Relax by the river at the dog-friendly Thompson Savannah

By Hope S. Philbrick

The Thompson Savannah, located in Georgia’s Lowcountry city of Savannah in Georgia, is situated between Historic Downtown Savannah and Tybee Island in the city’s Eastern Wharf. When the hotel opened three years ago, it was the first business on that plot of land. But it’s now surrounded by apartments, high-end townhouses, and a variety of shops and businesses including the upscale Woodhouse Spa and a riverside park with an amphitheater for live performances.

However wonderful you may consider Savannah to be—and it really is!—you could happily stay a few nights at Thompson Savannah without leaving the neighborhood. That’s exactly what I recently did with my husband and Boykin spaniel Lula.

The Thompson Savannah hotel by Hyatt has a classy vibe with luxury finishes, attentive service, thoughtful amenities, genuine Southern hospitality, and upscale on-site food and beverage options.

Dog-Friendly Amenities

Thompson Savannah is dog-friendly—in terms of its policies and practices as well as the fact that most staff members will eagerly interact with your dog. For starters, there’s no dog fee. None. $0.00. Plus, there are no breed restrictions.

Amenities for four-legged guests include an outdoor dog exploration area with tunnels to wiggle and wag through and grassy mounds to climb. The doggy playground is adjacent to the riverwalk, an extra-wide sidewalk that overlooks the Savannah River. The riverwalk is an ideal place to exercise with your leashed best friend whether you prefer a leisurely stroll or fast-paced jog.

When you’re hungry or thirsty, your pooch is welcome to join you at some of the indoor seating areas at the lobby bar as well as any of the outdoor dining areas. Of course, a leash is required on the property in all common areas, and you’re expected to pick up after your dog. It’s always good to mention your dog when booking your stay.

The Thompson Savannah’s Guest Amenities

Once your dog is tired out and ready for a nap, you can enjoy some of the human-oriented hotel amenities and features:

• · Local art is on display throughout the hotel, with special rotating exhibits in the lobby—look and shop any time
• · Pool, located on the second floor, is open from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily
• · Fitness Center with Peloton bikes, located on the second floor, is open 24 hours a day
• · House bikes are available for you to explore the city
• · Premium Wi-Fi is available to all guests
• · Hotel guests can enjoy priority access and daily discounts on poolside cabanas and day beds
• · You can take advantage of the Tesla house car service for complimentary rides to anywhere within a mile of the hotel
• · Enjoy a complimentary beverage at Bar by Fleeting at check-in

The “Port City Passport Neighborhood Discounts” offers hotel guests discounts at partner businesses. For example, you might enjoy a complimentary honey tasting and 10% off products at Capital Bee Company; a personalized gallery tour with complimentary glass of bubbly, wine, or coffee at Laney Contemporary; 15% off in-store purchases at The Edition Shop; 10% off in-store purchases at Paris Market and Satchel; and more. For an up-to-date list of opportunities, click the QR code in the pamphlet accompanying your room key or stop by the concierge desk.

On-Site Dining

Bar By Fleeting, located in the lobby, is a dog-friendly option for on-site dining where you can enjoy hand-crafted cocktails and chef-created dishes inspired by local, seasonal ingredients. Vegetables and meats are cooked to perfection.

Fleeting boasts a menu inspired by local, seasonal ingredients. Servers are attentive, the vibe is upscale, and menu items impress. The main dining room only allows service animals, but you can enjoy selections from the same menu at Bar By Fleeting.

Bar Julian is Savannah’s tallest rooftop bar and offers impressive views of the cityscape and Savannah River. Head here for the views, jovial atmosphere, and hand-crafted cocktails and bites from the Mediterranean-inspired menu. Special seasonal drinks are featured, such as the impressive Halloween-themed “Beetlejuice” concoction with a creative lychee “eyeball” garnish.

Stevedore Bakery offers locally roasted coffee, artisan breads, hand-crafted pastries, and seasonal specials. The menu features local Southern farmers and growers. The fluffy breakfast egg sandwich is worth notice. Some outdoor tables are available, or you can head to the grassy area around the amphitheater that’s across from the hotel’s main entrance.

This guest article is written by Hope S. Philbrick, a freelance writer/editor based in Atlanta, Georgia. Her articles about travel, food, wine and spirits (as in booze, not ghosts) have appeared in dozens of publications. When not writing, she’s either on the road (sometimes with her Boykin spaniel Lula) or savoring something tasty. Follow her adventures on Instagram @21plusTravel.