Visit The River Street Inn and Immerse Yourself in the Savannah Experience (Savannah, GA).

The River Street Inn, View from the Savannah River

Step back in time to the year 1817. The River Street Inn, a boutique hotel located on the Savannah River in Savannah, Georgia. This property was once the home of a cotton exchange. It is a large brick structure that stretches approximately two blocks along the riverfront.  Back in the day bales of cotton were brought up to the building by horse and carriage, it was priced at the exchange and then loaded onto the waiting merchant ships across the way on the Savannah River. There are rumors of staff still lingering, fortunately, I did not encounter any during our stay.  I was visiting the city, just for one night, with my mother and sister-in-law for a girl’s getaway. 

The River Street Inn is conveniently located on East Bay Street. Steps away from trendy restaurants, shops, tours, and ferries, and walking distance to the historic neighborhoods of Savannah, GA.  It opened its doors in 1983. The boutique hotel has a total of 99 rooms. Just prior to the pandemic, In 2019, it had undergone a 5.5 million dollar renovation.  

View from our room of the River and the River Boats.

Common Area - The River Street Inn

The bottom floors are made of ballast stone. Ballast stones were used to stabilize ships prior to taking on freight. As they came to port; it was removed and replaced with cotton. The upper floors were constructed from handmade bricks. No two are identical. 

Ballast Stone

Interior - The River Street Inn

The River Street Inn offers valet parking, there is an additional charge for the service. Worth every penny.  The staff could not have been more friendly or helpful. The reception is a small area with seating. It is very unassuming. But as soon as you round the corner, you find yourself standing in the newly designed atrium. You are immediately hit with a burst of natural light streaming through the glass ceiling of the central corridor. The atrium is adorned with hand-painted scenery and bookshelves. You feel as though you’re standing in an elaborate library. Flanking the top is a row of painted Griffin heads representing wealth and prosperity.  On the opposite side is a semi-glass elevator providing guests a view of the quaint Savannah Riverfront below. 

Atrium

Atrium

The rooms are a perfect mix of industrial decor and antique replicas. Each room type has a unique flavor, with exposed brick, monochrome wallpaper, heart pine flooring, wood beams, with pops of blues and reds. That’s what makes this inn so special. You get all the comfort and luxury that a chain hotel would provide, with the authentic flare of a historic Inn. The mattresses are comfortable, and the large windows provide plenty of light.  Our room had a view of the River. Some offer a small balcony or city view. Which are equally impressive. The bathrooms are large and bright, newly refurbished with lighted mirrors and walk-in shower stalls. ADA rooms are also available. 

Guest Room

Guest Room/Suite

Guest Room

At check-in, guests are provided with a discount card, available to use at restaurants, tours, shops, and spa services.  We used ours for the restaurant, Tubby’s, casual dining,  located on the second floor of the Inn. Huey's Southern Cafe, on street level, offers a delicious breakfast. Other amenities include free WiFi, complimentary coffee in the morning, and infused water throughout the day. Cafe M will deliver breakfast to your room. The fitness room has weights, cardio equipment, and a Peloton bike. 

We arrived early in the afternoon and had time to attend the Manager’s Reception. (usually begins around 5 pm). We were warmly received by the staff and offered a healthy selection of appetizers and an array of alcohol. There was plenty of seating inside, we chose to sit on the rocking chair porch. I’m glad we did, it started to drizzle, but soon after revealed a picture-perfect rainbow over the Savannah River.  

Girl’s Getaway

Rainbow from the porch at the Manager’s Reception.

If you’re looking for a short getaway with a unique flair, in a “quirky” town. (this word was used more than once during our visit).  The River Street Inn is the place. You’ll be completely immersed in the Savannah experience. 

If you enjoyed this post, subscribe to my blog and follow me on Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, Pinterest, and Facebook. 

Pin Me!