Inn at Ellis Square: A Savannah Classic

March 6, 2015

Steeped in history and dripping with heaps of sweet Southern charm, the Inn at Ellis Square is a flavorful blend of Old World elegance and modestly modern amenities.

The hotel is located in the Historic District of Savannah, Georgia, in the recently renovated Guckenheimer Building. The building dates back to the early 1850s and went through a series of high-profile tenants over the years before becoming the award-winning hotel it is today. The inn still features the original hardwood flooring and warm red-brick walls from the bygone eras and recently received the Historic Savannah Foundation’s 2006 Historic Preservation Award for the conservation efforts and meticulous maintenance of the grounds over the years.

“As a child, I remember shopping with my parents when the hotel was the only grocery store in the city,” said Linda Bell, senior sales manager at the Inn at Ellis Square. “The hotel has been a family-owned and -operated hotel for more than 20 years and is perfectly positioned in the center of the historic downtown of Savannah. Guests are able to walk to 10 blocks for shopping and hundreds of restaurants to enjoy.”

Known as the Grand Lady on Bay Street, the Inn at Ellis Square has also become one of the grandest locations to host an event, meeting or conference in Savannah. The more-than 252 guest rooms and suites are stocked and well suited to host any number of attendees in more-than-comfortable accommodations. Guests can start their days with a complimentary Southern-style breakfast before heading off to meetings or venturing out to see all the sights and landmarks just steps outside the front doors of this centrally located hotel. There are so many ways to soak in the ambiance of the Inn at Ellis Square, and this charming hotel is ready to help uncover the true beauty in your next meeting or event.

Meeting Space

Located just minutes from the landing point of Georgia’s first European citizens, the Inn at Ellis Square has a rich tradition as a meeting point. The inn boasts more than 6,000 square feet of flexible space, including four luxury ballrooms for groups and parties of up to 200 guests. The 3,550-square-foot Magnolia Ballroom is perfect for larger events of up to 225 guests, while Magnolia A, which holds up to 128 guests; B, which holds up to 34 guests; and C offer more intimate options for theater-style or sit-down dinner events of no more than 128 guests. The hotel also offers two boardrooms that seat from eight to 12 guests each and the Oglethorpe Room, which is perfect for a small wedding ceremony of 50 to 110 guests.

Exploring the South

Meeting groups and event attendees have no shortage of sights to see and things to do before and after their appointments. The inn is located in the heart of Savannah, nestled between River Street and Old City Market, where visitors can stroll along historic stands to get a literal taste of Savannah. The Riverfront Walk is in the inn’s backyard, only steps from the grand entrance, and boasts a series of galleries, outdoor cafes and fine-dining restaurants and plenty of live music, offered just about every night of the week in one of the quaint venues. The hotel gladly arranges tours for any size group and even encourages guests to get out and wander the city with packages composed of theater tickets, trolley tours, restaurant reservations and more.

Catering

In a town known for Southern hospitality and quality cuisine, it only makes sense that the catering options at the Inn at Ellis Square would be as plentiful as the portions on the plate. The hotel’s event and meeting staff works with planners to select the perfect caterer for each event, from a lavish multicourse sit-down dinner reception to a healthful and hearty lunch of Southern favorites. Guests staying at the hotel get to enjoy one of the inn’s famous deluxe continental breakfasts overlooking historic Bay Street and can book a package through the hotel for a quick and scenic transfer by trolley to the Southern mecca itself: Paula Deen’s The Lady and Sons restaurant.

A Lively Inn Experience

Booking a room or planning an event at the inn is about so much more than the space you purchase. The hotel offers many ways to meet other guests and experience authentic Southern hospitality. From the Thursday night manager’s wine reception held weekly to the monthly drawings held at the reception where guests can win $250 cash and a two-night stay in a king suite, there’s always something going on at this inn. Although during the day, some guests choose to venture out to places like the Mighty Eight Air Force Museum or the Savannah Theatre, most end their day mingling in Dominique’s Lobby Lounge amongst the soft leather sofas and chairs near the cozy fireplace.