Andaz Savannah

"Why did this hotel catch your attention?The red brick of Andaz Savannah's exterior hints at a historic pedigree, but the glass-and-steel tower of the cornerstone over the main entrance suggests something more contemporary. There’s a polished, minimalist vibe to the lobby that will appeal to fashion-conscious travelers, the slight front desk blurring the lines between the public and private spaces. It’s chic and unfussy. What's the backstory?Andaz is a youthful, style-oriented brand from Hyatt, and the 151-room Savannah hotel shows off local modern art. All Andaz hotels have an animal mascot, and this hotel's is a monkey that acts as a visual leitmotif throughout the rooms and public spaces. Tell us all about the rooms.Our King entry-level room sported muted browns and greens, with checked armchairs providing a pop of contrast. Abstract art hung above the headboard and those monkeys acted as bookends on each night stand. There was a European flavor to the fixtures and bedding. Is there a charge for Wi-Fi?The Wi-Fi was free and fast. Drinking and dining—what are we looking at?22 Square Restaurant and Bar is a thriving farm-to-table spot that's so good that some local food tours kick off here. The signature dish is a rich, buttery shrimp and grits; other alluring options include the pimento deviled eggs and bread with honey-whipped ricotta. The bar does great house craft cocktails, with a strong showing for tequila and cheeky names like How I Met Your Wife. How was the service?There’s an infectious welcome as soon as you arrive and no corporate automatons to be found. There’s a sales desk where you can sign up for a tour, as well as a small mini-mart for snacks and forgotten toiletries. What type of travelers will you find here?Andaz draws young, hip travelers who love great food and design. You might see some bachelor and bachelorette parties, but they're likely to be on the more sophisticated end. Pet owners flock here with their pups—the hotel is particularly animal-friendly. What about the neighborhood? What's scene like?The hotel really is in a plum spot, just a block from the river and slap bang in the middle of the City Market District. Nightlife and shopping are all on the doorstep, as are the scenic squares of downtown Savannah. Any other hotel features worth noting?Reserved for hotel guests only, a heated pool has cabanas and plenty of space to spread out and relax. Bottom line: Why will we love the Andaz?The Andaz is a small-enough chain that it still feels like a boutique hotel, and the site-specific art and relaxed, convivial service really make an impression." - Paul Oswell