At The DeSoto Hotel in Savannah, you’ll find art, original crystal chandeliers, a luxury spa, sweeping city views, and a pool. Named #3 in The South’s Best Food Cities by Southern Living, you’ll also find an unforgettable dining experience in Savannah. What’s more, another way to appreciate this stunning hotel is by attending an intimate Candlelight concert. Candlelight invites guests to unwind in a candlelit setting at The DeSoto while listening to takes on some of their favorite music.
Just 14 miles from Savannah International Airport, this treasured hotel is located in one of the largest Landmark Historic Districts in the U.S. Explore the surrounding area which boasts Forsyth Park, River Street, City Market, theaters, galleries, and twenty-four garden squares.
Why is The Desoto so interesting?
The venue definitely falls into the great landmark category. Originally opened back in 1890 on the site of an old military barracks, The DeSoto’s been around long enough to see presidents, movie stars, and probably a few ghosts aswell. It was known as “The Empress of the South” in its early days, and even though the original building was taken down in the ’60s, the current hotel still sits on the same historic spot – with bits of the old place, like crystal chandeliers and terracotta artwork, still part of the charm. Not many 19th-century spots like this manage to go easily unnoticed.
What can you do at The DeSoto in Savannah?
If you have a keen eye for art, you’ll be pleased to know that the hotel partners with the Savannah College of Art & Design, showcasing an ever-changing collection of pieces by SCAD graduates, emerging artists, and photographers. And if you remember the scenes from Forrest Gump, where Forrest sits on a park bench recounting his life story to strangers – those iconic moments were filmed just nearby in Savannah’s Chippewa Square. Exploring the area might help you enjoy a kernel of Savannah’s culture, but also relive some cinematic history.
So, even if you’re just coming here for a drink or to soak in your dose of evening mastery at a Candlelight concert, every corner of The DeSoto actually offers a glimpse into Savannah’s rich past. After all, you’ll be walking the same halls once graced by Gregory Peck, Katharine Hepburn, and Presidents William McKinley, William Taft, Woodrow Wilson, and Herbert Hoover—proof that this hotel has long been a magnet for greatness.
What else can you do at The DeSoto?
Sit and stare at the SCAD works of art, book one of their signature spa treatments, reserve the hotel’s newly renovated event space for your next meeting, discover the catering options offering menus curated by award-winning Chef Collin, and so much more. Sink into down-filled duvets and pillows in one of the hotel’s suites and give yourself some time to rest and rejuvenate.
Does the DeSoto have parking?
The hotel offers exclusive valet parking for guests, which can run up to about $48 a night. If you’re looking for alternatives, there are a few metered street spots nearby (though they can be hit or miss), and a couple of public garages within walking distance, like the Congress Street Garage or the Lincoln Street Garage.
How to get to The DeSoto
Getting to The DeSoto is pretty straightforward. It’s located at 15 East Liberty Street, right in the heart of Savannah’s Historic District. Getting a cab is within the easy options, or you can hop on a Chatham Area Transit bus for a budget-friendly ride downtown. If you’re driving, as mentioned above, the hotel offers valet parking, or you can try nearby public garages if you prefer to park yourself.
More venues nearby
The DeSoto is within easy walking distance of some of Savannah’s most iconic spots. Just a few blocks away is the historic Savannah Theatre, one of the oldest continually operating theatres in the U.S. Art lovers can visit the Telfair Museums, including the Jepson Center and Telfair Academy, both home to impressive collections of American and European art. The nearby Cathedral of St. John the Baptist offers a stunning look into the city’s past. And for something more contemporary, Victory North Savannah is a newer venue hosting all kinds of events, including the flickering Candlelight concerts, also occasionally held at The DeSoto.