You’re walking down Jones Street in Savannah. It's often called the prettiest street in America, and honestly, it’s hard to argue with that when the sunlight hits those cobblestones just right through the Spanish moss. Right there, at number 5 West Jones Street, sits a brick house that looks like it’s seen everything since 1847. This is the Eliza Thompson House Bed and Breakfast. It isn't just another place to sleep. If you want a sterile, modern hotel with glass elevators and automated check-in kiosks, you’re in the wrong part of Georgia. This place is for people who want to feel the floorboards creak and smell the faint scent of old gardens.
Most travelers just book the big chains on Bay Street because it’s easy. They're missing out. Staying here is basically like being a guest in a private mansion from the mid-19th century, mostly because that’s exactly what it was. Eliza Thompson, a widow with seven children, built this house. She was bold. In a time when women didn't exactly lead construction projects, she created a federal-style masterpiece that has survived the Civil War, the burning of Savannah (or rather, the sparing of it), and the city's long decay before its 20th-century rebirth.
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What Most People Get Wrong About Historic Savannah Inns
There is this weird myth that staying in a historic inn means you’re sacrificing comfort for "vibe." People think they’ll be stuck with drafty windows, lumpy mattresses, and bathrooms the size of a closet. That’s just not the reality at the Eliza Thompson House Bed and Breakfast. While the main house maintains that authentic 1847 layout, the 25 rooms—split between the main house and the carriage house—are actually pretty plush. You've got high ceilings and original pine floors, sure, but the linens are high-thread-count and the air conditioning actually works. That matters when it’s 95 degrees and 90% humidity in July.
Another thing? People assume these places are stuffy. Like you have to whisper in the hallways. It’s actually the opposite. The courtyard is the heart of the social scene here. It’s one of those classic Savannah "secret gardens" with a koi pond and an original fountain. Usually, around 5:30 PM, the wine and hors d'oeuvres start flowing. You’ll find yourself chatting with a couple from London or a solo traveler from Seattle. It’s communal in a way that modern hotels can’t replicate.
The Reality of the "Haunted" Reputation
Savannah is the most haunted city in America. Or so every tour guide in a top hat tells you. If you stay at the Eliza Thompson House Bed and Breakfast, you’re going to hear stories. Some guests claim to see a woman in a long dress wandering the halls. Others talk about a Confederate soldier in the basement.
Is it true?
Depends on who you ask. The staff are usually pretty coy about it. They won't promise you a ghost sighting, but they won't exactly deny it either. The house was used as a private residence for decades before becoming an inn in 1977. It has layers. Even if you don't believe in ghosts, the atmosphere is heavy with history. It’s not scary, though. It’s more of a peaceful, "lived-in" feeling that you only get from buildings that have seen a century and a half of human life.
Why Jones Street Matters for Your Stay
Location is everything. If you stay near City Market or River Street, it’s loud. You hear bachelorette parties screaming at 2:00 AM. Jones Street is different. It’s in the heart of the Historic District, but it’s residential. It’s quiet. You can actually hear the wind in the oaks.
Staying at the Eliza Thompson House Bed and Breakfast puts you within walking distance of Mrs. Wilkes’ Dining Room. If you haven't heard of it, it’s a legendary boarding-house-style restaurant where people line up for blocks to eat fried chicken and collard greens. Being a guest at Eliza’s means you can wander over early and check the line without much effort.
What You’re Getting for the Price
- Chef-prepared breakfast: This isn't a "muffin in a plastic wrap" situation. We're talking casserole, fresh fruit, and hot coffee in the courtyard.
- Afternoon tea: Very old-school. Very Savannah.
- Evening wine and cheese: This is the "Social Hour." Don't skip it.
- Late-night desserts: Usually something like warm cobbler or brownies.
Prices fluctuate, obviously. During the St. Patrick’s Day madness, expect to pay a premium. Savannah has the second-largest parade in the country, and Jones Street is prime real estate. If you want a deal, look at the "shoulder seasons"—late January or early August, though you'll have to sweat out the Georgia heat in August.
A Closer Look at the Carriage House vs. Main House
This is a nuance most booking sites don't explain well. The Main House is where you go for the "Grand Dame" experience. The rooms have the original molding, massive windows, and that sense of verticality. However, the Carriage House, located across the brick courtyard, offers a slightly more secluded, rustic feel.
The Carriage House rooms often feature exposed brick walls. It feels a bit more like a "hideaway." If you’re on a romantic trip, the Carriage House is usually the play. If you’re a history buff who wants to imagine you’re Eliza Thompson herself overseeing her estate, stay in the Main House. Just keep in mind that being an "adults-only" property (usually 16 and up), the whole place maintains a level of quiet that you won't find at a Marriott.
The Little Details That Make or Break the Experience
It’s the small stuff. Like the way the staff leaves a carafe of sherry in the parlor. Or how the fountain in the courtyard masks the sound of the city. The Eliza Thompson House Bed and Breakfast is managed by Historic Inns of Savannah, a group that knows how to preserve these old buildings without letting them turn into dusty museums.
They’ve managed to balance the "museum" feel with actual utility. You get Wi-Fi. You get flat-screen TVs. But they're tucked away so they don't ruin the aesthetic. It’s a delicate balance. If they pushed the technology too much, the magic would disappear. If they ignored it, modern travelers would be frustrated. They hit the sweet spot.
Navigating the Practicalities
Parking in Savannah is a nightmare. It’s all metered or residential permits. The inn offers valet parking for a fee, and honestly? Just pay it. Don't spend your vacation circling the block looking for a spot that isn't a street-sweeping zone.
Also, be prepared for stairs. This is a historic home. While there are some accessible options, much of the charm involves climbing those original staircases. If you have mobility issues, you absolutely need to call ahead and specify a ground-floor room in the Carriage House. Don't just book online and hope for the best; the staff is super helpful but they can't change the architecture of an 1840s house on the fly.
Actionable Steps for Your Savannah Trip
If you're planning to stay at the Eliza Thompson House Bed and Breakfast, do these three things to make sure it's actually worth your money:
- Book Directly: While the big travel sites are fine, calling the inn or using their direct website often gets you better room-specific info. Since every room is unique, you want to make sure you aren't getting a smaller room if you wanted a fireplace.
- Plan Your Meals Around the Inn: You’re paying for the food included in your stay. Don't go out for a massive breakfast. Eat there. Use the "social hour" as your pre-dinner move before heading to a place like The Grey or Olde Pink House.
- Walk Jones Street at Dusk: This is when the gas lamps flicker on. It’s the most "Savannah" moment you can have. Walk from the inn down toward Forsyth Park. It’s only a few blocks, and it’s the best free show in the city.
- Check the Event Calendar: Savannah is a city of festivals. From the Music Festival in the spring to the Film Fest in the fall, these events drive up prices and fill the rooms at the Eliza Thompson House months in advance. If your dates are flexible, aim for a mid-week stay in October or April for the best weather-to-price ratio.
The Eliza Thompson House represents a specific type of travel. It’s slower. It’s more deliberate. It’s for the person who wants to sit in a courtyard for an hour just listening to the water and watching the light change on the ivy. It’s one of the few places left that feels genuinely tethered to the history of the South without feeling like a caricature of it. If you want the real Savannah, this is where you find it.