There’s something magical about the short drive from Charleston to Savannah. In just two hours, you trade one historic Southern city for another each with its own distinct charm, flavor, and energy. Savannah welcomes you with Spanish moss-draped oaks, cobblestone streets, and a rich history that blends seamlessly with its modern vibe. On our latest road trip, we checked into The Alida Hotel, a standout destination that perfectly combined style, comfort, southern hospitality and unmatched amenities.

A Boutique Stay with Southern Soul

For a truly immersive Savannah experience The Alida is the perfect home base. Situated along River Street this boutique hotel blends industrial chic with Southern hospitality, offering stylish retreat just steps away from the city’s best attractions. From the moment we arrived, the warm and attentive staff made us feel like welcomed guests greeting us with a drink and a cookie (which if you know me you know how much I love cookies) that set the tone for a relaxing stay. Layla, our dog also received a lot of attention and even got some treats of her own to enjoy throughout the weekend.

Thoughtful Luxury Meets Comfort

The Alida isn’t just a place to sleep it’s an experience. The hotel boasts a beautifully designed pool deck, perfect for unwinding after a day of exploring, and a 24-hour fitness center for those looking to stay active. They make it easy to keep

up with you routine during your stay with Peloton bikes and virtual programming, as well as free weights and yoga mats.

One of our favorite touches? The complimentary bike rentals, which make zipping through Savannah’s squares and side streets an absolute breeze.

For a more stylish way to explore Savannah guests can also rent a Moke, a colorful electric vehicle that’s perfect for cruising through the city’s charming streets. It’s a fun, eco-friendly option that allows you to easily hop between shops, restaurants, and historic landmarks.

Comfort and Thoughtful Design

The Alida’s rooms are a beautiful blend of modern elegance and Southern charm. Each room features sleek, minimalistic decor with warm wood tones and cozy textiles that make you feel right at home. Our room boasted large windows with city views, a spacious walk-in shower, and a plush king-size bed that made sinking into sleep effortless. Our favorite was the lounge under the large windows, perfect for reading a book or hanging out with a drink before bed. House keeping was very timely during our stay and did a really good job keeping the hallways and rooms clean.

A Pet-Friendly Stay

One of the best parts about staying at The Alida Hotel? They roll out the red carpet for dogs just as much as they do for human guests. As soon as we arrived, Layla was treated like a VIP (Very Important Pup), with endless pets from staff a water bowl to use for the weekend, and even a special welcome treat waiting in the room.

The hotel’s pet-friendly policy made it easy for us to bring our furry companion along for the adventure. The outdoor courtyard provided a great spot for quick walks, while the surrounding area especially the historic district offered plenty of pet-friendly green spaces to explore. The staff was incredibly accommodating, offering dog-friendly dining recommendations and making sure we had everything we needed for a stress-free stay.

For dog owners looking for a stylish and welcoming hotel in Savannah, The Alida is a top-tier choice. After all, what’s better than a road trip when your best four-legged friend can come along for the ride?

The Lost Square: Rooftop Views and Craft Cocktails

No stay at The Alida is complete without a visit to The Lost Square, the hotel’s rooftop bar offering sweeping views of the Savannah River. As the sun began to set, we sipped on handcrafted cocktails while enjoying the warm evening breeze.

The atmosphere was intimate yet lively, making it the perfect spot to unwind with a drink in hand. The rooftop has plenty of comfortable seating, with couches, chairs and even a fireplace. We tried the Babaganoush with freshly made pita bread, which was loaded with flavor and a perfect snack to pair with the drinks. Highly recommend.

Click here for a link to The Lost Squares menu

The Rhett: Modern Southern Dining with a Twist

For an elevated Southern dining experience, The Rhett is a must try during your stay at the Alida. Their signature restaurant, which delivers on all fronts, and you can take an elevator directly to the foyer. They offer a great Brunch and Dinner menu and have a happy hour Monday through Thursday 5pm – 6pm every week.

The menu takes classic Southern comfort food and refines it with a modern flair. We started with trying their bloody Mary bar, one classic Rhett bloody Mary and one loose cannon. For brunch, we went with a classic, Ham & Cheese Omelet and the Rhett’s Avocado Toast. I ate every last bite of the omelet and the avocado toast was delicious. A poached egg, on multi grain toast, with their pistachio gremolata and radish with of a side of their “Georgia lettuce salad.” Truly delicious!

Click here for a link to The Rhetts menu

Nearby Attractions and Dining

One of the biggest perks of staying at The Alida Hotel is its unbeatable location. Our car was parked with valet from the time we got to the Alida until the time we left. Within walking distance you'll find Savannah’s City Market, a vibrant hub of art galleries, boutique shops, and live music. Just steps away, the famous River Street offers picturesque waterfront views and plenty of unique stores to browse and restaurants to try.

For those seeking more culinary delights, Savannah’s renowned restaurants like The Grey, Treylor Park, and Vic’s on the River are all easily accessible by foot. Broughton Street is also close, which offers a wide selection of restaurants, coffee shops and shopping options.

A short walk from the hotel and few blocks from the river, you will find the different squares. Some with fountains and statues, you can really see the thought put into the original design of the city. Beautiful architecture and ironwork can be seen surrounding the preserves as well as the occasional horse carriage. If you are looking to enjoy the beauty of Savannahs architecture, take a stroll around Ellis Square, Telfair Square and Johnson Square.

The Perfect Savannah Getaway

Our stay at The Alida Hotel was the highlight of our trip. From its welcoming hospitality and stylish accommodations to its prime location and thoughtful amenities, The Alida provided everything we needed for a memorable Savannah getaway. If you are in Savannah or looking to book a trip, I highly suggest The Alida Hotel to anyone. The location is perfect, their hospitality is amazing, the restaurants whithin are great and the rooms are very comfortable! Whether relaxing on the rooftop at The Lost Square, savoring Southern flavors at The Rhett, or exploring the vibrant city just steps away, The Alida made our visit truly unforgettable.

Click here to check out The Alida Hotel!