A charming hotel near Savannah’s riverfront in the historic district with an inviting courtyard, swimming pool and Italian restaurant.
Location 8/10
Situated at the edge of Washington Square with the Savannah River to the north and the rest of Savannah’s historic district spreading out to the south, the Kimpton Brice makes for an ideal embarkation point to explore Savannah by foot, ambling beneath Spanish moss-laden streets and marveling at its historic Victorian architecture. It’s about a mile north of Forsyth Park, with its famous fountain and mansion-lined streets, and there are plenty of restaurants and coffee shops within walking distance.
SHANNON: How many times have you been around the world?
HANNAH: Almost as many times as the world’s been around the sun, and I feel as if I had gone the whole way on foot.
Tennessee Williams, ‘The Night of the Iguana,’ 1961
Design 7/10
Situated inside a former horse livery and later a Coca-Cola bottling plant, the Brice’s historic grey brick exterior façade is punctuated by yellow awnings with an inviting interior courtyard featuring red brick pavers, flower beds and shade trees with ample furniture, ideal for gathering with friends during the hotel’s complimentary daily happy hour. The lobby is outfitted with wainscot walls and stylish furniture in neutral and jewel tones.
Amenities & Hospitality 7/10
The hotel is home to a swimming pool that gets plenty of sunshine throughout the day, as well as a tiny fitness center with cardio equipment and free weights. Hospitality is friendly and capable with a dedicated concierge in the lobby to book sightseeing tours. Kimpton has one of the friendliest pet policies, accepting pets with no extra charge, so pups on leash are a common sight throughout the property, lending the it a residential, neighborly feel.
Rooms 7/10
We checked into a standard guest room with two queen beds, which was plenty spacious if a little drab. An armoire served as a closet and there were no drawers for unpacking clothes. A desk with a mini fridge and a couple of armchairs rounded out the furnishings. Beds were comfortable and the bathroom had a nice rainfall shower with plenty of counter space. Kimpton’s Atelier Bloem bath products (a sister brand to Malin + Goetz) are a nice touch with floral and citrus scents, although the hotel neglected to stock our room with body lotion.
Food & Beverage 6/10
The hotel is home to Pacci, an Italian restaurant open for breakfast and dinner. We grabbed a flat bread margherita pizza and Caesar salad to go one afternoon; they were just okay. For breakfast, I preferred setting out into Savannah to fetch a cappuccino and pain au chocolate from nearby coffee shops. Complimentary coffee is served in the lobby every morning.
Value 8/10
Current rates from about $144. Book.
The Bottom Line
A comfortable and affordable stay that felt a little more like home every day, I especially loved the point of view it gave me on Savannah’s historic district and the spacious courtyard.
Contact
601 E. Bay St., 912-238-1200; bricehotel.com
