When I was looking for cities that I wanted to settle down in, at the top of my list were St. Augustine and Savannah, Georgia. And though St. Augustine eventually won me over, Savannah still holds a dear place in my heart. Which really isn’t surprising since the two cities have quite a bit in common. They’re both steeped in rich history with coastal Southern charm and a burgeoning culinary culture.
For St. Augustinians, Savannah could be called a sister city, a kind of home away from home. Situated only about three hours up the coast, it’s an ideal weekend getaway when you don’t feel like wandering too far from your own front door.
HOTEL WITH HISTORY
And when you make your way up to Savannah, you really couldn’t find a better place to rest your head than TheDeSoto Hotel. Originally built in 1890, The DeSoto has become something of a landmark over the years, and Sotherly Hotels, the new owners, have sought diligently to restore it to its authentic splendor. Compared to many of the ornate historic buildings dotting the city skyline, the outside of the hotel pays homage primarily to the 1970s architecture that brought it back to life after the original hotel was demolished in the mid-1960s. But that original splendor has not been forgotten and now the inside seeks to replicate the luxury of a bygone era in a contemporary way – think original chandeliers, restored artwork, alongside modern luxury, incredible food, and unbeatable views. And it’s all situated right on Madison Square.
A ROOM WITH A VIEW
We started our stay by settling into our room, a corner king with huge windows that showcased a breathtaking view of the Savannah skyline. Snacking on the butterscotch brittle set out in our room, we discussed the plan for the afternoon — a quick trip to the Flannery O’Connor house for a tour, a leisurely exploration of our corner of downtown, and back to the hotel for dinner in the 1540 Room.
CULINARY DELIGHTS IN A COMPETITIVE CITY
In the 1540 Room, your eyes are immediately drawn upwards to the expansive ceilings. But despite the cavernous room that it’s situated in, the restaurant is decidedly intimate. Dark floors and the hotel’s original chandeliers make the space feel elegant and moody, while bright white walls and nearly floor to ceiling windows keep it contemporary. And while it’s undoubtedly striking, the space pales in comparison to the food.
Savannah has, of late, become a kind of culinary destination. People come from far and wide for innovative food in beautiful buildings, and there’s a lot to choose from. In this city, the 1540 Room had a lot to live up to.
The open kitchen allows patrons to watch as chefs prepare hyper-fresh ingredients provided by local farmers. The menu is a Southern/Mediterranean hybrid, so we started with the Salumi plate — everything from Gouda wurst to pate compania to local cabbage mustard. For our entrees, we sampled the homemade pasta and a short rib dish, but don’t expect to find our entrees still on the menu. Chef Kyle Jacovino changes his menu with the seasons in order to stay true to their farm-to-table foundation. From the food to the service to the stunning location, the 1540 Room could certainly hold its own.
A SATURDAY STROLL WITH SOMETHING TO SIP ON
Saturday found us in Forsyth Park, down by the river, and in and out of bookshops. Savannah is the kind of city you walk around in, savor, and breathe in, and since our hotel was situated right on one of the legendary squares, we got to enjoy the beauty the moment we stepped out the door.
After some to-die-for noodles on Broughton Street, we made our way back to The DeSoto for an introduction to the hotel’s new Sip N’ Stroll tour. This isn’t your ordinary “here are the most significant historical sites in the city” kind of tour, though. For one, it starts with a to-go drink at the hotel’s bar (thank you, open container!) and secondly, you’ll find yourself quite off the beaten path. We followed our Sotherly guide out the back door of the hotel, onto Madison Square. “We’ll take a few of the back streets,” he said. “We like to introduce our guests to our neighborhood.”
On these back streets, we were surrounded by the beautiful foliage and grand houses that you’ll find in every corner of Savannah, but we also passed by restaurants and shops and buildings that we never would have found otherwise. The stroll was designed to show off all the nooks and crannies that the city has to offer, giving you a cursory glance at new destinations that you can explore more on your own. It was a perfect tour to take on one of the first days of your trip. And it was even better with a drink in your hand.
A LAST GOODBYE
Sunday morning, it was hard to go. The trip had been so delightful – from the accommodations to the tour to the food and atmosphere. We said a last goodbye to the city over breakfast in The DeSoto’s other restaurant (and bar in the evenings), Edgar’s Proof & Provision. The breakfast was a step above what you might expect in a hotel – with fresh favorites and Southern staples – and it soon had us set for the day. We made a quick detour in the lobby to Buffalo Bayou Coffee, and one latte made with local honey later and we were back in the car.
It was exciting to explore another city that, like our own, was saturated with such history and to stay in a hotel that celebrated it so fully. Our stay at The DeSoto Hotel had made us feel like a part of Savannah’s history – even if only for a weekend.
The DeSoto Hotel is located at 15 E Liberty, Savannah, Georgia 31401. Learn more about the hotel by visiting www.thedesotosavannah.com.
