the coffee/tea maker. Because, friends, a Savannah morning without strong coffee is a tragedy. (Oh, and the extra long bed? Yes, please!) Little touches like the bathrobes and slippers really elevated the whole experience. And the safety/security features? Super reassuring. I felt safe and secure, which let me fully relax and enjoy the beauty.
Cleanliness and Safety – Feeling Safe and Sound (Despite My Slightly Chaotic Nature):
This is a BIG one for me, especially now. Seeing how much effort they put into things like anti-viral cleaning products and daily disinfection in common areas made me feel safe. The fact that they have room sanitization opt-out is amazing! The staff trained in safety protocol was another sign of their priorities. They have a doctor/nurse on call, so there is some peace of mind. The fact that they have hand sanitizer everywhere is absolutely essential and a sign of the times.
Spa, Sauna, and Sunshine (or… My Failed Attempt at Zen):
Okay, the DoubleTree has a pool! An outdoor swimming pool to be exact! And a pool with a view is even better! All of the spa things are things I wish I could have enjoyed! There is a spa, sauna, steamroom, a place for massage and a body scrub and body wrap. I tried to imagine myself getting pampered with a foot bath before a massage. The whole idea of the place is to take you away. Let’s just say my attempts at true relaxation are often hampered by my inner monologue: “Did I lock the car? Did I remember to buy those avocados?” (Spoiler alert: I didn't ever quite reach zen, but the thought was there).
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking – Fueling the Adventure (and My Love for Southern Cuisine):
The real heart of any hotel! And this one delivers. The bar had a seriously impressive cocktail menu (and a killer happy hour). The restaurants had something for everyone. I enjoyed the buffet in restaurant for breakfast one day - it was a great start to the day. The coffee shop was a lifesaver, fueling my Savannah exploration. The salad in the restaurant was delicious, and I could imagine that the soup would be a great pairing. I did not get the chance to enjoy the Asian or Western cuisine!
Services and Conveniences – Making Life Easier (Because, Let's Be Honest, I Need It):
The concierge was super helpful with recommendations. The daily housekeeping was like a magical fairy, tidying my room while I was out getting into trouble. I loved the luggage storage – because let's face it, I always overpack. The dry cleaning and laundry service were a lifesaver too (because, again, Savannah is dusty). They also have facilities for disabled guests which is an amazing bonus. I loved the fact that there was a convenience store – I grabbed a snack on my way back to the room one day. The cash withdrawal was also really useful! Because, you know, spontaneous beignets are a priority. The elevator was a plus too.
Beyond the Hotel Walls – Exploring Savannah (And Getting Lost… Gloriously):
The true magic of this hotel is its proximity to everything. Stepping outside, you’re right there in the heart of the Historic District. Walk to River Street, stroll through Forsyth Park… soak it all in. You could get a taxi service! The surrounding area is amazing!
The Verdict (and Why You Should Book Now):
The DoubleTree by Hilton Historic District in Savannah? It’s a winner. It’s got everything you need: a great location, comfortable rooms, solid amenities, and a staff that’s genuinely friendly. The ease of access makes everything even more appealing. Sure, it might not be perfect (does anything ever really feel perfect?) but it provides a perfect springboard for the beauty of Savannah.
Here's Your "Don't Miss" Opportunity to Book a Savannah Dream:
Offer: Book your stay at the DoubleTree by Hilton Historic District today and receive a complimentary upgrade to a room with a view (subject to availability), a welcome drink at the bar, and a discount on a local walking tour of the Historic District.
Why You Should Book Now:
- Location, Location, Location: Step outside and dive RIGHT into Savannah's charm.
- Comfort and Convenience: Relax in clean, well-appointed rooms and take advantage of fantastic amenities.
- Unforgettable Memories: Experience the magic of Savannah. Experience the best hotel you could get.
- Limited Time Offer: Don't miss your chance to get these exclusive perks!
Click here to book your Savannah adventure! (Insert Link Here)
Seriously, go. You won't regret it. And tell me all about it when you get back. I'm already planning my return trip!
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Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your grandma's itinerary. This is me, battling Savannah's humidity and my own indecisiveness, at the DoubleTree by Hilton in the Historic District. Let's see if I survive this… and maybe, just maybe, have a good time.
Day 1: Arrival (and immediate meltdown)
- 1:00 PM: Arrive at Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport (SAV). Ugh, the heat. It smacks you in the face the second you step out of the air-conditioned plane. Good lord, I forgot how much I hate the humidity. Already regretting wearing jeans.
- 1:45 PM: Uber to the Doubletree. The driver, bless his heart, was extremely chatty. He told me the history of every single house we passed. By the third story about a disgruntled sea captain, my brain was officially mush.
- 2:15 PM: Check-in at the DoubleTree. Ah, the cookies! Bless you, DoubleTree, for that simple act of kindness. It’s a small gesture, but after a long travel, it makes everything feel a little better. My room wasn’t quite ready, so I ended up wandering the lobby, slightly overwhelmed by the architectural details of the hotel. It felt like it has a good feel to it. I like the classic style of the hotel.
- 3:00 PM: Finally, room! The tiny room felt so small after all the travel. I am not sure whether I might have the wrong room. I'm starting to think I should have gotten a bigger room.
- 3:30 PM: A quick power nap. I can feel the vacation mode kicking in.
- 4:30 PM - 6:00 PM: Wandering around. The historic district is beautiful. I got lost in the squares (they all look the same, don't they?), and spent way too long staring at people sitting on park benches. Is it just me, or do they all look so… relaxed? I'm still trying to find my chill.
- 6:00 PM: Dinner at a place called "The Olde Pink House". Everyone raves about it, right? The food was fancy, and the ambiance, well, everyone in Savannah seemed to be dressed to impress. I felt a little awkward in my t-shirt, but the food was divine. The ambiance was, to be honest, a bit much. Like, I felt like I should've brought a monocle.
- 7:30 PM: After dinner, I went for a walk in the square and saw a couple of ghosts, at least I think I did. Actually, it was probably the wine talking, but there's definitely something magical about Savannah at night.
- 8:30 PM: Went back to the hotel and got lost in the beauty of the hotel. I ordered a late night snack at the hotel. The fried food was so good.
Day 2: History, Hangovers, and Horrors
- 9:00 AM: Woke up with a raging headache. Turns out, that wine from dinner hit me hard. I guess I wasn't made for those fancy cocktails.
- 10:00 AM: Managed to drag myself to a "hop on, hop off" trolley tour. I thought it would be a good idea. I'm still not convinced. This felt like information overload. The tour guide sounded like he was reading from a script, and I kept nodding off. I need a coffee, and a nap.
- 12:00 PM: Lunch at a super cute cafe, one I found while lost, which is the best way I find places.
- 1:30 PM: I decided to visit the Mercer Williams House. It's the house from "Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil," and I was pretty excited. The tour was, frankly, a little disappointing. Maybe my expectations were too high? It was like, “See, this is where the piano was! This is where the thing, whatever it was, happened!”. I'm sure it was a wonderful place, but I could not shake the sense of disappointment.
- 3:00 PM: Drinks at a rooftop bar to try to cheer myself up. Savannah sure knows how to do rooftop bars. The views were absolutely stunning. Just pure joy.
- 4:00 PM: A ghost tour, because, I just couldn't resist. I was skeptical, but you know what? It was actually pretty cool. The guide had a great storytelling voice, and the stories were creepy enough to be entertaining without being terrifying.
- 6:00 PM: Dinner at a seafood place that I can’t recall the name. I had a weird dream last night so I didn’t remember much. I had some of the best seafood I have eaten in a long time.
- 7:30 PM - Onward: Walk the historic district. Savannah at night. The ambiance. I walked around for hours. I kept getting lost. It was the best part of the day.
Day 3: The Quest for the Perfect Praline (and Departure)
- 9:00 AM: Woke up feeling somewhat human. Hallelujah!
- 10:00 AM: Breakfast at the hotel. The waffles were amazing.
- 11:00 AM: The Great Praline Hunt. Determined to find the perfect praline. I went to three different shops, eating samples until I was practically sugared-out. I settled on one, the one that tasted the least like a brick.
- 12:00 PM: Last-minute souvenir shopping. Found a few quirky little trinkets.
- 1:00 PM: Tried to fit in one last walk in the historic squares. I can't help but feel a bit sad to leave. Savannah, with all her imperfections and quirks, feels a little like home.
- 2:00 PM: Check-out. The lady at the front desk, she was SO nice. Seriously, everyone in Savannah is nice.
- 2:30 PM: Uber to the airport. Goodbye, Savannah!
- 3:00 PM: The flight. I feel exhausted. Maybe I was not made for these trips. But I'll be back.
Final Thoughts:
Savannah is… well, it’s something. It’s beautiful, it’s quirky, it's a little bit humid hell, and it’s definitely got something special. This wasn’t some meticulously planned, Instagram-worthy vacation. There were hiccups, moments of pure bliss, and times I just wanted to hide in my hotel room with a bag of chips. But isn't that what real life is about? And maybe, just maybe, I'll come back and do it all again… minus the jeans. Never again.
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Okay, spill the tea – is this DoubleTree *really* as "historic" as they claim? I'm picturing cobwebs and ghosts (though, you know, in a fun way).
Alright, buckle up, buttercup. "Historic" in Savannah is a spectrum, like the color of perfectly ripe peaches. This DoubleTree... yeah, it's *in* the Historic District. So, you’re surrounded by gorgeous old buildings, cobblestone streets, and that delicious, slightly haunted Savannah air. But the *building* itself? Let's just say it's been updated. No crumbling walls, no cobweb-laden chandeliers (that I saw, anyway... I did spend a lot of time staring at the ceiling). It's more "charming adaptation" than "time capsule” and a great place to start. I mean, I'm not sure the HVAC from the 1700s was *that* comfortable, let's be real.
Let’s talk the famous DoubleTree cookie. Is it all its cracked up to be? Do I need to smuggle a suitcase full home?
Oh. My. Gooey. Stars. The cookie. Yes. Absolutely, positively yes. It's the gateway drug to hotel happiness. Warm, melty, chewy, and those chocolate chips… Oh, those glorious chocolate chips. I nearly lost my mind during check-in. I walked in and saw the cookie, got the biggest smile on my face and practically hugged the front desk attendant. She probably thought I was insane, but I didn't care. I devoured it so fast I didn’t even notice what color the lobby was. Smuggling a suitcase full? Listen, I’m not judging. I *almost* did it. Maybe plan for a second suitcase for the return trip. Trust me on this one.
Room size: Tiny closet or enough room to swing a… let's say, a small kitten? Asking for a friend… who may or may not be a hoarder.
Okay, room size. This is where the "historic charm" might translate to "slightly snug." It's not a ballroom, you won’t hosting a tea party for 20. But it’s perfectly functional. Now, can you swing a kitten? Probably. Would I recommend it? Absolutely not, poor thing could get launched into a corner and be traumatized forever. It's perfectly acceptable. I had enough room to unpack my stuff and still navigate the space perfectly fine. The bathroom was a decent size and the bed was comfortable. That is what matters most.
Parking! The bane of every traveler’s existence. What's the deal here? Is it valet-only, or am I going to spend three hours circling the block? And how much will it cost me just to *park*?
Parking… ah, the delightful dance of finding a spot in a popular tourist destination. Okay, so, the DoubleTree *does* have parking, which is a massive win! It's valet, which is… convenient. And by convenient, I mean you don't stress about finding a spot and you can focus on other important things, like figuring out what cocktail to order or where to get the best shrimp and grits. But be prepared for a cost. It's not exactly pocket change. Factor that into your budget. I had to budget for my valet parking and maybe, just maybe, a little more for extra cookies. Priorities, people!
Food! Besides the cookie (which is a food group, obviously), what's the dining situation like in the hotel? And are there any good restaurants nearby you’d actually *recommend*?
The DoubleTree has its own restaurant, which is… fine. Perfectly acceptable for a quick breakfast or a late-night snack. It’s not going to blow your mind, but it will fill your stomach. But the real magic? Savannah! The Historic District is a foodie paradise. Like, seriously, prepare to loosen your belt (or, you know, just buy a bigger one after… I may have done both). * **Nearby Must-Try Spots:** * **Mrs. Wilkes' Dining Room:** A Savannah institution. Expect a line, but it's worth it for the Southern comfort food feast. Go with an empty stomach and an even emptier heart. * **The Olde Pink House:** Instagram-worthy and the food is amazing. Get a reservation, it's worth it. * **Collins Quarter:** Great for breakfast or lunch. And their coffee? Perfection.
Okay, I'm easily overwhelmed. Is the location of this hotel *actually* convenient for exploring Savannah, or am I going to be spending all my time in Ubers?
The location is *fantastic*. You're right in the heart of the action. You can walk to so many of the main attractions: Forsyth Park (beautiful!), River Street (touristy but iconic), and all those gorgeous squares that Savannah is known for. I walked everywhere. Okay, maybe I Ubered a few times when my feet felt like they were gonna give out, but mostly I walked! You'll have to do quite a bit of walking around. I love walking everywhere when I want to explore a new place, I would be completely and utterly exhausted by the end of the day, but the memories and experiences are worth it!
Can you give me the lowdown on the hotel's amenities? Like, does it have a pool? Gym? Is there a way to stay connected to the outside world (Wi-Fi)?
Alright, let's break down the "stuff." Yes, it has a pool. Did I use it? Nope. I was too busy exploring and stuffing my face with… well, cookies. But it's there! And it looked… refreshing. It's probably nice if you're the pool-lounging type. There’s a gym, too. Which I also did not use. Don’t judge me; vacations are for eating cookies and walking, not treadmills. Free Wi-Fi, which is a must for me, especially when you're trying to post pictures to social media of yourself eating said cookies.
What about the staff? Friendly? Helpful? Or are they just going through the motions? Because let's be honest, a good staff can make or break your experience.
The staff? They were excellent! The front desk folks were super friendly, helpful and cheerful. They even acted surprised at my cookie enthusiasm! From the valet guys, to the cleaning people, they were all great. Seriously, good service is huge for a comfortable stay. They helped enhance the experience for me and made it an enjoyable one. They certainly didn't make me feel like a bother, which, in the travel industry, is aAround The World Hotels
