Savannah Garden Hotel

I rented a room here for my employee, and the $50 cash deposit policy was the part that struck me as especially odd. They don't tell you upfront that if you don't collect the deposit the same day, it won't be returned, whether you come back a week, a month, or even a year later. When I went back for it, the man at the front counter told me the money became non-refundable after one month under their policy. Trying to talk it through quickly turned hostile: he yelled at me and called the police. Be careful, and make sure you understand the deposit policy before staying here. I found the experience unfair and unpleasant.

The room smelled strongly of cigarettes even though we'd booked a non-smoking one. I'm asthmatic, and the smell made my head hurt so badly I couldn't sleep. They gave us air freshener, but it only covered the smoke smell and irritated my lungs more. Cigarette odor doesn't disappear with a spray. I suspect every room smells like smoke, so they shouldn't advertise non-smoking rooms at all. This could be dangerous for guests with asthma or allergies, or anyone easily bothered by smells. The price is budget-friendly if looks and amenities aren't a priority, and the staff were nice, but the place needs renovation.

We stayed with our family for a little over two months. On the first night, roaches were crawling across the bathroom floor and walls and getting into the fridge. We kept the room clean and cold, but they were still everywhere. We finally left when the problem got worse and we didn't want to pay $100+ for one night on Valentine's Day. After leaving, the roaches were in our bags and our baby's toys, so we threw the toys out. I wouldn't bring personal belongings that could carry them. The staff were nice and customer service was good, and the hotel has real potential. It's centrally located, close to everything in Savannah, and the usual price is great. Holiday rates, though, are jacked up and don't feel worth it. I understand prices going up, but $96 a night before taxes is a rip-off given the hotel's condition. With renovations and the infestation brought down to a minimum, this could be a great hotel for its price and location.

I saw four cockroaches within five minutes of entering the room, so I got my deposit back right away and found another hotel. I stay in plenty of cheap places, and worn-out or outdated rooms don't bother me. Roaches are different. Losing $50 wasn't worth risking bringing an infestation home. It's a shame, since the place seemed pretty decent otherwise.