This week, for Where to Stay Wednesday … I invite you inside The Ballastone Inn in Savannah, Georgia!
Ideally situated for walking to all attractions in this beautiful historic town, The Ballastone Inn is a perfect example of Southern hospitality that draws you in and makes you feel like you might never want to leave. In 2010, they had their 30th anniversary. However, the beautiful Historic District building that Ballastone occupies is far older – it was built in 1838. This four-story antebellum mansion is perfectly suited to Savannah’s period charm. This is a town that calls for a stay in a bed & breakfast. (Though Savannah does have many chain hotels for the budget traveler.) If you are in a position to do so, The Ballastone is truly a perfect choice!
Both afternoon high tea with antique silver service and early evening cocktails, are served daily in the gorgeous main floor rooms of the mansion. There is a dining room, formal sitting room and a Victorian bar where guests can mingle or relax. Seasonally of course, there is also a beautifully landscaped lush patio open all day and in the evening. Both opportunities are perfect for meeting fellow travelers or simply resting between trolley tours or before a ghost walk! The Inn features a full concierge service and can arrange any number of activities for you in Savannah if you don’t desire to make your own arrangements. I was unable to partake in the evening cocktails during my stay but I did sample high tea and was so pleasantly surprised. It literally was as good as the high tea I experienced in London, England. The Ballastone Inn is a Select Registry property and as such, is held to a level of excellency above many other bed and breakfasts in the United States. If you are familiar with Select Registry – expect to find gourmet breakfast choices like you’ve often seen, the friendly staff you have come to love, the same plush bathrobes (I am such a sucker for these) and the same luxurious details like specialty body care products and nightly turn down service with a chocolate on your pillow!
Parking is available both in a lot, and street-side. The Inn is also handicap accessible. In the past, Frommer’s guidebook has recommended The Ballastone as a best in Savannah and it has won Andrew Harper’s “Hideaway of the Year” award. Next door, ideally situated for guests of The Ballastone, is the Savannah Day Spa. I highly recommend taking advantage of their services after a full day of sightseeing. I don’t recommend The Ballastone for families with children, however – if you are used to staying as a family in a bed & breakfast you will love the luxury the Ballastone provides mixed with its attention to detail for adults! The Ballastone Inn is located at 14 East Ogelthorpe Avenue, Savannah, Georgia 31401. Their phone number is (912) 236-1484, toll free is (800) 822-4553. Reservations in advance are strongly encouraged as the Inn does host event groups and weddings, sometimes taking all the rooms or a majority at one time.
Disclaimer: The Ballastone Inn and Select Registry kindly took care of my stay for two nights and as such I owe them my gratitude and thanks for one of the most enjoyable visits I’ve ever had to Savannah! However, I was not paid for a favorable review, the opinions in this article are mine and are sincere.
