The Alida, Savannah, A Tribute Portfolio Hotel
"Why did this hotel catch your attention? The lobby of the Alida, which opened in 2018, has clean lines and tasteful mid-century furniture. Add to this a plum location, an alluring array of amenities, and a good-value room rate, and it's no wonder the hotel has become an immediate Savannah favorite. What's the backstory? Like many of Savannah's riverfront hotels, the Alida lives in a converted warehouse and is named for Alida Harper Fowlkes, a beloved architectural preservationist. Its look, a pleasing meld of contemporary glass and steel, mid-century accents, and exposed brickwork, nods to the past. The hotel is a member of Marriott’s Tribute Portfolio. Tell us all about the rooms. Rooms have either city or pool views. Our entry-level City View King had modern, residential-style furniture and art. Wooden floors hearkened back the building’s former life as a warehouse. Is there a charge for Wi-Fi? The Wi-Fi was free and fast. Drinking and dining—what are we looking at? Rhett is an acclaimed spot with brunch featuring southern classics like fried chicken and biscuits. Dinner incorporates international influences and local seafood. The Trade Room bar mixes mid-century modern and Art Deco styles, and the bartenders whip up craft cocktails with skill and aplomb. How is the service? Even on busy weekends, the staff are perfectly primed to welcome guests with Southern charm and efficiency. What type of travelers will you find here? Guests are a mix of businesspeople in the tech and creative industries and young couples in Savannah for a long weekend. Like the hotel, everyone seems stylish but laid back. What about the neighborhood? What's the scene? This is one of several properties along the riverfront, but it's still a bit removed from the main tourist area. Any other hotel features worth noting? There are little extras like canapés and snacks every evening in the lobby bar and complimentary Champagne at the reception desk. The rooftop is also worth exploring, with a pool surrounded by cute cabanas and The Lost Square, a bar with great city views. Bottom line: Worth it? The hotel’s place in Marriott’s Tribute portfolio should hint at its memorable design and ambience; for a riverfront hotel, it really is a good-value choice." - Paul Oswell
