Best Room At… Thompson Savannah
Think about Savannah, Georgia, and you might conjure images of old-fashioned charm: dripping Spanish moss, elegant houses, or crumbling graveyards. All of those things are undeniably part of the appeal of the city, but there’s also something modern happening there: a bustling contemporary food scene led by restaurants like The Grey, a vibrant art community, thanks in part to the city-wide sprawl of SCAD, and a riot of development happening, notably in the Eastern Wharf, just steps away from the picturesque historic district.
Smack in the middle of that neighborhood is the Thompson Savannah, which opened in July 2021 and has become a destination for travelers and locals alike thanks to a prime riverfront location and draws like its lobby restaurant, Fleeting, and the rooftop Bar Julian—which more than a few residents recommended before I took a recent trip. The hotel isn’t lacking in Southern charm or hospitality but doesn’t put on old-timey airs. Instead, it’s a decidedly modern oasis—with an art-filled lobby and an adjacent coffee shop that wouldn’t feel out of place back at home in Brooklyn—that offers a contemporary vision of the city without losing touch with its heritage. “It’s that feeling of old and new combined,” explains general manager Keith Butz, “that really speak to the modern Savannah. We’re an incredibly desirable city to visit, and you’re walking into a property that feels unique but also meant for its place. You don’t feel like you’re in Chicago, Denver, or Seattle; you’re getting an authentic Savannah experience.”
Here, Butz shares the details of his own favorite room, and explains how to properly enjoy everything Savannah has to offer, no matter its age.
What do you consider to be the best room at the property and why?
Our Thompson Suite is incredible. It’s one of our most requested rooms, and lets guests look out over the Savannah River. Any time that I stay at the hotel, if I get a room overlooking the river, where I can look out the window and watch the ships go by, it brings a smile to my face.
How much does it cost per night?
The Thompson Suite starts at $1900 during off-peak season.
How would you describe the guests and the vibe at the hotel?
We’re geared toward a vibrant, and world-traveling group who want to experience what’s new. The strength of the Thompson is that we’re really tied into the local market. Guests from the area are coming to the hotel—previously locals might not have gone to hotels because they weren’t as authentic, but we’re finding because of our connection to the art world, the quality of our offerings, and the views from Bar Julian we’re getting a lot of people from Savannah and the surrounding areas.
What feeling about Savannah do you hope to impart to guests?
We’re excited to be a vibrant, elegant luxury brand in the Eastern Wharf because it allowed us a new build, and that was the key, because we could have a new build and still be close to the history of Savannah. Being right along the river with the views we have means we’re unmistakably in this place—you can also walk right along the river to be the in the heart of the city in just a few minutes—but you’re also in a brand new luxury hotel.
What’s a local attraction that you always recommend?
Any time you can do a walking tour of the city—whether it’s a haunted tour or just a walking tour—and explore the squares, the homes, or the history of the city, that really gives you a great taste of everything Savannah has to offer.
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