"Why did this hotel catch your attention?Walking up Ballastone Inn's curved iron staircase feels like stepping successively back in time to the early 19th century. Inside, the foyer consists of elaborate woodwork, period panelling, chandeliers, and celestial-sky ceiling, and the modern world feels like a million miles away. What's the backstory?Dating to 1828, the building is a former bordello. It retains its Victorian-era fixtures, which effortlessly conjure up the golden era of Georgia hospitality. The Ballastone has functioned as a highly regarded bed-and-breakfast since the early 1980s and shows no signs of any kind of dip in standards. Tell us all about the rooms. Any tips on what to book?Like most historic hotels of this kind, each room here is individually decorated. Our Sorghum Cane Garden Room, an entry-level accommodation, had low, cozy ceilings and lots of decorative flourishes. The linens were cherry red, complementing some of the plasterwork on the ceiling. Period furniture included a wing-back chair, a lovely armoire, an original brick fireplace, and an antique bench. The bathroom, a more modern affair, had a shower-tub combination and Gilchrist and Soames toiletries. Is there a charge for Wi-Fi?The Wi-Fi was free and fast enough for basic emailing and browsing. Drinking and dining—what are we looking at?Breakfast (included in most room rates) takes over the beautiful dining room with dishes like fresh waffles, cinnamon buns, and home-made granola. There are also treats throughout the day, including a 6 p.m. social hour with charcuterie and wine. How was the service?The innkeeper provided a warm welcome, chatted about the history of the house, and offered great restaurant recommendations. What type of travelers will you find here?The higher room rates and ambience draw an affluent, mature crowd of visitors who have probably been to Savannah before. What about the neighborhood? What's the scene like?The hotel sits plum in the Historic District, surrounded by famous old squares and buildings that complement its Victorian facade. Any other hotel features worth noting?The hotel has a royal-blue barroom where guests can stop in for a glass of port or sherry—it's a truly elegant after-dinner experience. Bottom line: Why will we love the Ballastone?This is the kind of opulent historic inn that Savannah does best. It's full of stories and crammed with period artifacts that really do transport guests back to Victorian times. It’s a special-occasion stay for sure, but for this kind of thing, it has few rivals." - Paul Oswell
