Savannah's BEST Western? Historic District Hotel SHOCKER!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we're about to dive headfirst into the…well, let's just say "Savannah's BEST Western? Historic District Hotel SHOCKER!" because that's what we're dealing with, alright? Forget the glitz and glamour for a second, because this is real travel, folks. And real travel, sometimes, is a messy, delightful, and occasionally shocking experience. Let’s see if this hotel actually delivers.
First things first: Accessibility & Peace of Mind – (This is important, so I'll try to keep it straight-forward here)
- Wheelchair Accessible: This is crucial! From the website it seems to be yes, but double-check. This is the first thing I look for, because ain't no one got time for a ramp marathon in the heat.
- Facilities for Disabled Guests: Again, a must-have. Is this actually accessible? Let's hope so. I'll be checking the fine print, and if it’s not up to snuff, well, that's a shocker.
- Elevator : Thank god! No one wants the 3 flights of stairs after a day of walking around Savannah.
- Check-in/out [Express & Contactless]: I like the sound of this. Who wants to spend ages fumbling with paperwork and breathing on everything? Less time in a lobby, more time exploring.
- CCTV: I'm a big fan of the CCTV. It means that you can feel safer while you’re in the hotel.
Okay, so far, so good. Basic needs appear to be covered. Now, the real meat of the matter…
Cleanliness and Safety - Is this place a Petri dish?
- Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Hygiene certification, Professional-grade sanitizing services, Rooms sanitized between stays - This is all good news. I'm not a germaphobe, but I do appreciate a clean room, and right now, cleanliness is king.
- Hand sanitizer: Always a plus.
- Staff trained in safety protocol: Gotta love it. Makes me feel a little more secure at least.
- Room sanitization opt-out available: Huh. Interesting. That’s a new one. Do I opt-out, and risk the boogeyman? Or opt IN, and risk the fumes? Choices, choices.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking - Because a girl's gotta eat!
- Restaurants: Apparently, there are restaurants. I'm hoping they're better than the usual Best Western fare.
- Bar: Bonus points! I’ll need a cocktail (or three) after roaming around Savannah's haunted squares.
- Room service [24-hour]: YES! Especially if I arrive late and the only thing that's open is the 24-hour convenience store… which leads me to…
- Coffee/tea in restaurant & Coffee shop: Essential. I need Coffee, and lots of it.
- Snack bar & Bottle of water: Again.. the essentials.
- Vegetarian/Asian/International cuisines: Okay, now we're talking. A little variety never hurt anyone – assuming it’s done well.
- Buffet in restaurant: I am skeptical. Buffets can be a glorious, life-affirming thing, or a sad, sad wasteland of lukewarm mystery meat. Crossing my fingers.
Services and Conveniences - The stuff that makes life easier
- Air conditioning in public area & in room: Thank the heavens. Savannah heat is no joke.
- Concierge: Always useful if you're completely clueless (like me).
- Dry cleaning, Laundry service & Ironing service: Gotta love this! No one wants to look like a wrinkled mess at a fancy dinner, or even just at lunch after wandering the town.
- Cash withdrawal & Currency exchange: Handy.
- Gift/souvenir shop: Good for those last-minute panic buys.
- Meeting/banquet facilities: Well, good for people who have to work. This is Savannah, people, aren't you here to play?
- Luggage storage: A savior if you arrive early or want to wander around town before you leave.
- Car park [free of charge]: YES! Free parking in a tourist hot spot? That's a win from the get-go.
- Daily housekeeping: A must. I can't stand a messy room.
- Doctor/nurse on call: Thank goodness for that.
Okay, let's talk about the rooms. The heart of the matter.
- Air conditioning: Again, thank god.
- Free Wi-Fi: Crucial. I need to be online, people!
- Desk, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace: Useful for work, but let's be honest, I'll probably be sprawled on the bed, tablet in hand, ignoring all the emails.
- Blackout curtains: Yes, please. Especially with all that day-walking
- Coffee/tea maker: Because, coffee!
- Satellite/cable channels & On-demand movies: for those lazy afternoons, although I can't promise I'll be in the room.
- Mini bar: Tempting, but potentially dangerous to my wallet.
- Bathtub, Shower, Separate shower/bathtub, Bathrobes, Slippers: Luxurious. I love this. A nice soak after a long day exploring Savannah sounds heavenly.
- Soundproofing: Praise the lord! Because noisy neighbors are the worst.
- Room decorations: What's that all about, eh? Is this a "shocker," in the sense of, like, bad room decorations?
Things to do & ways to relax - The Fun Stuff
- Fitness center: Gotta burn off those buffet calories somewhere.
- Swimming pool [outdoor]: Essential for Savannah!
- Sauna, Spa, Spa/sauna, Steamroom: Oh, yes. Massages and spa days are non-negotiable when I'm on vacation.
- Body scrub, Body wrap, Foot bath, Massage: Again, all essential. I want to emerge from this trip feeling like a completely renewed human being.
For The Kids - (if you are that way inclined)
- Babysitting service: Useful to know.
- Family/child friendly: Great!
- Kids meal: I like the sound of this.
Getting Around - (How the hell do I get there and back)
- Car power charging station - Interesting
- Taxi service - Handy
- Valet parking - Always a good service
What I'm truly hoping for:
I want a room that's clean, comfortable, and quiet. I want a restaurant that's actually good – and not just "good for a Best Western." I want to be able to relax and unwind, and not constantly worry about germs or inconveniences.
NOW, FOR THE "SHOCKER" - The BIGGEST Let-Down(s) I'm Expecting…
Let's be honest, even in the best hotels, there are always little things that go wrong. My biggest fears?
- The Bed: This is the most important, or you wake up with a backache in a bad mood.
- The Staff: Hopefully, they're friendly and helpful. I want the staff to make me feel welcome, not judged.
- The "Extras": Things like the spa, the fitness center.. let's hope they are actually good.
- Location, Location, Location: Is it truly in the heart of the Historic District? Or is this just a vague, misleading claim?
NOW, THE ULTIMATE SALES PITCH (aka: My Pitch to YOU):
Are You Ready to be SHOCKED… in a Good Way?
Look, you guys, I've done my research – and Savannah's BEST Western? Historic District Hotel SHOCKER! might be the perfect basecamp for your Savannah adventure!
Here's the deal:
- Okay, the name is definitely a bit dramatic, but the core is interesting.
- Accessibility? Seems solid, but verify and double-check.
- Location? If it's actually in the Historic District, score! You're steps away from the cobblestone streets, gorgeous squares, and spooky ghosts.
- Relaxation? Pool, spa, and the potential for actual pampering? Sign me up.
- Cleanliness and Safety? The protocols are encouraging!
BUT HERE'S THE CATCH:
This isn't a five-star resort. It's a Best Western. So, expect… well, expect a Best Western experience. But if they’ve managed to pull off a great one, with those amenities, and solid service? That's a worthy stay.
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Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we're about to dive headfirst into a Savannah adventure, and I'm not promising it'll be pretty. This is the Best Western Historic District, remember? So, expectations are… what are expectations even, these days? Just hold on tight, because we're winging this thing.
Day 1: Arrival, Expectations, and the Existential Dread of a Budget Hotel (and a Haunted City!)
- Morning (ish) (aka, when the caffeine FINALLY kicked in):
- Arrived at Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport (SAV). The flight was… fine. Sat next to a guy who kept clipping his nails. I swear, it felt like a personal attack on my sanity. First impressions of Savannah? HOT. Like, humidity-that-sticks-to-your-skin-and-makes-you-question-all-your-life-choices hot.
- Uber ride to the Best Western. Okay, truth bomb: I'm not a Best Western person. I'm a bougie-ish traveler with a budget. But hey, it's close to the historic district, right? (Insert skeptical eye roll). The lobby smelled vaguely of chlorine and regret. I checked in. The front desk lady (bless her soul, probably dealing with my nonsense all week) was VERY friendly. Positive start!
- First impressions of the room: It's… a room! Clean-ish, I guess. The air conditioner sounds like a dying walrus. The TV screen's a bit fuzzy, and the view is of a brick wall. But, honestly, I’ve seen worse. (Thinking back to my college dorm room…)
- Afternoon: Wanderlust and Wandering Around, Before the Hunger Sets In.
- Okay, time to hit the streets. Armed with a poorly printed Google Maps itinerary (because I’m technologically challenged, and I don't believe in paper maps unless I absolutely have to), I start rambling around the squares. Honestly, Savannah is gorgeous. Cobblestone streets. Spanish moss hanging from ancient trees. It’s like walking through a postcard. And suddenly, I get a pang of actual, real, "I'M SO GLAD TO BE HERE" happiness.
- Square hopping: I wandered through Telfair Square, Chippewa Square (You know, the Forrest Gump bench location), and Johnson Square. I took a photo with the bench. Tourist cliché, yes, but I couldn’t resist. I almost cried. Then I decided that I was in dire need of some ice cream.
- The Ice Cream Debacle: I wandered around trying to find a perfect ice cream shop. I wanted to go to Leopold's, but the line was a mile long. So I ended up at some other shop. Okay, it was fine. Meh. I need Leopold's. Plan for later.
- Evening: Ghosts, Dinner, and the Beginning of a Bad Habit
- Ghost Tour! Because, duh. If you go to Savannah, you have to do a ghost tour. I went with the Savannah Ghost Tours, and it was… cheesy. Like, ridiculously cheesy. Our tour guide, a woman whose voice could curdle milk, narrated stories of ghouls and restless spirits. Fine. But I loved it. I'm a sucker for a good story, even if it's a little over-the-top. I caught myself jumping at shadows, giggling like a schoolgirl, and genuinely getting spooked. (My heart, not sure how it handled it.)
- Dinner at The Olde Pink House: I had made a reservation, because, adulting. The food was fantastic, though. Shrimp and grits? To die for! The atmosphere was divine! (And the after-dinner drink was absolutely necessary after the ghost tour). I ended up chatting with the server about life, the universe, and everything.
- The Bad Habit Begins: Back at the hotel. I had promised myself I wouldn't overdo it with the cocktails. But… I'm alone in a hotel room in Savannah. And that walrus-like AC is still roaring. So, yeah. Room service.
- Late Night: Fell asleep with the TV on. Woke up at 3 am, disoriented, convinced a ghost had visited. (Probably the cocktails). Now I know why the bed felt lumpy. Time to start again in the morning.
Day 2: Leopold's, the River, and Discovering My Inner (and Outer) Foodie
- Morning (or, more realistically, late-ish morning):
- Hungover. Slightly. Worth it.
- Leopold's! This was priority one. The line wasn't as long, so I sucked it up and waited. WORTH IT. The ice cream, the atmosphere, everything. I ordered a scoop of their original flavor. The perfect cure.
- Exploring… or, rather, attempting to find my way. Got a little lost. Ended up in a tiny antique shop filled with dusty treasures. Bought a vintage postcard.
- Afternoon: River Street and Shrimp-tacular Moments
- Head to River Street. The cobblestone is not friendly to ankles, I'll tell you that. Packed with tourists, sure. But the energy is something else! I got to experience the river.
- Lunch: Shrimp Po' Boy at a random cafe, because why not? (I felt hungrier). They’re everywhere! (I ate another one later).
- Evening: A (Potential) Culinary Masterpiece and The Melancholy of Travel
- Cooking Class: Okay, I went to a local cooking class. I am not a cook. I burn water. But the class was amazing! I learned how to make (and, more importantly, eat) a delicious Southern meal. (The food was really good).
- Evening stroll by the river: I was just feeling lonely. Travel is such a strange thing. So much joy, so much wonder, and yet sometimes a creeping sense of… what's the point? I got ice cream.
Day 3: (The Last Day) Farewell Savannah (For Now!)
- Morning: Breakfast at a cute little cafe. I chatted with the owner. (She was delightful).
- Late Morning: Last minute souvenir shopping. (Panic mode activated).
- Afternoon: Back to the airport. The flight home. Exhausted, happy, and already planning my return. Savannah, you've got your hooks in me.
Final Thoughts:
Savannah, you beautifully chaotic mess. You're full of charm, history, good food, and a whole lot of ghosts. Come prepared for the heat, embrace the cheese, and maybe, just maybe, you'll fall in love. I did. (And I definitely need better shoes).
Now, if you'll excuse me, I need a nap.
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Savannah's *BEST* Western? Historic District Hotel… SHOCKER! (Let's Dive In, Shall We?)
Okay, Spill It! Was This Place Actually GOOD? I Need the Raw Truth!
Alright, alright, settle down, you hungry little travelers! The truth? Buckle in, because it's a rollercoaster. Look, it *started* promising. Picture this: cobbles, Spanish moss, the whole Savannah shebang. I was practically humming "Moon River" – I mean, who *doesn't* love Breakfast at Tiffany's, even if it's just the opening credits? The lobby was… well, let's say it was *trying* to be charming. There were some vaguely antique-looking chairs that probably came from… well, let's just say they weren't heirlooms. My first impression? "Okay, potential. Maybe." (That's me, staying optimistic against all odds). But then... ah, then things got *interesting*. More on that in a bit. Overall? *Potentially* good, but riddled with... uh... *character*. Let's just leave it at that for now.
The Room! What Was the Room REALLY Like? Spill the Beans! Was it… CLEAN? (That's always the big one, right?)
CLEAN. Ah, the eternal question! Okay, here's the deal. The room... well, it wasn't *filthy*. Let's put it that way. The sheets *seemed* clean. I say "seemed" because, you know, you're always a bit sus, right? Did I examine them under a microscope? No. Did I feel a lingering sense of… what *was* on there *before*? Maybe. The bathroom? Let's just say the grout had *stories*. And a few of those stories involved… things I'd rather not think about while brushing my teeth. Look, I'm a pragmatist. I've stayed in worse. I *have*. But even I, Ms. "I'll-make-the-best-of-it," spent a solid five minutes just, you know, *assessing* the situation. The overall vibe was "lived-in." Deeply, deeply lived-in. But… I survived. And that's what matters, right? (Right!?)
The Breakfast! What's the Breakfast *Situation*? Free waffles? Continental chaos? Tell Me!
Oh, the breakfast… This is where the "character" I mentioned earlier really *shone*. Let's call it "Continental adjacent." They *did* have a waffle maker. A *single* waffle maker. And it was, shall we say, popular. Picture a tiny, desperate mob forming around this poor, stressed-out machine, each person vying for their golden, perfectly formed (or, you know, slightly burnt) disk of sugary goodness. I witnessed actual *gladiatorial combat* for waffle dominance. Okay, maybe not *actual* combat, but the tension… you could cut it with a butter knife. The "continental" part? Mostly pre-packaged things of questionable origin. Think individually wrapped muffins that had seen better days. I'm talking about those muffins that are probably older than some of our audience! And don't even get me started on the fruit. The *fruit*. Let's be generous and say it was "past its prime." I stuck with the waffle. Even though it emerged from the machine looking a little… *aggressive*. But, hey, it had butter! I swear, the most remarkable aspect of the breakfast was the sheer *determination* of the guests. We persevered. We ate. We survived. And the coffee? Well, let's just say it was hot. And caffeinated. Which, in this context, were probably the only two requirements it really needed to meet.
How's the Location? Is it Actually In the Historic District, or Are They Just Fibbing? Because... sometimes hotels lie. (Don't they!?)
LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION! This is where they actually *delivered*. Yes, it was legit. Actually *in* the Historic District. Score! You could practically trip over a ghost (and in Savannah, that's saying something!). We're talking walking distance to Forsyth Park, the squares, the whole shebang. This was the *saving grace*, honestly. Because, you know, after the… *breakfast experience* and the… *room situation*… being able to stumble out the door and hit all the good stuff was a massive win. The location? Absolutely fantastic. Forget the funky bathroom, the questionable muffins, and the slightly-too-persistent waffle rage. The location? Worth it. Totally. Period.
The Staff! Were They Nice? Helpful? Or Just… *Present*? (I Hate the Just-Present Staff!)
Ah, the staff. Okay. They were… there. Let's go with that. There were moments of genuine helpfulness, like when I needed extra towels (because… reasons). And then there were other moments where I felt like I was interrupting something truly important, like a deeply engrossing game of solitaire. They weren't *bad*. They weren't actively *unhelpful*. They were… *neutral*. Which, in the grand scheme of things, isn't the worst possible thing. I mean, I’ve dealt with hotel staff that seemed actively *hostile*, so… yay for neutrality, I guess? They got the job done. They answered the phone. They pointed me in the direction of the nearest, non-waffle-related breakfast options. So, yeah. The staff… mostly fine. Not award-winning, but not awful. Slightly… *forgettable*. But hey, memorable is overrated, isn't it? Sometimes you just want someone who’s… *there*.
Would You Stay There Again? Be Honest! (Tell Me ALL the Emotions!)
Okay, *this* is the big one. Would I stay there again? (Takes a deep breath). Alright, here’s the brutally honest truth: Probably. Maybe. *Maybe* not. It depends. It depends on how much I’m willing to tolerate for an amazing location. It depends on my mood. It depends on how many waffles I can eat before I need to find an alternative breakfast. It depends on whether or not the grout has had a deep clean. Truthfully? If I was on a budget and wanted to be *right there* in the thick of things, yeah, I'd consider it. I’d go in knowing what to expect. I'd bring my own pillowcase. I'd probably pack some emergency breakfast bars. But, hey, that’s a small price to pay for a Savannah experience, right? (I need to go take a nap after all this). It’s a gamble. A slightly messy, slightly questionable, but ultimately… *Savannah-y* gamble. And sometimes, that’s all you need. (Goes to check the price of the hotel now and then start planning her own emergency breakfast.)
