Hyatt Hotels Corporation has opened Thompson Savannah, the brand’s first property in Georgia. Set along the banks of the Savannah River, Thompson Savannah, located at the junction of the city’s Historic District and its newest neighborhood, Eastern Wharf, is a joint venture development by Regent Partners, Mariner Group and Cadre. Through thoughtful design that combines historic architectural details and contemporary flair, the hotel honors Savannah’s vibrant history and celebrates the local community.
“The hotel’s design is really inspired by the atmosphere and mood of Savannah,” said Matt Graham, general manager, Thompson Savannah, and also a Savannah local. “Our botanical accents reflect the magnolia and azalea blooms we enjoy each year in Savannah, while rich jewel tones and furnishings of rattan and wood firmly place us in the South.”
With 193 guestrooms including 21 suites, the guestroom tower was intentionally designed by the architectural team at Smallwood to be perpendicular to the river, allowing all rooms to have sweeping, west-facing views of the cityscape or expansive, east-facing views of the Savannah River, the coastal islands and the Atlantic Ocean. Dallas-based design team, Studio 11 Design captures the Southern landscape indoors through botanical accents, rich jewel tones and custom stone tile patterns inspired by the city’s surrounding flora and green spaces.
“Savannah has a unique stylistic vernacular,” said Kellie Sirna, cofounder, Studio 11 Design. “In developing the property’s narrative, we were inspired by the city’s architectural character, natural beauty and community of creatives.”
Indulgent comforts appoint each room, including spacious walk-in showers, residential-style vanities, in-room minibars, oversized custom art pieces from emerging local artists curated by Studio 11 Design’s art, curation and styling vertical, Lou Verne, as well as custom bath amenities from D.S. & Durga.
“Key materials include herringbone hardwood floors, soft leather touches and layered distressed textiles,” Sirna said. “Our team focused heavily on sourcing local artwork and accessories to infuse a sense of locale into the design concept while also remaining true to the Thompson brand’s signature mid-century modern aesthetic. In partnership with local antique shops, 24e and Goldon House Gallery, we curated hundreds of years worth of Savannah relics to weave a narrative that invites visitors to discover the hotel’s story, layer by layer.”
Executive chef Robert Newton leads the property’s restaurant collection, including the seasonally focused signature restaurant, Fleeting; the Mediterranean-influenced rooftop oasis, Bar Julian; and the hotel’s art-deco poolside lounge, the Sunroom. Chef Newton’s Southern roots run deep and his passion for simple-
yet-refined, regional cooking is evident in his ingredient-driven menus. Additionally, Newton executes the hotel’s in-room dining and banquet programs.
From the hotel lobby, a grand staircase leads to a sprawling, second-floor pool deck, where guests can enjoy the splash pool, unwind in a daybed or cozy up in a private cabana. Thompson Savannah boasts 10,000 sq. ft. of event space for all functions, including two meeting rooms, a boardroom, a divisible ballroom and a poolside living room with an exterior patio. Meanwhile, the riverside event lawn and waterfront access serve as an idyllic backdrop for outdoor weddings and intimate gatherings.
“The design really conveys where and who we are, adjacent to the Historic District, but also the centerpiece of Savannah’s newest district, the Eastern Wharf. I feel it allows Savannahian’s to see the city from a new vantage point, both in terms of geography and in spirit. The hotel’s design also offers visitors the unique opportunity to experience Savannah through both a historical and modern lens,” Graham said.
