Where to Stay During Savannah’s Secret Season (2026)
How to use this guide
This is a Secret Season–specific lodging guide for Savannah — designed to help you choose the right area based on how you want to experience the city during January and February. Rather than listing every hotel or rental option, this guide focuses on where staying actually works best in winter, when days are shorter, crowds thin, and Savannah becomes more walk-first and neighborhood-driven than festival-driven.
A quick note on rentals: Savannah regulates short-term rentals and enforcement can vary by area and listing type. Hotels and aparthotels are often the most consistent option during Secret Season, though rentals can still work well if you confirm licensing/permit details, read rules closely, and prioritize highly reviewed operators.
If you’re still deciding whether Savannah’s Secret Season is right for you, start with the main destination guide. This post assumes you’re planning an off-peak winter visit and want a home base that keeps the experience smooth — not logistically fragile.
Historic District Core
Savannah’s Historic District core is the most straightforward Secret Season base — especially if you want the “walk out and start wandering” version of the city. The grid, the squares, and the density of restaurants, coffee spots, and historic sites make it easy to plan days that don’t require a car or long transit gaps.
In January and February, the same streets that feel crowded in spring become noticeably calmer. That change matters here: Savannah’s best experience is often slow and observational, and winter makes it easier to linger, take detours, and fit more into a smaller footprint without fighting weekend congestion.
Best for: First-time visitors, short stays, and anyone prioritizing maximum walkability to squares, dining, and classic Savannah atmosphere
What to know: This area stays in demand year-round; winter helps pricing, but the best-located options can still book early on popular weekends
Big hotel
Perry Lane Hotel — A full-service, centrally located option that works well as an all-in-one base when you want comfort and walk-first logistics.
Boutique hotel
The Marshall House — A historic-feeling stay with strong character and a location that supports winter-style days built around squares, coffee stops, and easy evening plans.
Rental option
“Savor the Romance” Private Balcony Historic Home — A consistently top-rated Airbnb just off Jones Street with a calm, winter-friendly setup.
Riverfront + North Historic District
Staying on the riverfront side of downtown changes Savannah’s rhythm in a useful way during Secret Season. You’re still fully walkable to the grid and the squares, but your days naturally anchor around the river walk, indoor dining, and shorter loops that feel especially practical when it’s cooler or drizzlier.
This area can be a strong winter choice if you want easy access to the riverfront experience without treating it like a single stop you commute to. It’s also a good fit for travelers who prefer a slightly more self-contained, hotel-forward stay — with restaurants, bars, and amenities close by when evenings feel quieter.
Best for: Travelers who want riverfront access, a hotel-anchored stay, and a downtown experience that feels easy to navigate in shorter winter days
What to know: River Street can still get busy on weekends and during event weeks, but it’s far less compressed than spring
Big hotel
JW Marriott Savannah Plant Riverside District — A large, amenity-rich option that’s especially convenient in winter when you want dining and atmosphere built into your immediate footprint.
Boutique hotel
Olde Harbour Inn — A historic, independently operated inn right on the riverfront, offering suite-style rooms and a quieter, more residential feel than larger hotels nearby. It works especially well in winter when proximity to dining and the Historic District matters more than nightlife energy.
Rental option
The Broad House, Historic | Renewed | Cozy — A highly reviewed Airbnb in the North Historic District with easy walking access to the riverfront.
Forsyth Park Edge + Victorian District
If you want Savannah to feel calmer, greener, and more residential — without giving up walkability — the Forsyth Park edge and nearby Victorian District are a smart Secret Season base. In winter, this part of town feels especially livable: quieter blocks, easier parking logistics, and a slower pace that matches the season.
This area works best if you like starting the day with a park loop, café stop, or neighborhood walk before heading deeper into the Historic District. You’ll still reach the core on foot, but you’re less surrounded by peak-foot-traffic streets — a meaningful difference during a winter trip built around atmosphere rather than constant activity.
Best for: Repeat visitors, slower-paced trips, and travelers who want a calmer home base that still supports walkable days
What to know: You’ll be a bit farther from the riverfront; it’s still walkable, but some evenings may be better with a short rideshare
Big hotel
Hotel Bardo Savannah — A large, modern full-service hotel located directly adjacent to Forsyth Park, offering reliable year-round operations and an easy winter base for park walks, dining, and quieter neighborhood exploration. Its scale and amenities work well in January–February when having dining and indoor space on-site adds flexibility.
Boutique hotel
The Bellwether House — A smaller, more intimate stay with a quiet, residential feel that suits Savannah’s winter pace.
Rental option
3-Bedrooms w/ Balcony | Walk to Forsyth Park! — A well-reviewed Victorian District Airbnb that functions as a comfortable winter home base near the park.
About our selections
This guide prioritizes neighborhoods and accommodations that work well specifically during Savannah’s Secret Season — not just in theory, or only when the city is at spring peak.
Selections are based on:
Winter walkability and a compact day-to-day footprint
Reliable access to dining and indoor-friendly cultural stops
Ease of moving around the city when days are shorter and evenings are quieter
Consistent operations and availability during January–February
This is not a comprehensive list — it’s a curated starting point.
Planning beyond this guide
Our main destination guide for Savannah can be found here. This post focuses on where staying works best during Savannah’s Secret Season. For deeper planning help, explore the supporting posts in this series (coming soon):
What to Do in Savannah in Winter (Without the Crowds)
What to Pack for Savannah in January–February
Savannah’s Secret Season — Family Edition
Together, these guides help you plan a winter trip that feels intentional rather than constrained — and they’re refreshed each year for the same Secret Season window.
