Holiday Inn Savannah Historic District by IHG

We brought our Lab and booked at the pet rate, which seemed reasonable compared with other Savannah options. The hotel is a little worn and could use updates, but it worked fine as a place to rest after a day out. Staff were very welcoming and accommodating, and we’d consider it a solid three-star Holiday Inn. Valet parking is mandatory and handled by a third party. The attendants were professional and easy to deal with, though they seemed short staffed. The small driveway caused a backup when we arrived, but getting our car later was smooth. We couldn’t find an official pet area, but across the street by the Maritime Museum there was a tucked-away parking lot with grass and a private feel that worked well for walking the dog. The location is excellent, a block from City Market and a short walk to the riverfront, restaurants, shops, and sights in the historic district. We’d recommend it to travelers, especially those with pets, looking for a comfortable stay in a convenient spot.

The location is the best part: everything is close, with Riverside street a block away, the social club a few blocks away, and lots more within walking distance. The front desk staff were all very friendly and welcoming. The pet fee is small, but I felt bitten several times by fleas and ticks in the room, and it smelled like dogs. I saw one dog urinate in the elevator. I know traveling with pets can be hard, since they need walks every 4-5 hours, baths, food, and grooming, and plenty of people have allergies. I’ve read other complaints about room smells and think allowing pets may be the reason. Hotels that charge to accept pets should provide pet beds at no cost, so animals don’t sleep on the regular beds and make them and the room smell. Then the pet bed can be washed. Breakfast costs extra and wasn’t good, even if it had been free. I wouldn’t eat it. Everything ought to be extremely clean, without fleas, ticks, other bugs, or bad smells. I’d still come back because the great location, nearby restaurants, friendly staff, and walkability make it convenient for enjoying historic savannha, Ga.

The room was comfortable and clean, right by the gym and pool on the second floor. On Saturday night, about six college kids kept coming and going late, slamming doors and talking loudly; they seemed to be under the influence. Once they left, I got to spend the rest of my few days resting quietly between my slow sightseeing outings. Breakfast was decent, and all the staff were respectful and helpful. Savannah is gorgeous, and this affordable, comfortable hotel is conveniently located for seeing the city.

After a long day at the Jr. Beta Convention, my daughter, mother, and I came back expecting to rest. We’d stayed at many IHG and Holiday Inn properties before without trouble, but here we woke to live bedbugs on the bed we’d slept in. We caught them in a water bottle and took them straight to the desk. They said we’d be compensated for that night, but offered little else. There were no secure laundry bags, advice on handling possibly contaminated clothes or luggage, or offer to move us so we could shower and regroup. Nobody explained how to limit exposure or keep the bugs from spreading to our car or homes. Later, we were told pest control had confirmed bedbugs in the room, yet still got no further guidance or help. We were left worried about everything in the room, including luggage, clothing, convention costumes, and makeup bags, and about possible contamination at my home and my mother’s. We had to deal with the aftermath ourselves. I called and emailed to ask for reimbursement for contaminated belongings and treatment for our homes and car, but those expenses weren’t acknowledged or covered. Given how serious this was and the response we received, I’ll pursue other options to seek appropriate reimbursement.