Savannah's Secret Garden Escape: Iris Garden Inn Awaits!
Savannah's Secret Garden Escape: Iris Garden Inn Awaits! – A Review Dipped in Sunlight, & Maybe a Teeny Bit of Mud
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your average, sterile hotel review. This is… well, it's the aftermath of a weekend at the Iris Garden Inn in Savannah, and I'm still sorting through the magnolia petals and the lingering scent of… well, let's just say “Savannah.” Prepare for rambling, honest opinions, and a level of detail that might border on obsessive. But hey, that's what you get when you trust a weary traveler, right?
Accessibility: More than a Ramped Entrance (and they should be proud!)
Right off the bat, HUGE thumbs up for accessibility. I'm not in a wheelchair (thank heavens!), but I did briefly consider faking a limp to appreciate the effort. The ramps were smooth, the signage clear, and I saw elevators everywhere. This isn't just a "we put a ramp in and called it a day" situation. They genuinely seemed to care. ♿️ (And for anyone who needs it… you're covered!)
On-site Accessible Restaurants/Lounges: Gotta say, I didn’t need them! Just saying it was available is a win, and I believe it.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Feasting on Charm (and Maybe a Few Calories)
Ugh, the food. Savannah, you temptress! Let's get this straight: I’m a sucker for Southern hospitality, and the Iris Garden Inn delivered.
Breakfast [buffet]: The buffet was a delight, if a bit chaotic. There was a glorious spread of everything from the usual suspects (eggs, bacon, sad-looking toast) to grits (which I loved!), and fresh fruit. I did, however, witness a small child attempt to build a fort out of croissants. It was a moment.😂
Restaurants, & Bar: I spent a lot of time at the Poolside Bar. I mean a lot. Because: Pool with view. Imagine this: the sun dipping towards the Spanish moss-draped oaks, a fruity cocktail in hand (they make a mean margarita, by the way), and… pure, unadulterated relaxation. This bar also served a Snack bar, the perfect fuel for a long day of poolside lounging. The burgers, fries and Onion rings were exactly what you need when you simply want the taste of home.
Coffee/tea in restaurant, Coffee shop: I was in heaven from the first sip of coffee in the morning. The coffee shop was on par with the restaurant, and in the end, I didn't miss a single thing.
Desserts in restaurant: The desserts were just OK. I wouldn't go out of my way for them, but that said they were still delicious.
Room service [24-hour]: I didn't try it, but honestly, at that point, why go to the room?
Food delivery: This is Savannah, right? The Food delivery was amazing. I think I ordered from all the menus.
Alternative meal arrangement: Didn't need it, everyone was happy.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax: Finding My Zen (and Maybe Losing My Mind a Little)
This place is all about chilling.
Swimming pool [outdoor], Pool with view: I've already mentioned the pool; it deserves its own paragraph. It's not just a pool, it's an experience. The view is gorgeous. I spent hours just floating there, staring at the sky and trying to remember what "work" even was. Pure bliss.
Spa, Spa/sauna, Steamroom: The spa was heaven. I went for a massage and almost fell asleep. The Sauna and Steamroom were a very nice touch in the gym/ spa.
Gym/fitness: The gym was well-equipped, and I intended to use it. I even put on my workout clothes. But then… the pool beckoned. 🤷♀️
Body scrub, Body wrap, Foot bath: Yes, yes, and yes! The Foot bath was the true winner.
Cleanliness and Safety: Feeling Safe (and Maybe a Little Smothered)
In the current climate, this is huge.
Hand sanitizer: Everywhere! It’s like they built a shrine to hand sanitizer.
Daily disinfection in common areas & Rooms sanitized between stays, Professional-grade sanitizing services: This isn’t just lip service; you feel the cleanliness.
Staff trained in safety protocol: They were taking things very seriously!
Cashless payment service: Excellent.
Hygiene certification: Check.
Room sanitization opt-out available I did not opt out because I love the smell.
Services and Conveniences: Making Life Easy (and Maybe Letting You Get Lazy)
Air conditioning in public area & Available in all rooms: THANK GOD. It’s Savannah, people. You need it.
Concierge: Super helpful for restaurant recommendations and booking tours.
Daily housekeeping: My room was spotless every time I returned.
Elevator: A must, especially with all the stairs leading up to the hotel!
Laundry service & Dry cleaning: I took advantage of the dry cleaning after my mishap at a very messy restaurant.
Luggage storage: They happily held my bags before check-in and after check-out.
Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site], Valet parking: Parking was surprisingly easy so I didn't use valet but they offer it and it's a good option.
Food delivery: I'm a huge fan.
Gift/souvenir shop: You know you're going to buy something!
Available in All Rooms: Home Away From Home (or at Least a Really Nice Hotel Room)
Wi-Fi [free]: Speed was good, coverage was excellent. No complaints! (Yes, I'm addicted to my phone. Judge me.)
Air conditioning: Vital, repeat after me!
Coffee/tea maker, & Complimentary tea: Coffee in the morning is a game changer.
Free bottled water: Always appreciated.
Hair dryer & Slippers: Essentials.
Bathrobes: Luxurious!
Internet access – wireless: The internet service was good, no complaints there.
In-room safe box, Safety/security feature, Smoke detector: Very easy to use and a nice touch.
Wake-up service: I ended up using the alarm, but it's a nice option.
Alarm clock: I love alarms!
Daily housekeeping & Linens: This hotel knows how to clean.
Extra long bed: I didn't but I liked that it was available.
Mini bar: Not filled with mini drinks but water. Perfect for me.
Private bathroom & Shower: Very nice.
Satellite/cable channels, On-demand movies: It all worked! I didn't watch tv though.
Seating area: A comfort.
Sofa: A plus.
Telephone: I never used it.
For the Kids: Family/child friendly
- Babysitting service: Great option.
Getting Around:
Airport transfer: I didn't need it, but it's nice to have the option.
Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site], Car power charging station: All of these are very nice extras considering the location.
Taxi service: Available, easy to use.
The Quirks, The Imperfections, and The Moments That Matter
Okay, the truth? This place isn’t perfect. There was a slight… musty smell in the hallway near my room (maybe a bit of Savannah’s swampy magic seeping in?). And the "window that opens" in my actual room barely cracked. But honestly, those are minor quibbles. The overall experience was fantastic.
The staff were delightful and the Iris Garden Inn is a beautiful property.
Overall: Would I Go Back?
Absolutely, yes. Without a doubt. I'm already plotting a return trip. Savannah, you've officially stolen a piece of my heart (and probably a few extra pounds). The Iris Garden Inn is a perfect base for exploring this enchanting city.
SEO & Metadata Stuff (because I'm supposed to):
Keywords: Savannah, hotel, Iris Garden Inn, review, accessibility, spa, swimming pool, restaurant, downtown Savannah, Georgia, Southern hospitality, romantic getaway, family-friendly, clean hotel, free wifi, travel, vacation, weekend getaway.
Metadata:
- Title: Savannah's Secret Garden Escape: Iris Garden Inn Awaits! – Honest Review
- Description: Unfiltered review of the Iris Garden Inn in Savannah, GA. Discover what makes this hotel a must-stay. Accessibility, dining, spa, and more!
- Keywords: (See above)
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because getting a handle on a Savannah trip, especially at the Iris Garden Inn? It's like wrangling a caffeinated squirrel. Here's my attempt, with all the glorious, chaotic messiness of a real vacation:
Iris Garden Inn Savannah: A Whirlwind of Pastel Dreams and Mosquito Bites (Probably)
Day 1: Arrival & Existential Dread at Check-In
- 1:00 PM (ish): Arrive at the Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport. Okay, landing was rough. Turbulence. I’m not a fan. Praying to whatever Travel Gods are listening that my luggage doesn’t end up in Siberia.
- 1:45 PM: Uber to the Iris Garden Inn. First impression? The pastel. Sweet merciful pastel everywhere. It's…charming? Terrifying? Is this a fever dream of a grandma's tea party? I'm not sure. I'm already overwhelmed.
- 2:15 PM: Check-in. This is where the existential dread often begins. The lovely woman behind the desk – bless her heart, she was trying – spent an eternity trying to find our reservation. Turns out, I'd booked it last year. Facepalm. I swear, my brain is a sieve. Finally, keys in hand.
- 2:45 PM: Room reveal. Okay. Not as bad as I'd feared. A slightly faded charm, a creaky floorboard or two, but hey, it's character! Also, a distinct smell of…old books? I like it. (Secretly, I’m hoping for ghosts. I'm a sucker for a good ghost story.)
- 3:30 PM: First mission: Find food. Hunger pangs screaming. Pro Tip: Don't arrive hangry. Seriously. It's dangerous.
- 4:00 PM: Found a little deli nearby on the way to Forsyth Park, called Zunzi's (a place that might have altered the entire course of my tastebuds). Grabbed a "Conqueror" sandwich (a monster of chicken, veggies, and a sauce that made my eyes water in pure joy). Ate half of it before I could walk and then immediately regretted it. I'm already regretting many things, I suppose.
- 5:00 PM: Forsyth Park stroll. OMG. The fountain. The trees. The Spanish moss… it's postcard-perfect. I felt a pang of… well, something. Melancholy? Longing? Whatever it was, Savannah, you got me.
- 6:00 PM: Back to the Inn. Quick nap. Needed it. The Conqueror sandwich was a bit aggressive in retrospect.
- 7:00 PM: Dinner at a local place called "The Olde Pink House" (very Savannah, very pink). Oh, and I should say, I'm a sucker for these old houses. It just felt like I was going back in time, as if I was in some sort of living fairy tale. The food! The ambiance! The ghosts probably hovering in the background! The waiter was charming. The food wasn't actually the best, I'll be honest. But the sheer vibe made it all worthwhile.
- 9:00 PM: Back to the Inn, collapsed into bed. The humidity is real, and I’m melting. Journaling, and then sleep. (Hopefully without any ghost interruptions.)
Day 2: History, Hangovers (Maybe), and Haunted Houses (Please!)
- 8:00 AM (ish): Wake up. Blurry-eyed, maybe a little dehydrated. Why did I have that extra glass of wine? Pro Tip: Savannah is a lot more beautiful when you're not experiencing a hangover.
- 9:00 AM: Coffee run. Urgent need. Found a tiny, quirky coffee shop called "Gallery Espresso," a bohemian type place that you'd only be able to find in Savannah. It was a little bit odd. I liked it. Got a latte that probably saved my sanity.
- 10:00 AM: Historical Walking Tour. We went with a random tour, and I don't quite remember the name, but the tour guide was a bit of a kook, but he knew his stuff. He kept calling me by the wrong name. Oops. Listened to tales of pirates, scandals, and the darker side of Savannah's past. The history is fascinating. And the stories… they're so good.
- 12:30 PM: Lunch at a casual place. I forget the name. Everything is a blur.
- 2:00 PM: The Bonaventure Cemetery. Oh. My. God. It's stunning. Creepy in all the right ways. The angels, the gothic monuments, the… the atmosphere. I could spend hours just wandering around, but the humidity is doing a number on my hair. It’s now a frizzy mess.
- 4:00 PM: Stumbled into a little antique shop. Blew way too much money on a ridiculously ornate teacup. Regrets? Maybe later. (Definitely later.) For now, I'm giddy.
- 6:00 PM: Ghost Tour. Okay, this is what I've been waiting for. I signed up for the "Hearse Ghost Tour." Because, why not? It was a hearse. The guide was decked out. The stories were… eerie. Did I feel a cold spot? Maybe. Did I hear a whisper? Well, it might've been my imagination. But I'm thoroughly spooked.
- 8:00 PM: Dinner at a place that was supposed to be haunted (I think). The "22 Square Restaurant" was supposed to be amazing and on the haunted side, but the food was just ok. I may or may not have seen a shadowy figure out of the corner of my eye. (Or maybe it was the lack of sleep.)
- 9:30 PM: Back to the Inn. Still jumpy. Writing this with all the lights on. Am I paranoid? Probably. Sleep will be a fight.
Day 3: Art, Shopping, and the Bitter Sweet Goodbye
- 9:00 AM: Breakfast at the Inn. Nothing fancy, but coffee and a muffin will do.
- 10:00 AM: Shopping. River Street. Tourist trap? Yes. But fun? Also yes. Picked up some little trinkets, because, souvenir!
- 12:00 PM: The Telfair Museums. Okay, time for some culture. Loved the Jepson Center for the Arts. Admiring the artwork. (And trying not to touch anything).
- 1:30 PM: Lunch at a little cafe near the museums.
- 3:00 PM: One last walk through the historic squares. Just soaking it all in. Savannah, you magnificent, slightly batty city. I think I’m in love.
- 4:00 PM: Back to the Iris Garden Inn. Packing. The worst part of any vacation.
- 5:00 PM: One last stroll of the hotel. One last time to just soak it all in.
- 6:00 PM: One last dinner. Found a small place. Maybe I'll remember it later.
- 8:00 PM: Farewell Savannah, at least for this trip. Uber to the airport. Heart a little lighter, wallet a little emptier, and head full of memories (and hopefully, not too many mosquito bites).
- 9:00 PM: Boarding the plane. Goodbye, pastel dreams. I'll be back.
This is a rough draft, of course. Because, as they say, "no plan survives first contact with reality." So, the plan is more of a suggestion. And the chaos? Well, that's the point.
Salina's Hidden Gem: Courtyard Bliss Awaits!
Okay, spill. Is this place *actually* secret? Or is it just… advertised?
Alright, alright, you got me. "Secret" might be a *slight* exaggeration. It’s not like you need a password and a hidden knock to get in. More like… a really well-hidden gem. You won't stumble upon it; you gotta *seek* it. I mean, I walked past it the first time. Twice. Honestly, the GPS led me down a side street that looked suspiciously like someone’s driveway. But once you *find* it… oh, baby. The secret? It's in the *experience*. Like, the absolute *vibe* is a secret. And Savannah's holding onto it tight.
So, the Iris Garden Inn… what's the *vibe*, roughly? I’m talking aesthetic, not just "secrets."
Oh, the vibe! Okay, picture this: Sun-dappled courtyards, dripping with Spanish moss (duh, it's Savannah!), the scent of jasmine and something vaguely… baking. It smells of home, which is ironic, because it makes you, a traveler, *feel* more at home than your actual home sometimes. It’s old-world charm meets bohemian comfort. Think faded elegance, antique furniture that looks like it has stories to tell (and probably does!), and enough plants to make you think you've wandered into a botanical garden. I’m talking *Instagrammable* every five seconds, folks. Bring your phone charger. You’ll need it.
Rooms! What are they *really* like? Are we talking cramped shoeboxes or… actual breathing space?
Okay, this is where it gets really good. Forget cookie-cutter hotel rooms. The Iris Garden Inn? Each room is unique. Seriously. My room had a clawfoot tub *in the room*. I almost cried. Okay, I *did* cry a little. Don't judge me! They're spacious, they're quirky, and they're full of personality. One friend got the room with the private balcony that overlooked the garden – she practically moved in. Another had a fireplace and spent the entire evening reading. The beds? Heaven. I’m a princess when it comes to mattresses, and I gave it a solid 10/10. They're also decorated in rich, comforting colors - I'd say, be sure to pack your comfiest pajamas.
Breakfast! Is it just sad stale croissants or… actual sustenance?
Oh, the breakfast! Okay, let me tell you a *story*. I went to the Inn alone, looking for some peace and quiet. It was pouring down rain, and I was feeling all melancholy. I sat down for breakfast, and there was this little woman, with a kind face that just made me think she could make anything delicious. She was making a huge batch of *strawberry scones*. (I tell you, the lady was so nice, I didn't ask if she was the Inn’s staff or someone’s grandma!) I ate three. Three! I don't even *like* scones that much usually. They were served with fresh fruit, local honey, and the most AMAZING coffee. It wasn't just sustenance; it was soul food. And the next day? Different menu! It was a frittata; oh it was so good. They also do a mean Southern-style breakfast, which I wasn't expecting. So, no. Not sad stale croissants.
Let’s talk about the garden. Is it just a few potted plants, or is it… a *garden*?
Girl, the garden is *the* star of the show. It's not just a few potted plants. It's a lush, overflowing, fragrant paradise. Hidden benches, trickling fountains, winding pathways… It's easy to get lost in there (in a good way!). I spent a whole afternoon reading in a hammock swing with a glass of wine. Pure bliss. And the flowers? Oh, the flowers. Iris, obviously, but also roses, camellias, and everything in between. It's the kind of place where you can wander around and forget all your troubles— which, let's be honest, is exactly what I was looking for. I wanted to *be* in a painting. I think I did.
Okay, so it sounds idyllic, but… what’s the *catch*? There *has* to be a catch, right? Is the air conditioning broken? Are the staff rude?
Okay, okay. You're right to be skeptical. Nothing's *perfect*. I mean, the air conditioning *was* a little wonky in my room. One night, the temperature was a bit… chilly. I just grabbed an extra blanket. Not the end of the world, right? Then again, it's a *historic* inn. The quirks come with the territory. The staff? Utterly charming. They make you feel like you're visiting a friend, not just checking into a hotel. And the only “rude” thing? The internet. It's a little… spotty. Consider it a digital detox. But honestly, if you're looking for a perfectly polished, sterile experience, this ain't it. This is about character, about charm, about embracing the imperfections. It’s like… falling in love with an old, slightly grumpy dog. You know it might get a little messy sometimes, but the love is worth it.
Proximity to *things*. How far is everything? Am I going to be stuck in the boonies?
Nope, you're golden. You’re a short walk or a quick Lyft ride away from everything Savannah has to offer. The historic district? Easy peasy. Restaurants, shops, museums? All within reach. You could wander down to the river, too. The Iris Garden Inn is an oasis, a sanctuary from the hustle and bustle, but still very conveniently located.
Would you go back? Seriously. Be honest.
Without a *doubt*. I’m already planning my return. I'm literally dreaming of those scones and that clawfoot tub. I’m not even sure what trip I’m planning it *for*. Just going. It's an experience that stays with you. It’s a place you tell stories about. It's a little bit of magic. And honestly? After the year I’ve had? I need all the magic I can get.
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