Checked In: Andaz Savannah

As we arrived in Savannah, Georgia, we checked in to Andaz, a Hyatt branch with a boutique vibe that’s situated right in the heart of the historic district of the city. As soon as we entered the lobby, it was clear they had recently renovated (apparently as of April 9, 2018), and the only word I can muster to describe the decor was hip. The decor was minimalistic and clean, with white walls that created an airy feel and contemporary furniture that reminded me of a New York loft.

THE PARKING

It was very unclear as to where guests were supposed to park. We had to ask one of the valets, and he directed us to the back of the building, where there is a parking structure they also park at. So we drove around the block and entered a public parking lot. We asked an attendant there to confirm that Andaz guests are to park there, and she said yes. $10 to park until 5am, and no in-and-out privileges. Considering that valet is $30 and does have in-and-out privileges, valet may end up being worth it.

THE SERVICE

Immediately, we were greeted by a host wearing a casual outfit that reverberated the young and casual, yet put-together vibe that Andaz seems to be going for. She was very nice and attentive, offered us beverages at the bar upon check-in, and when we brought up a situation that we had with self-parking, she was very quick to resolve the matter.

In fact, the next time we saw her, perhaps an hour later, she came up to us and tried to do even better by offering one her valets to get our car from the self-parking and offered valet services for the rest of our stay. We were very impressed by the customer service initiative thus far.

THE LOFT ROOM

We were upgraded to the Loft category, and for two people, it’s quite spacious. It helps that the furniture they’ve decorated with is modern and clean, and not at all stuffy. There is enough quirkiness in the decor and wall art to create that boutique feel, as well. In the loft room, there is a kitchenette that includes a beautiful SMEG fridge, Keurig, microwave, and toaster, with complimentary non-alcoholic beverages. Past the kitchenette and dining table is the sitting area, where a chaise is situated in between a plasma t.v. and a very comfortable bed that’s well-stocked with fluffy pillows. The bathroom is spacious and well-lit enough, but compared to the rest of the room, the shower is lackluster.

Our balcony looked upon Ellis Square, which made for fun people watching. However, at night, we can hear the blaring of the nearby club(s) well into the night. It may very well be something that only happens on weekends and holidays (we stayed during Fourth of July), but it’s something to consider.

THE FOOD

There is a restaurant and bar in the lobby of Andaz Savannah. Though I can’t vouch for the drinks at the bar, the atmosphere seems pleasing enough. What I can say about the food at their restaurant 22 Square is mixed. The first breakfast we had there, we opted for the Shrimp and Grits as well as the cinnamon pancakes, and both were absolutely delicious.

The second day, I ordered the avocado toast while Joseph once again had the cinnamon pancakes, since the previous day’s was so good. Well, apparently there was a different cook in the kitchen, because the food on the second day just fell flat. The pancakes that were large and full of life were only bite-size upon the second order, and the avocado toast was just not good.

THE AMENITIES

Aside from the welcome beverage upon arrival and the complimentary in-room minibar on non-alcoholic beverages, there is very fast internet speed (80.3mbs download, 21.7mbs upload – can I get an amen?), newspaper delivery, in-room safe, and unlimited local phone calls.

There is also a beautifully decorated terrace to lounge at throughout the day and night, a fire pit, and a heated pool. There is also a 24-hour gym stocked with all the essentials, dry cleaning, in-room dining, and valet service.

THE LOCATION

Perhaps one of the best features of this hotel is its location. As I’ve mentioned, it’s right in the heart of Savannah’s historic district, right across from Ellis Square, one block away from the City Market, one stop light away from the Savannah River, and footsteps away from the thirteenth stop of a hop-on-hop-off city tour trolley.

THE FINAL SAY

All in all, Andaz Savannah checked off all the requirements and fully exceeded my expectations. If we’re ever in Savannah again, I wouldn’t hesitate to return.

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