Bohemian rooftop view

One of the hottest hotels to stay at right now in Savannah is the newly-opened The Bohemian Hotel Savannah Riverfront. This 75-room boutique hotel, contemporary in style and uniquely appointed with vintage fixtures (think Manhattan meets the maritime South), is ideally located on the picturesque riverfront of the historic 18th century cobblestone street.

The location alone is worth the stay: you’re a stone’s throw away from hustle and bustle of all the shops, eateries, outdoor market and evening street performers. If you can swing it, make sure to get a

Bohemian Hotel Savannah Riverview

room with a riverfront view, and take advantage of the recession specials and introductory rates that are going on right now. And book now for next year’s booze-fest, otherwise known as St. Patrick’s Day, when River Street gets its malarkey on and all is green beer, beads and bedlam. It’s Savannah’s most wonderful time of the year.

Although the swank guest rooms at The Bohemian are a bit on the small side and there was no in-room mini-bar in my room, you can always head upstairs to catch a drink at the Über-hip, ultra-popular rooftop bar, Rocks on the Roof, and catch a stunning view of the sunset, as well as the sprawling view of the cityscape at night.

Sit outside on the comfy couches (get there early—they go fast) or around the fire pit while you listen to live music and sip your mojito. If you go to Rocks before 10:30 on any given night, you’ll find a mellow, professional crowd; after 10:30, it gets loud and frat-boy annoying, especially on the weekends. Consider yourself warned. Also, ladies, don’t wear your stilettos or any pump with more than a three-inch heel—you’ll break you ankle navigating the nearby cobblestone street should you decide to walk around. And guys, keep the ball caps at home. The style is relaxed but definitively Southern, so look sharp.

Another “go-to” hotel is the Mansion on Forsyth Park, a sister property of The Bohemian Hotel. Built in 1888, the 18,000-square-foot Victorian-Romanesque mansion has been completely restored and updated with the expected modern amenities and features 126 oversized guest rooms and six suites.

It’s a bit more luxurious and mature than its sister, and many a celebrity has called the Mansion home while in town to shoot a film. The location is prime, right across the street from sprawling Forsyth Park. If it’s not too hot out—the most seasonable, bug-free months to visit are typically October and April— take a walk along the winding, moss-shaded paths, take pictures near the fountain or just sit on a bench and people-watch. Throughout the year, there are tons of free concerts and events so make sure to ask the concierge what’s going on while you’re in town, or check out www.connectsavannah.com before you visit.

If you’re looking to put a little South in your mouth, consider taking a cooking class at the on-site 700 Kitchen Cooking School, a state-of-the-art classroom kitchen headed up by culinary director Chef Darin Sehnert. You’ll experience Southern food at its finest and learn how to cook the best of Lowcountry cuisine such as fried green tomatoes, creamy grits and cheddar and chive biscuits, all from scratch.

The best part is you get to enjoy the fruits of your labor at the end of class and you’ll have the recipes to take home so you can whip up a dinner party and impress all your guests. All the classes include hands-on participation and last about three hours; private group events may be arranged in advance. You’ll pack on a few extra pounds after the class, but the old adage is true: You can’t trust a skinny chef.

Tags: Bohemian Hotel, charm, hotel, Savannah, south