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Where to Stay in Savannah Without Needing a Car

Where to Stay in Savannah Without Needing a Car

ByThe HotelInfo Editorial Team

Savannah is one of the easier American cities to visit without renting a car, provided the hotel is inside or immediately beside the Historic Landmark District. The most convenient locations sit between River Street and Forsyth Park, where squares, museums, restaurants, shopping, and many tour departure points can be reached on foot.

The strongest all-around choices include The Marshall House for historic atmosphere near Broughton Street, Andaz Savannah for City Market access, Perry Lane Hotel for a polished central stay, and The DeSoto for travelers who want to divide their time between the riverfront and Forsyth Park. Riverfront hotels are convenient for waterfront dining but involve slopes, stairs, cobblestones, and more evening activity.

Car-free Savannah planning snapshot

  • Best overall area: The Historic Landmark District between the riverfront and Forsyth Park.
  • Best for nightlife and short walks: City Market, Broughton Street, and the western riverfront.
  • Best for quieter historic atmosphere: The southern Historic District around Lafayette and Madison squares.
  • Transportation: Walking covers most central sightseeing, while the free DOT shuttle and Savannah Belles Ferry can reduce longer walks.
  • Important limitation: Tybee Island, Bonaventure Cemetery, and some attractions outside downtown require a taxi, rideshare, tour transfer, or another transportation plan.

Quick comparison of walkable Savannah hotels

Hotel Area Best fit Main tradeoff
The Marshall House Broughton Street Historic character Busy central setting
Andaz Savannah Ellis Square Dining and nightlife Potential street activity
The Drayton Hotel North Historic District Compact boutique stay Farther from Forsyth Park
River Street Inn River Street Waterfront atmosphere Uneven terrain nearby
The Alida Plant Riverside area Contemporary riverfront trip Western edge location
JW Marriott Savannah Plant Riverside District Full-service luxury Large, active complex
Perry Lane Hotel Central Historic District Upscale first visit Not directly on the river
The DeSoto Madison Square Balanced sightseeing base Longer walk to River Street
Hamilton-Turner Inn Lafayette Square Romantic inn experience Less convenient for nightlife
Thompson Savannah Eastern Wharf Modern waterfront stay Outside the historic core

The Marshall House

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View rooms and property details for The Marshall House if historic atmosphere and central positioning are the priorities. This upscale inn occupies a prominent Broughton Street location, placing guests close to shopping, restaurants, theaters, and the northern squares. River Street and City Market are also within the practical walking zone.

The property is especially suitable for couples and first-time visitors who want a distinctive Savannah setting rather than a conventional large hotel. Its central address can also mean more surrounding activity than visitors would encounter near the southern squares.

Andaz Savannah

Andaz Savannah stands on Ellis Square beside City Market, making it one of the most convenient upscale choices for travelers who expect to dine out, join tours, and return to the hotel between activities. Broughton Street and River Street are nearby, and the location limits the need for long walks after dinner.

This is a strong fit for couples, friends, and short-stay visitors who prefer contemporary design over traditional inn styling. Ellis Square and City Market can remain lively, so travelers who prioritize a hushed residential atmosphere may prefer a hotel farther south.

The Drayton Hotel Savannah, Curio Collection by Hilton

The Drayton Hotel occupies a compact position near Reynolds Square, with Broughton Street, River Street, and several central restaurants close at hand. Its location works particularly well for a weekend centered on the northern Historic District.

The hotel has an upscale boutique profile that may appeal to design-conscious couples and solo travelers. Its northern position is less convenient for frequent visits to Forsyth Park, although the route south passes many of Savannah’s best-known squares.

River Street Inn

River Street Inn places the waterfront experience directly outside the hotel. It is a useful moderate-to-upscale option for travelers interested in river views, waterfront restaurants, and the Savannah Belles Ferry. The building also provides convenient access toward the Historic District above the bluff.

The tradeoff is the physical setting. River Street includes cobblestones, ramps, stairs, and uneven surfaces, and activity from nearby businesses may continue into the evening. Travelers with mobility concerns should confirm the most practical entrance and route with the hotel before booking.

The Alida, Savannah, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel

The Alida sits near the western end of the riverfront, close to Plant Riverside District and a manageable walk from City Market. Its contemporary upscale character suits couples, groups of friends, and travelers who want easy evening access to the western waterfront.

The location is slightly removed from the eastern squares and Forsyth Park. That is rarely a problem for an active walker, but visitors planning several daily trips across the district may prefer a more central address.

JW Marriott Savannah Plant Riverside District

JW Marriott Savannah Plant Riverside District is a luxury choice integrated into the redeveloped western riverfront. Restaurants, entertainment, and public riverfront spaces surround the property, allowing guests to spend an evening nearby without arranging transportation.

It works well for travelers who value a broad, full-service hotel environment and want the riverfront to anchor the trip. The property is larger and more active than Savannah’s intimate historic inns, and its western location increases the walk to the southern and eastern portions of the Historic District.

Perry Lane Hotel, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Savannah

Perry Lane Hotel occupies a highly useful central location near Chippewa Square. From here, travelers can walk north toward Broughton Street and the river or south toward Forsyth Park without beginning at either extreme of the district. The luxury positioning, rooftop spaces, and modern interpretation of Savannah style make it a polished option for first visits and special occasions.

Travelers seeking a literal riverfront address may prefer one of the northern hotels. For exploring the complete Historic District on foot, however, Perry Lane’s central position is difficult to overlook.

The DeSoto Savannah

The DeSoto faces Madison Square in the center-south portion of the Historic District. It offers an upscale, full-service alternative to smaller inns and gives walkers a balanced base for reaching Forsyth Park, museums, churches, and the northern commercial streets.

This is a practical choice for travelers who want a conventional hotel structure in a historic setting. River Street is farther away than it is from the Broughton Street and City Market hotels, so guests with limited walking endurance may rely more frequently on the DOT shuttle.

Hamilton-Turner Inn

Hamilton-Turner Inn overlooks Lafayette Square near the Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist. Its luxury inn format and residential surroundings make it particularly appealing for couples, anniversaries, and quieter stays focused on architecture and the southern squares.

The setting is serene compared with City Market, but that means a longer return walk after evenings near the riverfront. It is also an intimate inn rather than a large resort-style property, a distinction worth considering for travelers who prioritize extensive on-site facilities.

Thompson Savannah, by Hyatt

Thompson Savannah is a modern luxury hotel in Eastern Wharf, east of the traditional Historic District core. The waterfront position and contemporary setting suit travelers who want more separation from the busiest historic streets while retaining access to downtown.

This is the least centrally placed recommendation for a strictly walking-only trip. The DOT shuttle and nearby ferry landing can help, but travelers should check current routes and hours. Guests who want to step immediately into City Market or the central squares will find Andaz Savannah, The Marshall House, or Perry Lane more convenient.

How to choose the right part of Savannah

Choose City Market or Broughton Street for maximum convenience

This northern-central zone is best for short stays, dining, shopping, and tour departures. It can also be busier at night. Andaz Savannah, The Marshall House, and The Drayton Hotel are strong candidates.

Choose the riverfront for views and evening atmosphere

River Street Inn, The Alida, and JW Marriott place the river experience at the center of the trip. Consider the district’s slopes, stairs, and uneven paving before choosing this area based on map distance alone.

Choose the central or southern squares for a calmer stay

Perry Lane, The DeSoto, and Hamilton-Turner Inn are better positioned for travelers who want historic streets and squares to define the visit. The tradeoff is a longer walk to parts of the riverfront.

What car-free travelers often overlook

Map distances do not fully describe walking conditions in Savannah. Summer heat and humidity can make short routes feel longer, while brick sidewalks, cobblestones, high curbs, and the bluff between River Street and the upper district may affect travelers with limited mobility. A hotel five blocks away on level streets may be more practical than a closer property reached by stairs.

The free DOT shuttle connects important points in and around the Historic Landmark District, while the Savannah Belles Ferry serves riverfront landings. Routes, operating hours, and service conditions can change, so travelers should review official information shortly before arrival rather than building an inflexible itinerary around a remembered schedule.

A car-free stay does not mean every destination is walkable. Tybee Island is outside downtown, and Bonaventure Cemetery is several miles from the central district. A guided excursion, taxi, or rideshare can cover an occasional outlying trip without creating the parking expense and responsibility of keeping a rental car for the entire visit.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best area for a first visit without a car?

The central Historic District, roughly between Broughton Street and Madison Square, provides the most balanced access to the riverfront, squares, restaurants, museums, and Forsyth Park.

Is River Street the most convenient place to stay?

It is highly convenient for waterfront dining and river activities, but it is not automatically the easiest location for every traveler. Uneven surfaces, inclines, stairs, and distance from Forsyth Park are meaningful tradeoffs.

Can visitors reach Savannah from the airport without renting a car?

Yes. Taxis, rideshares, and public transportation options connect the airport area with downtown. Travelers should verify current pickup procedures and transit service before arrival.

Do visitors need a car for Tybee Island?

Tybee Island is not within walking distance of downtown Savannah. Visitors need a separate transportation plan, such as a tour, shuttle when available, taxi, rideshare, or rental vehicle.

Which hotel is best for travelers with limited walking endurance?

A central hotel near the attractions and restaurants on the traveler’s personal itinerary is usually preferable. Andaz Savannah is particularly convenient for City Market and the northern district, while Perry Lane and The DeSoto provide more balanced access between the river and Forsyth Park. Travelers should confirm accessible entrances and room requirements directly with the property.

Sources & further reading

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