I have a very personal reason for caring deeply about where women stay when they travel.
In 1990, I was assaulted in a hotel room in Atlanta, Georgia. Room 939. I was 27 years old, and those fifteen minutes changed the way I move through the world forever. They changed how I research hotels, how I think about room location and lighting, and how I trust my instincts when something feels off.
Since I live in Savannah, women ask me all the time about where to stay. Here’s the thing you need to know. In Savannah, where you stay can completely shape your experience.
Choose the right area, and you’ll feel relaxed, confident, and free to explore. Choose the wrong one, and you’ll spend too much time driving, second-guessing, or feeling disconnected from the magic that makes this city so extraordinary.
Here’s what I’ve learned from years of walking around Savannah, staying in its hotels, and listening to women just like you.
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What I Consider Before I Book Anything
These are the factors I always weigh: walkability, safety and lighting after dark, proximity to restaurants and attractions, noise level (this matters more than people think), parking and transportation options, and the overall vibe of the hotel itself. Does it feel welcoming? Secure? Like somewhere I’ll actually be comfortable?
Safety is never an afterthought for me. It’s where I start.
Where to Stay in Savannah (3 Areas Worth Checking Out)
Savannah isn’t one-size-fits-all. The city has distinct destination areas, and each one offers a different kind of experience.
Here’s my honest take on the three areas I recommend most often.
1. River Street Area
- Best for women who love waterfront views and lively energy
Staying near River Street means you wake up to the Savannah River, boat traffic, scenic walks, and some of the city’s best restaurants within easy reach. It’s beautiful, especially in the evening when everything is lit up, and the river is glittering.
That said, River Street is busy, and it stays that way late into the night. The cobblestones are charming, but they’re also uneven and challenging to navigate, so keep that in mind depending on your mobility. If you’re a light sleeper or you’re not in the mood for a party vibe after 10 PM, factor that in before you book. It can be loud sometimes.
For luxury, the JW Marriott Savannah Plant Riverside District is in a league of its own. It’s built inside a converted power plant and spans three buildings, with dining, shopping, entertainment, and architecture so stunning that the hotel itself is the destination.
If you want something a little more intimate with equally gorgeous river views, The Bohemian Hotel is a beautiful choice, and their rooftop bar, Rocks on the Roof, is absolutely worth a visit.
For mid-range, my personal favorite is Homewood Suites Historic Riverfront. Rooftop heated pool. And, the rooftop bar is exclusive to hotel guests. Suite-style rooms that give you real space to spread out. It’s a genuinely good value for what you get.
The River Street Inn is another strong pick, a historic boutique property that guests rave about for its location, charm, and warmth.
2. Historic District
- Best for first-time visitors who want to be close to everything
This is the Savannah most people picture: Spanish moss draping live oak trees over cobblestone streets, gorgeous squares around every corner, museums and boutiques and restaurants all within walking distance. For a first visit, there is truly no better home base.
The tradeoff is that this area is popular, which means prices can run higher, and some streets get noisy on weekends. The right hotel makes all the difference.
For luxury, Perry Lane Hotel is consistently one of the most acclaimed stays in the entire city. It sits just off Broughton Street, Savannah’s main shopping corridor, and guests love it for its rooftop pool, stylish design, and service that feels genuinely attentive. It’s the kind of hotel that makes you feel like you’re living in Savannah, not just visiting. Its rooftop bar, The Peregrin, is absolutely divine!
For a more classic Savannah experience and in the thick of pedestrian traffic, The Marshall House on East Broughton Street is a gem. It’s historic, warm, and beloved for its ambiance and hospitality.
And, both The Alida and Andaz Savannah are favorites among Savannahians in the know.
3. Forsyth Park Area
- Best for women who want quiet, charm, and a slower pace
The southern edge of the Historic District has a completely different energy. It’s residential, peaceful, and anchored by the beauty of Forsyth Park itself. If you love morning walks, sitting on a hotel porch with your coffee, and coming home to a quiet street at night, this is your neighborhood.
You’ll walk a bit more to reach River Street or the northern end of downtown, but many of my readers tell me the trade-off is absolutely worth it.
Hotel Bardo Savannah is one of my favorites in the city. It’s set in a beautifully restored 1888 mansion right across from the park, with the kind of thoughtful, boutique luxury that feels special rather than showy. I had such a memorable evening there at their pasta-making class inside Saint Bibiana cooking school that I wrote an entire post about it. If that sounds like your kind of night, read all about it here.
Bellwether House is another standout, an elegant historic inn with spa offerings and a long front porch that was recently recognized by Historic Hotels of America as one of the Best Small Historic Inns in their 2025 Awards of Excellence. That recognition is well deserved.
For mid-range, Forsyth Park Inn is a wonderful bed and breakfast housed in a Queen Anne Victorian mansion from the 1890s. The Southern hospitality there is genuine, the rooms are beautifully done, and waking up across from the park is a memory you’ll carry home.
Is Savannah Safe for Tourists?
The short answer is yes, especially if you’re staying in the areas I’ve recommended in this post.
Savannah’s Historic District and River Street are well-patrolled, highly walkable, and where the vast majority of visitors spend their time.
As of early 2026, the city has seen a consistent downward trend in violent crime in the tourist areas, which is genuinely good news. That said, property crime remains higher than the national average, and like any city, Savannah has neighborhoods that are not meant for visitors.
West Savannah and the Yamacraw Village area are avoided by tourists for good reason, and you simply won’t find yourself there unless you’re specifically heading in that direction.
Knowing the full picture isn’t meant to scare you. It’s meant to set you free to enjoy the city with confidence. Speaking of being set free, I recommend buying travel insurance every time you travel! It’s not expensive, and Travelsafe is highly reputable in our travel industry and offers the most bang for your buck, in my opinion.
A few things I want you to keep in mind:
My mother-in-law, Merle Anderson, had a saying I’ve never forgotten: “Nothing good happens after midnight.” She was right. The later the evening gets, the greater the risk increases in any city, and Savannah is no exception.
City Market is wonderful during the day and early evening, lively and fun, and completely enjoyable. But late, at night, particularly in the 2 to 3 AM window, it becomes a different place. Plan your evenings with intention, and you’ll be just fine.
If you’re staying near Forsyth Park, I’d encourage you to use Uber or Lyft in the evenings rather than walking. That neighborhood is beautiful and quieter than River Street or Broughton Street, and that quietness is part of its charm during the day.
Savannah Safety Packing List
At night, the lower foot traffic means you’re walking with less company. There’s no reason to take that chance when a rideshare costs a few dollars. Just make sure your phone is charged before you head out for the evening. A portable power bank that’s airplane safe tucked in your bag means you’re never stranded without a way to call one.
If you’re driving, lock your car. Every time. About half of all vehicle thefts in Savannah involve unlocked doors, which means they’re entirely preventable. Don’t leave anything visible on the seats.
And when you’re out exploring City Market or Broughton Street, keep your essentials close. I love a good anti-theft crossbody bag for exactly this reason. Slim, secure, and stylish enough to go anywhere. A compact RFID-blocking wallet is another small investment that’s well worth it in any busy tourist area.
One thing I never travel without is a portable door lock. It takes seconds to use and adds a layer of security that lets me sleep soundly no matter where I am. After everything I’ve experienced, it’s a non-negotiable in my bag.
And one more thing: our cobblestone streets are gorgeous, yet can be absolutely treacherous, especially after dark and especially if you’ve had a cocktail. Watch your step on River Street. It’s all fun and games until someone turns an ankle. Comfortable, supportive walking shoes make all the difference in a city built for walking. Your feet will thank you by day three.
For a deeper look at crime patterns in Savannah, I want to point you toward my fellow blogger Erin Clarkson at Savannah First-Timer’s Guide. She maintains an updated Savannah crime map that tracks incidents across the city throughout the year. It’s one of the most honest, practical resources I know of for visitors who want to go in with clear eyes. Look at it not to worry, but to feel prepared. That’s the whole point.
Where to Stay in Savannah: So Which Area Is Right for You?
- If you love waterfront views and don’t mind a lively atmosphere, River Street is calling your name.
- If you’re visiting Savannah for the first time and want to walk to everything, the Historic District is where you belong.
- If you want quiet streets, beautiful architecture, and a slower pace, make your home base near Forsyth Park.
| Area | Best For | Vibe | Pros | Cons | Luxury Hotels | Mid-Range / Boutique Options |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| River Street Area | Waterfront views & lively energy | Scenic, busy, nightlife-focused | River views & boat traffic, Walkable to restaurants & bars, Beautiful at night | Can be noisy late into the night, Crowded, Uneven cobblestone streets | 1. JW Marriott Savannah Plant Riverside District | 1.Homewood Suites, Historic Riverfront 2. River Street Inn |
| Historic District | First-time visitors | Classic Savannah charm, central & walkable | Close to everything, Iconic squares & architecture, Best overall location | Higher prices, Can be busy/noisy on weekends | 1. Perry Lane Hotel | 1. The Marshall House 2. The Alida 3. Andaz Savannah |
| Forsyth Park Area | Quiet, slower-paced stays | Peaceful, residential, charming | Relaxed atmosphere, Beautiful park views, Less crowded | Longer walk to River Street/downtown | 1. Hotel Bardo Savannah 2. Bellwether House | 1. Forsyth Park Inn |
There is no wrong answer here. Every one of these areas offers something genuinely wonderful. The key is knowing which version of wonderful fits how you like to travel.
Savannah is a city meant to be enjoyed at an unhurried pace. And where you stay sets the tone for it all. I hope that you leave this post feeling clear, confident, and ready to book with certainty rather than crossing your fingers and hoping for the best.
That’s the whole point of everything I do. You deserve to travel fearlessly. That starts long before your first step off the plane.
And once you know where you’re staying, check out my printable 3-Day Itinerary, or my post, One Day in Savannah: A Local’s Perfect Itinerary, to start planning exactly what you’ll do when you get here.
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