The Ansonborough

Even as someone local, spending New Year’s at The Ansonborough felt like a real getaway. The room was roomy, cozy, and so comfortable for winding down downtown. Everything felt welcoming and thoughtfully put together, and the stay was just easy and special. I enjoyed it enough that I honestly wouldn’t stay anywhere else on a future trip downtown. Definitely recommend it to locals and visitors.

The bartender was very nice, but we won’t be back. We spent part of our honeymoon here and returned for our 10th anniversary, mentioning the occasion at check-in, but it went unnoticed. The renovation was a real letdown. The old charm and quaint feel are gone, in my opinion. Our suite was big but had a lot of wasted space, and we couldn’t turn the TV to watch from bed. As an older couple, we didn’t need a Peloton in the foyer. A sofa and TV, or even a reading chair, would’ve been much better. If you knew the hotel before the renovation, I’d say don’t spend the money. You’ll be disappointed.

We’ve stayed at the Ansonborough Inn more than 20 times, though it had been several years since our last visit. The changes meant to modernize it left us disappointed, and the place feels less functional and attractive now. Its appeal used to be the old wood, heavy timbers, three-story atrium, and unusual rooms. The updated entrance doesn’t fit the rest of the atmosphere. The breakfast room has lost its TV, which we used to watch for the news, and now has a jumble of sofas and chairs that aren’t good for eating. There’s just one suitable table with about six chairs, so families have to share. They also closed off a corner for a “hidden” poker room, which feels claustrophobic inside. The chocolate chip cookies they used to leave out for a midnight snack are gone, as is the evening wine and cheese. Now they offer one complimentary drink per person each day, but it doesn’t cover alcohol, which feels like a joke. I think we’ve made our last visit.

We’d read the reviews and wondered if the hotel had been renovated. If so, I think they did a fantastic job. After a terrible hotel in Savannah on our mini road trip, we were really looking forward to arriving at The Ansonborough. They upgraded us to a suite, which turned out to be just what we needed. The hotel was great, with a coffee bar and everything, and it’s so close to King and Market streets. We’ll stay here every time we come back. Thanks for a great visit, Ansonborough!