You ever walk into a place and just feel like it has a pulse? That’s Savannah for you. But specifically, it’s the corner of East Bay and Houston Streets. If you’re looking for a cookie-cutter stay where every hallway looks like a scene from a corporate training video, you’re in the wrong spot. The Kimpton Brice Hotel Savannah is weird in the best way possible. It’s got this vibe that’s half "Southern debutante" and half "industrial rebel," and honestly, that’s exactly why people keep coming back.
It wasn't always a boutique hotel with Frette sheets and a pool that feels like a private club. Back in the day—we're talking 1902—this building was a Coca-Cola bottling plant. Before that? A livery stable. Then a cotton warehouse. You can still see the "Savannah gray" brick, which is basically the city’s architectural thumbprint. If these walls could talk, they’d probably smell like mules and sugar.
What Most People Get Wrong About The Location
A lot of tourists obsess over being right on top of River Street. They want to open their window and hear the crowd on the cobblestones. Big mistake. River Street is loud. It’s touristy. It’s... a lot.
The Kimpton Brice Hotel Savannah is smart. It sits just a block away. You get the proximity—literally a two-minute walk to the river—but you also get the quiet of Washington Square. It’s on the quieter, eastern end of the Historic District. You’re close enough to the action to feel the energy, but far enough away that you aren’t woken up by a bachelorette party at 3:00 AM.
The Layout Mystery
The hotel is actually a bit of a maze. It’s not one giant tower. It’s a collection of buildings including the "Power Plant" (the main hub) and sections like the "Three Muses." Pro tip: If you want a view that isn't just a brick wall, ask for a pool view or something facing the square. Some of the lower-level rooms can feel a bit tucked away, which is great for privacy but maybe not if you’re a light-sensitive morning person.
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The Secret Garden and "The Daisy"
Let’s talk about the Secret Garden. It’s not just a cute name. It’s this interior courtyard draped in ivy that feels like you’ve stumbled into someone’s private estate. Most hotels have a lobby; the Brice has a soul. You’ll see people out there with their laptops in the morning and then with a Negroni from Pacci Italian Kitchen + Bar by 6:00 PM.
Then there’s the pool. It’s called The Daisy. In a city as humid as Savannah—and trust me, the humidity here is a physical entity—having a pool is non-negotiable. It’s framed by lush greenery and has that "urban resort" feel. It’s not huge, but it’s stylish. It’s the kind of place where you actually want to be seen in your swimsuit.
Why Pet Owners Are Obsessed
Kimpton’s pet policy is legendary. Basically, if your pet fits through the door, they’re welcome. No "pet fees" that double your nightly rate. No weight limits. I’ve seen everything from Great Danes to actual birds in Kimpton lobbies. At the Brice, they take it a step further. Because it’s right next to Emmet Park and several squares, walking your dog doesn't feel like a chore; it feels like part of the Savannah experience.
The Reality of the Rooms: The Good and the Damp
Full disclosure: Savannah is an old, swampy city. Some guests have mentioned that the rooms can feel a bit "damp." It’s a common quirk in historic buildings in the South. The hotel has been doing renovations to keep things fresh, and the lobby definitely has that 60s-mod-meets-Southern-charm aesthetic.
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- The Beds: They use Frette linens. If you know, you know. It’s like sleeping on a cloud that’s been professionally ironed.
- The Tech: You’ve got the standard stuff, but the yoga mats in every room are a classic Kimpton touch.
- The Showers: Most rooms have great water pressure, though if you’re a "soaking tub" person, you need to be specific when booking because not every room has one.
Eating at Pacci Italian Kitchen
You don’t actually have to leave the hotel to get a decent meal. Pacci Italian Kitchen + Bar is tucked right inside. It’s not "hotel food." It’s legit coastal Italian. Think seasonal pastas and local seafood.
Their brunch is a sleeper hit. Most people head to the "famous" spots in town and wait in line for two hours. Don't do that. Grab a table at Pacci, get the lemon ricotta pancakes, and watch the morning light hit Washington Square. It’s much more civilized.
Things Nobody Tells You
There are a few "insider" perks that make the price tag worth it.
- The Wine Hour: Every evening from 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM, there’s a hosted wine hour in the lobby. It sounds cheesy, but it’s actually a great way to meet people and get recommendations for dinner.
- The Bikes: They have custom PUBLIC bikes you can borrow for free. Savannah is flat as a pancake. Biking through the squares is the absolute best way to see the city without destroying your feet on the cobblestones.
- The MOKE Carts: They have these colorful electric Moke carts you can rent. They look like something out of a 1970s Caribbean movie. It’s the ultimate "look at me" way to get to Forsyth Park.
Is It Worth the Price?
Look, Savannah isn't cheap anymore. The Kimpton Brice Hotel Savannah usually sits in that mid-to-high tier. You’re paying for the brand, the history, and the fact that you aren't staying in a Marriott that looks like it belongs in a suburban office park.
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If you’re an IHG One Rewards member, you can often snag a deal or use points. Platinum and Diamond members get "Raid the Bar" credits, which—let’s be honest—is the best perk in the hotel industry. Getting a free $20 cocktail just for being a loyal customer? Yes, please.
Common Gripes to Watch For
It's not all sunshine and pralines. Valet parking is pricey. This is a Savannah problem, not just a Brice problem, but be prepared to drop $40+ a night just to park your car. Also, check-in can be a bit slow during the high season (October and April). If you show up at exactly 4:00 PM on a Friday in October, expect a wait.
Actionable Steps for Your Stay
If you’ve decided to book, here is exactly how to maximize the experience:
- Request a High Floor: If you’re worried about street noise from East Bay Street, ask for a room on a higher floor or one facing the inner courtyard.
- Join IHG One Rewards: Even the base level gets you free Wi-Fi and sometimes a late checkout. It’s free to join, so there’s no reason not to.
- Book the "Secret Garden" for Breakfast: If the weather is nice, ask to eat your breakfast in the courtyard. It’s ten times better than sitting in the dining room.
- Use the Destination Card: When you check in, you get a "Brice Destination Card." It gives you discounts at local spots like River Street Sweets and several boutiques. Actually use it; the savings on souvenirs and snacks add up.
- Skip the River Street Crowds for Sunset: Instead of fighting for a spot at a rooftop bar on the west end, take your drink to the hotel’s pool deck or walk over to the nearby Waving Girl Statue for a quieter view of the ships coming in.
Savannah is a city that rewards those who slow down. The Kimpton Brice is built for exactly that. It’s quirky, it’s historical, and it doesn't take itself too seriously. Just remember to pack some humidity-resistant hair product. You’re gonna need it.