Savannah's Secret Escape: Adults-Only Luxury at Planters Inn
Savannah's Secret Escape: Planters Inn - Where Elegance Tries to Hide (And Mostly Succeeds)
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because I’m about to spill the tea, the sweet iced tea, and maybe a little bit of the gin from my Savannah escape at Planters Inn. They bill it as "Adults-Only Luxury," and honestly, they mostly deliver, but with a few hiccups that make it all the more memorable (and, let's be honest, relatable). This isn't your perfectly polished travel ad; this is the real deal, warts and all.
SEO & Metadata Stuff (Because Apparently, That's a Thing):
- Keywords: Savannah, Planters Inn, Luxury Hotel, Adults-Only, Spa, Savannah Historic District, Romantic Getaway, Accessible Hotel, Wheelchair Accessible, Fine Dining, Savannah Hotels, Boutique Hotel
- Meta Description: A brutally honest review of Planters Inn in Savannah, GA. Discover the highs and lows of this adults-only luxury hotel experience, from the stunning spa to the (sometimes) wonky accessibility. Get the real scoop before you book!
First Impressions & Accessibility (The First Mess-Up, But It's Okay):
Okay, so first things first. I'm not exactly a seasoned traveler in the wheelchair department, but I figured I'd give the accessibility a whirl. Planters Inn touted itself as accessible, and while the lobby had a ramp, and the elevator was indeed working, there were some tight corners and a slight… shall we say… reluctance from some staff to fully accommodate. It's not a deal-breaker, but it's worth noting. Getting around the historic district in a wheelchair is its own adventure – cobblestones are NOT your friend.
- Accessibility Score: 7/10 (Room for improvement, but generally okay)
- Wheelchair Accessible: Yes (with a few caveats)
- Elevator: Yes (thank the heavens!)
- Things to Note: Tight turns in some hallways, and sometimes you'll need to flag down someone to help open a door.
Rooms: Where Comfort Meets (Mostly) Elegance:
The rooms… oh, the rooms! We had a suite (because, hello, Savannah!), and it was a stunner. Think high ceilings, plush carpeting (yes, carpeting, I know – questionable for allergies, but oh-so-lush!), and a bed that threatened to swallow me whole. The mini-bar was stocked (and I may have indulged), and the bathroom had all the bells and whistles, including those glorious, fluffy bathrobes. Now, I'm not gonna lie, the Internet access – LAN made me chuckle. Like, who's plugging in a cable in 2024? But hey, options!
- Available in all rooms: Yes, most things. Seriously, they had everything!
- Extra Long Bed: Oh yes, necessary for my sprawling, sleep-loving self.
- Air Conditioning: Essential. Savannah summers are brutal.
- In-room safe box: Excellent!
- Room decor: I really dug the decor. Felt like a very classy southern home, maybe a little dusty, but I didn't mind.
- Free Wi-Fi: All rooms. Thank God.
Dining, Drinking & Snacking (The Best Part, Honestly):
Let's be honest, food is a huge part of travel, and Planters Inn gets it. 24-hour room service? Sign me up! Breakfast in the room? Absolutely. Asian breakfast? Hmm, not my thing, but the buffet was outstanding. The restaurant, 5th Street, was incredible. The service was top-notch, and the food… well, let’s just say I had the most decadent shrimp and grits of my life there.
- Restaurants: Yes, multiple.
- Breakfast [buffet]: Outstanding!
- Coffee/tea in restaurant: Crucial for mornings.
- Room service [24-hour]: A godsend after a day of walking (or wheeling) around town.
- Happy Hour: Get it done.
- Bar: Pour me a drink, bartender!
- Desserts in restaurant: Delicious. Don't skip dessert.
- Western & Asian cuisine in restaurant: Available
The Spa: Finding My Inner Zen (Or Attempting To):
The spa at Planters Inn? Pure bliss. They have everything! The body scrub was amazing, like being gently exfoliated with the touch of an angel (or, you know, a highly skilled esthetician). The sauna? Toasty and perfect for melting away the stresses of… life. I had the massage (my absolute favorite thing to do) and it was a religious experience. The spa staff were all so polite, professional, and amazing at what they did.
- Spa: Yes. Absolutely yes. Go here.
- Massage: Essential.
- Sauna: Heaven on earth.
- Fitness center: Never went, because vacations are for relaxing, not sweating.
- Body scrub & wrap: Fantastic.
Cleanliness & Safety (Because COVID is Still a Thing):
Planters Inn took the pandemic seriously. Disinfecting products were everywhere and available upon request. Staff were masked, hand sanitizer stations were plentiful, and everything felt exceptionally clean. I saw staff cleaning all the time. I felt safe for sure. However, not sanitizing the room before I checked in made me a little iffy.
- Professional-grade sanitizing services: Yes!
- Hand sanitizer: Everywhere.
- Staff trained in safety protocol: I felt like they were.
- Rooms sanitized between stays: Not to my knowledge when I stayed.
Services, Conveniences & Random Quirks:
The hotel had all the usual services – concierge, laundry, meeting rooms (although, who's really having a meeting in Savannah?), and a convenience store. The staff were generally lovely, but there were a few moments where I felt a little like I was inconveniencing someone (see: accessibility). And the gift shop? Pricy, but hey, you're on vacation, right?
- Concierge: Helpful, but maybe not as knowledgeable about niche Savannah experiences.
- Daily housekeeping: Appreciated.
- Dry cleaning: Always handy.
- Gift/souvenir shop: Pricey.
- Luggage storage: Convenient.
Things To Do & Relax (aka, The Point of Being in Savannah):
Savannah is a treasure trove of history, charm, and… well, ghosts. Planters Inn is perfectly situated for exploring. Historic squares, spooky tours, shopping, dining… the city is your oyster. And after a long day of sightseeing, sinking back into that massive bed at Planters Inn was pure heaven.
- Things to do: Explore the historic district, take a riverboat cruise, go ghost hunting.
- Ways to relax: The spa, pool, or simply lounging in your room with a book and that damn delicious sweet tea.
- Swimming pool [outdoor]: Beautiful, but I never used it. Too much beauty in Savannah.
The Verdict: Would I Go Back?
Absolutely. Despite the minor hiccups (and there always are!), Planters Inn is a truly special place. The location is ideal, the rooms are luxurious, and the spa is worth the price of admission alone. It’s not perfect, but its imperfections add to its charm. Just remember to pack your patience and maybe, just maybe, a few extra dollars to spend on those delicious shrimp and grits.
Overall Score: 8.5/10 (Would recommend, with a few caveats about accessibility and potential slight stuffiness)
Pheasant Run: Your Unforgettable Illinois Getaway (Luxury Awaits!)
Alright, buckle up buttercups, 'cause this ain't your grandma's itinerary. We're hitting Savannah, baby, and we're doing it right. Specifically, the Planters Inn on Reynolds Square – Adults Only. Let’s see if we can make this more than just "perfect" and more like a blurry, sun-drenched memory. Here we go… (and apologies in advance for any typos. I'm fueled by sweet tea and the ghosts of Savannah.)
The Almost Perfect Disorganized Guide to Planters Inn & Savannah (GA)
Day 1: Arrival & Southern Charm-Induced Whimsy (or, Finding the Damn Inn)
- Morning (ish): Okay, so "morning" might be a generous term. Flight landed, we snagged our cute little rental car (bless its cotton socks, a Mazda Miata. Terrible for luggage, perfect for looking like we’re on a romantic getaway. Spoiler alert: we are). The real adventure started trying to find the Planters Inn. Let’s just say Google Maps and my partner, bless their hearts, got into a screaming match involving something about "roundabouts" and "historic districts." Ended up asking a very patient local for directions, who kindly pointed us towards the cobblestones of Reynolds Square. (Side note to future travelers: embrace getting lost. It's part of the charm, and frankly, a great opportunity to people-watch.)
- Afternoon: CHECK-IN! Hallelujah! The Planters Inn. It’s… well, it’s gorgeous. Like, genuinely stunning. The lobby smells of something expensive and floral, and there's a quiet hum of polite conversation. We're assigned a room, and I make a mental note to tip extra for the person who dragged our suitcases from the car for us. Our room is perfect. Four-poster bed, fireplace (which, let’s be honest, we'll probably never light, but love that it's there to add to the ambiance, and a little balcony overlooking Reynolds Square. (This is the part that’s making us both feel like we deserve this vacation. This is what it feels like when you finally allow yourself to breathe) After unpacking, we decide we need a celebratory cocktail. STAT. Took a minute to get settled in. We were both frazzled from getting here.
- Late Afternoon/Early Evening: Happy Hour at the Planters Inn’s bar, 700 Drayton. This is where the real magic starts. The bartender (bless his cotton socks) makes a killer Sazerac. We devour complimentary cheese and crackers (because, priorities). The atmosphere is a low, luxurious thrum. I may or may not have spent a solid hour just staring at the square, watching the horse-drawn carriages clop by, getting lost in the history of the place.. I swear, I could practically feel the ghosts of Savannah swirling around me. Probably the Sazerac. Good, solid, Southern hospitality.
- Evening: Dinner reservation at The Olde Pink House. Now, everyone and their mother raves about this place. It's a Savannah institution. And, yeah, it is pretty darn amazing. The food is delicious (get the crab cakes, trust me, you won’t regret it) and the atmosphere is… well, pink. And old. And beautiful. I'm not sure how old, but old enough to feel like you step back in time. So, there's a sense of romance. And then, maybe we had a few too many cocktails (see above re: Sazeracs). We may not have made it back to the hotel til almost 11.
Day 2: History, Haunts & the Hunt for the Perfect Praline
- Morning (okay, a late morning): Woke up with a slight fuzziness (blame the pink house, not the hotel). But, that’s what vacation is for, right? Walked down to a local breakfast cafe (the Mrs. Wilkes’ Dining Room. It wasn’t perfect, or as I’d hoped for, but it was good). I’d recommend making the reservations. We didn’t, and so we waited for about an hour. But, breakfast was good. So we got over it. After, we headed out for our walking tour of Savannah. So many ghost stories. So much history. I did, however, start thinking about the amount of people who were buried in the town square. It's a lot.
- Afternoon: The walking tour was intense. Savannah is dripping with history, and the guide (who, bless his soul, had a voice that could soothe a raging bull) regaled us with tales of pirates, duels, and, of course, ghosts. I'm a total skeptic. But, some of the places we saw… yeah, I'm starting to rethink my stance on the whole "otherworldly beings" thing. We visited a few beautiful churches, and ended the tour at a particularly creepy cemetery.
- Late Afternoon: Praline Pursuit! My mission for the afternoon: find the perfect Savannah praline. Had one, and it wasn't what I expected, but overall it was good.
- Evening: Dinner at Elizabeth on 37th. This is a recommendation from the hotel. It’s supposed to be the best fine dining restaurant in the city. It was fabulous. Really special. The service was impeccable. I recommend it. I am now ready to fall asleep at 8:00 PM.
Day 3: Arts, Architecture & the (Almost) Meltdown
- Morning: Tried to sleep in. Failed. There’s a certain energy to Savannah that just won't let you stay in bed. Took a walk around the square. I may have spent far too long admiring a dog wearing a sweater.
- Late Morning/Early Afternoon: Took a trolley tour. Okay, I know, it’s touristy. But, sometimes you just need to sit down and have someone else do the navigating. Learned even more about Savannah's history, which, at this point, was starting to blur into a delightful, slightly overwhelming jumble of facts, dates, and ghostly whispers. The best part? The little girl in front of us who, at every stop, shrieked, "Is THIS the haunted house?!" I think she may have ruined every single one of my photos.
- Afternoon: The almost meltdown. I went to the art museum this afternoon! It was lovely. I had a beautiful time. And then I looked at my phone. And saw that my partner sent me a message. About how he needed to get a haircut. Right now. And then he asked me to help him find the best barber in Savannah. And while he was perfectly kind about it, I was at that point where I just wanted to scream. I just wanted to be left alone! He didn't even seem to notice that I was struggling. I got very close to a full-blown meltdown. Fortunately, I took a deep breath. And then I remembered the bartender at the Planters Inn and the Sazerac.
- Late Afternoon/Evening: A calm-down Sazerac (or two). My partner, bless his heart, understood the error of his ways. We got some fresh air and went to my favorite place in the town square.
Day 4: Departure & Deeply Held Memories
- Morning: Heartbreak. Packing. The realization that vacation is ending. One last long, lingering gaze at Reynolds Square from our balcony. Savoring the scent of whatever expensive, floral thing the hotel uses in the lobby.
- Mid-Morning: One last, desperately needed cup of coffee at a local cafe. Said goodbye to Savannah (for now, at least). And maybe, just maybe, I’m leaving a little piece of my heart there.
- Afternoon: Long flight home. I could have stayed.
- Evening: Back to reality. But, thank God for those memories.
Final Thoughts:
Savannah is a captivating blend of history, beauty, and a healthy dose of weirdness. The Planters Inn is a perfect base for exploring it all. Take your time. Wander aimlessly. Get lost. Embrace the slightly chaotic, imperfect, and utterly unforgettable experience. And make sure you find the perfect praline. Because, trust me, you need it. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to go find a Sazerac.
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Savannah's Secret Escape: Planters Inn - The Questions You're *Actually* Googling (and My Unfiltered Answers)
Okay, so you're thinking about Planters Inn, right? Good choice. Savannah's calling. But let's be honest, all those perfectly curated hotel websites are… well, they're BORING. Here's the real deal, from someone who's *been there, done that, and possibly over-indulged in the complimentary sherry.* Let's dive in, shall we?
1. Is Planters Inn REALLY as luxurious as it looks? Like, *actually*?
Alright, lemme be blunt. Yes. Mostly. But not in that stuffy, "you can't touch anything" kind of way. Imagine stepping back in time, but with updated plumbing and Wi-Fi that actually works (unlike my grandma's place). My room, a "deluxe king" (cough cough, all fancy names), was gorgeous. Four-poster bed? Check. Fireplace (that, sadly, I *couldn't* figure out how to light)? Check. But here’s the thing: It’s not *flawless*. There's a charm to the history. I'm pretty sure my marble bathroom *might* have had a slightly chipped tile in the shower. Didn't bother me one bit. Who spends their time glaring at a chipped tile in SAVANNAH?!
2. Is it actually adults-only? Because, you know... peaceful adult-ing is the goal.
YES! Hallelujah! That's the whole point, right? Peace. Quiet. No screaming toddlers (bless 'em, but not on my vacation!). I honestly felt more relaxed than I have in, oh, probably a decade. It's all about that tranquility. You stroll back from dinner, tiptoe to your room, and the biggest sounds you hear are your own happy sighs. Pure bliss. I needed that. Badly.
3. Okay, but what about the location? It *looks* central... is it?
Central? Honey, it's smack-dab in the middle of everything. Seriously. You're basically *in* City Market. Think cobblestone streets, horse-drawn carriages clip-clopping past your window (romance level: off the charts), and enough restaurants and shops to make your credit card weep. You can walk everywhere. That's a HUGE deal in Savannah. My feet, bless their cotton socks, were thrilled. I may or may not have had a bit TOO much fun shopping. And yes, I bought the sparkly boots because *obviously*.
4. The Sherry! I've heard about the sherry! Is it really that good? And is it *free*? (Asking for a friend... ahem, me.)
YES! And YES! FREE SHERRY! It's like a warm hug in a glass. Okay, let's back this up, I LOVE sherry. I drink sherry! I need sherry to be a functioning human. The *complimentary* sherry is a glorious little ritual. Every afternoon, you can mosey on down to the library (which is also beautiful, by the way) and indulge. I will admit that I might have visited more than once. And then twice. Each time I would feel so pampered. You know, I really should try sherry at home. I could be a sherry person!
5. The restaurant, 700 Drayton. Is it worth it, or is it just hotel food?
Okay, this is tricky. 700 Drayton is generally good, like, *really* good. The food's delicious, the atmosphere is elegant, and the service is impeccable. The scallops? Divine. And the wine list? Amazing. I had a fantastic dinner there. But. BUT. It's not exactly cheap. It’s fine dining. Plan on a splurge. Is it worth it? Yes, for a special occasion, absolutely. For every single meal? Maybe not. There are *tons* of other amazing restaurants in Savannah (and you can walk to most of them). So, do your research! But if you have one great meal there, you wont be disappointed
6. Is there a spa? Because, you know... self-care.
No spa, sadly. Which, honestly, bummed me out a little. I love a good massage, and I was hoping to get one. But there are offsite options nearby (the hotel can help with arrangements, I believe). But seriously, they need a spa! This, truly, is the only real negative.
7. Okay, let's talk about the staff. Are they as lovely as they seem?
OMG, yes. The staff are *amazing*. Seriously, above and beyond. They remember your name. They anticipate your needs. They genuinely seem to *care* that you're having a good time. I swear, they'd probably have walked my dog for me (if I'd brought one, which I didn't because, adults-only, remember?). They’re not just polite; they’re genuinely warm and friendly. I even saw one of the guys with a great big smile go out of his way to help an elderly lady. That's the type of service you want.
8. What's the vibe? Romantic? Relaxed? Can I actually wear sweats?
Relaxed, but with a touch of elegance. Think "chic", not "stuffy". It’s definitely romantic – my partner and I saw a lot of couples. Yes, you *can* wear sweats (I did… at least in the room). But you might want to dress up a *little* bit for dinner. You'll feel out of place if you look like you just rolled out of bed (unless you’re me, on day three, andHotels Blog Guide
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