Review: Andaz Savannah

Review: Andaz Savannah

NAME: Andaz Savannah
LOCATION: Savannah, GA, USA
DATE: February 2019
REVIEW RATING:
BEN SAYS: Decent option if visiting Savannah and want to stay at a property under the World of Hyatt porgram
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Want to receive extra benefits for your stay at the Andaz Savannah, including complimentary breakfast, a confirmed upgrade at the time of booking (if available), a $100 hotel credit, and more? Contact [email protected] for more details. He may even be able to help if you already have a stay booked.

A couple of weeks ago Tiffany and I visited Savannah for a couple of nights and stayed at the Andaz Savannah. So here’s a (fairly) brief review with my thoughts on the hotel.

Booking the Andaz Savannah

For the two nights we were staying, the rate was about $200 per night. In addition to the perks I received as a Hyatt Globalist member, I also booked through the Hyatt Privé program, which offers additional perks like a $100 property credit, a welcome amenity, and more.

On top of that I had a Chase Offers deal on the World of Hyatt Credit Card, offering 15% cash back on Hyatt spend, up to $38 back. That’s in addition to the excellent 4x points per dollar spent that the card offers.

The Andaz Savannah is a Category 4 World of Hyatt property, so a free night would have cost 15,000 points per night, or I could have used the anniversary free night certificate offered by the World of Hyatt Credit Card for my stay here.

However, between the Chase Offers deal and the ability to book through Prive, I decided that paying cash was the better value.

Andaz Savannah review

Savannah is such a cute city, and has a surprising number of good points hotels. The Andaz has a great location, within walking distance of just about anywhere you could want to go in the city.

The Andaz Savannah has 150 rooms, and the public areas of the hotel feel surprisingly boutique for an Andaz. Just inside the entrance to the hotel is reception, and then there’s some seating to the right, along with the bar and restaurant.

Andaz Savannah reception


Andaz Savannah lobby seating


Andaz Savannah lobby seating

There are also a couple of iMacs in the lobby, which are available for guest use.


Andaz Savannah lobby business center

The person who helped me at check-in was friendly and efficient, and confirmed both my Globalist and Prive benefits.

She explained that I had been upgraded to a loft, and specifically noted that my profile had a note about how I don’t like connecting rooms. She said for that reason they upgraded me to a loft rather than a suite, since the suites are connecting rooms. That’s surprisingly good attention to detail, as I often forget why that note is in my profile (long time readers may remember).

Anyway, I took the elevator up to my room, located on the sixth floor. The hallways were modern, and my room was towards the end on the right.


Andaz Savannah hallway

The room was spacious, though it seemed like it was designed more as an extended stay property than a standard hotel room.

Inside the entrance was a kitchen area, with a counter and high-top seating, as well as a fridge.

Andaz Savannah loft


Andaz Savannah loft


Andaz Savannah loft

There was a Keurig coffee machine. Andaz hotels are also known for offering complimentary soft drinks and snacks, though I feel like this is an area where the Andaz brand has cut back a lot since the concept was introduced many years ago.

The only snack in my room was a bag of chips.


Andaz Savannah loft coffee machine and snacks

The soft drink situation was a bit better, fortunately.


Andaz Savannah loft drinks

For booking through Prive you get a welcome amenity, which in this case was a nice charcuterie plate.


Andaz Savannah welcome gift

As far as the rest of the room goes, there was a chaise at the foot of the bed, as well as a flat screen TV on a dresser.


Andaz Savannah loft

Then there was the bed — while the mattress was comfortable, I didn’t like how small the pillows were.


Andaz Savannah loft

My room overlooked Ellis Square, one of Savannah’s 22 squares (hence the hotel’s restaurant being called “22 Square”).


Andaz Savannah loft view

The bathroom was next to the bed, and was quite basic, with a sink, toilet, and a small walk-in shower.


Andaz Savannah loft bathroom


Andaz Savannah loft toilet


Andaz Savannah loft shower

Toiletries were from “Low Country Luxe,” which I hadn’t heard of before.


Andaz Savannah toiletries

Overall I thought the room was nice enough. It was large, though I didn’t like that the room didn’t have a desk, even though it was so big. It’s clear this wasn’t built as an Andaz, but rather was initially another hotel and was then converted into an Andaz.

The lack of standards that hotel brands have nowadays really shows how the global hotel groups are just after taking over management contracts even if they compromise the core of a brand.

Don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying the room wasn’t nice, but rather it just didn’t feel like it belonged to an Andaz.

As far as the hotel’s other features go, the hotel does have a 24/7 gym, though it’s especially small and lacks natural light, though the (limited) equipment they have is decent.


Andaz Savannah gym


Andaz Savannah gym

The hotel also has a pool deck, open daily from 9AM until 10PM. There’s even a fire pit. It’s a really nice space, though the hotel doesn’t seem to do anything with it — it was completely empty both times I visited. You’d think they’d set up a bar here or something, but nope.


Andaz Savannah fire pit


Andaz Savannah pool deck


Andaz Savannah pool

I loved that the hotel offered complimentary coffee in the lobby in the morning. I always like getting a cup of coffee as early as possible, working for a bit, and then having breakfast later on, so this is a feature I value.


Andaz Savannah complimentary coffee

There are actually two options for getting coffee. The hotel also has a “pantry,” which has the same snacks and drinks you’ll find in the minibar, as well as a Keurig coffee machine.

Andaz Savannah pantry


Andaz Savannah pantry


Andaz Savannah pantry

As mentioned earlier, 22 Square Bar & Restaurant is next to the lobby. The bar is impressive and nice, while the restaurant is small.


Andaz Savannah 22 Square Bar


Andaz Savannah 22 Square Bar


Andaz Savannah 22 Square Restaurant

Breakfast is served daily from 6:30AM until 11AM, and this is also where both the Globalist and Prive breakfast are available.

The breakfast menu read as follows:

I had a look at the buffet, but ended up ordering something off the menu. The buffet looked fine, though wasn’t anything special.


Andaz Savannah breakfast buffet


Andaz Savannah breakfast buffet


Andaz Savannah breakfast buffet


Andaz Savannah breakfast buffet


Andaz Savannah breakfast buffet

For breakfast I had the berry parfait, which was tasty.


Andaz Savannah breakfast

Then I had the avocado toast, which wasn’t exactly amazing. I think it’s a stretch that they label this a “specialty” on their menu, because it reminded me of what I’d expect in an Admirals Club.


Andaz Savannah breakfast

I spent most of my time outside the hotel, so the only other thing I’d note is that the hotel has a complimentary nightly happy hour with free wine, as is standard at Andaz. So Tiffany and I had some rose, but asked for it to be served in plastic cups so that we could go to the pool deck.


Andaz Savannah happy hour

Andaz Savannah bottom line

I’d say I got a pretty good deal for my stay at the Andaz Savannah, between my Globalist benefits, Prive benefits, the Chase Offers deal I was taking advantage of, in addition to all the points I earned.

Other than that, the Andaz Savannah is… fine. It’s a nice enough hotel with a good location and friendly staff, but to me the hotel lacks character and identity. It’s branded as an Andaz but to me doesn’t feel like an Andaz.

So if you’re a Hyatt loyalist and visiting Savannah I wouldn’t hesitate to stay here. But Savannah has lots of points hotels, and personally I’d try another one if returning to Savannah. Not because I didn’t like this one, but because I’m curious if I like any other properties better.

Also, in general I highly recommend visiting Savannah if you haven’t already — it’s such a cute city.

If you’ve stayed at the Andaz Savannah, what was your experience like? Do you have a favorite Savannah hotel?

Conversations (19)
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  1. mowogo Member

    The pancakes were wonderful during my stay in March. While the rooms are a little bland there is definitely some Southern charm in the little details, and the location is wonderful for exploring that area of Savannah. I also liked the little globalist gift bag that included two local liquor minis as well as a nice local snack to share some of the flavors of Savannah.

  2. John Guest

    We did our son's rehersal party here before his wedding a few years ago up on the pool deck when it was the Avia. I worked in Savannah for 7 years and now live an hour north of Savannah. Savannah is my pick over Charleston to the north. I love the many squares in Savannah and it even has a New Orleans vibe to the city. Lot's of great places to eat in Savannah too. Hope you guys had a good time.

  3. Stuart Diamond

    Not sure what exactly an "Andaz" is supposed to be? Each one has a different character to me. Sure, lifestyle, urban, blah blah...but I never found a consistent link from one to the other. Is that a bad thing?

  4. SgFm Member

    We are staying here right now. The strengths of this property are the staff. They have been consistently friendly and helpful. My only complaint with service was at the time of our arrival, which given that it was a busy holiday weekend, and they were sold out, I guess I can forgive the lack of assistance with our bags at the curb, when we arrived by car.

    Snacks initially included a bar and bag...

    We are staying here right now. The strengths of this property are the staff. They have been consistently friendly and helpful. My only complaint with service was at the time of our arrival, which given that it was a busy holiday weekend, and they were sold out, I guess I can forgive the lack of assistance with our bags at the curb, when we arrived by car.

    Snacks initially included a bar and bag of chips, neither of which were replenished the 2nd day, and only the chips the 3rd day. But all drinks have been replenished, thankfully, since we are here in the midst of a 100F heatwave.

    As mentioned, the location is very central, which is a major plus, in what is a very walkable city. This is the 2nd time I've stayed in this location, and as just a category 4 Hyatt, I think it is good value. We have also stayed at Andaz hotels in San Diego, and Tokyo and all hotels have had a slightly different takes in terms of a contemporary, boutique feel.

  5. JB Guest

    I died reading that article which was linked about the connecting rooms thing.

    I. Just. Can't.

  6. Andrew Guest

    @Mark P—The Hyatt Prive rate is usually equal to the Best Available Rate, meaning that you might get a lower rate with a corporate rate, AAA rate or other discounted rate (question is whether the hotel credit/other benefits make up the difference, given your status with Hyatt). Additionally, Hyatt Prive rates require a two-night minimum at some brands (e.g., Grand Hyatt).

  7. Mark P Diamond

    This is a general question w/ regards to Hyatt, but is there any downside to booking with Prive for every Hyatt stay, aside from the inconvenience of having to go through someone? Seems like it’s better in every other way. If I have club upgrades available on my account, can I use those with Prive as well?

  8. Jim Guest

    Stayed at this hotel a few years ago. They really cut back on the free snacks. When I was there, you got a few different types of chips, nuts, and chocolate/candy. And that was in a standard room.

  9. FNT Delta Diamond Guest

    This used to be the independent Avia Savannah. It looks almost unchanged since its opening 11 years ago in 2008. Hard to believe 2008 is "old." I believe it re-opened after re-flagging in 2012 but the changes by Hyatt were pretty minimum. There is some pretty hefty competition in Savannah with the new J.W. Marriott and the recently opened Tribute Portfolio hotel. There's also a Luxury Collection property. Savannah is the new Charleston.

  10. Lauren Guest

    Wow! This gives a really interesting insight into the Andaz Savannah accommodations. I will definitely put this on my list when I visit the southeast. It definitely seems like a nicer-than-average hotel without being over the top. Thank you for this information! I have really enjoyed using the website for travel information.

  11. T Guest

    This is the only Andaz property I've visited and it turned me off the brand. The room had no sound dampening in the door and walls, so it was difficult to sleep. The staff was just OK and didn't care about the batchelor party staying across the hall that could be clearly heard in the room with both doors closed. For this area of Savannah, I prefer the Hotel Indigo to the Andaz.

  12. Ben Guest

    Perry Lane 1000x over Andaz. Fun scene at the roof deck too.

  13. SPC Guest

    Had a great experience as a Globalist here. If you wanted natural light in the fitness center, you should have opened the window shades.

  14. Andrew Guest

    I think the Perry Lane (Luxury Collection) is my favorite points hotel in Savannah. It’s not right in the middle of things like the Andaz, but it’s definitely walkable.

  15. Evan Gold

    Stayed here last month and I guess this is fair, but really opens up a question of whether Andaz has as tight a brand fit as you think they do. I've only stayed at two other Andaz's prior to Savannah: Tokyo and Scottsdale. I loved both of those hotels, but they were very different experiences (understandably since Scottsdale is more of a resort while Andaz Tokyo, while maybe my favorite city hotel ever, wasnt the...

    Stayed here last month and I guess this is fair, but really opens up a question of whether Andaz has as tight a brand fit as you think they do. I've only stayed at two other Andaz's prior to Savannah: Tokyo and Scottsdale. I loved both of those hotels, but they were very different experiences (understandably since Scottsdale is more of a resort while Andaz Tokyo, while maybe my favorite city hotel ever, wasnt the kind of place I'd imagine spending all weekend at). Scottsdale was probably somewhere in the middle .

    I expect Andaz's to be very nice hotels without being over the top pretentious (i.e. St Regis/Park Hyatt), but after that I think after that the brand synergy is tough for me to see.

  16. PH Guest

    We stayed in this hotel in September last year while looking around Savannah for wedding venues - your review pretty much sums up exactly how we felt about it (decent, but disappointing compared to other Andaz brands we had visited in the past). We considered hosting our wedding there, but quickly ruled it out after seeing how cramped the pool area was (where the ceremony would have taken place) and being presented with the downstairs...

    We stayed in this hotel in September last year while looking around Savannah for wedding venues - your review pretty much sums up exactly how we felt about it (decent, but disappointing compared to other Andaz brands we had visited in the past). We considered hosting our wedding there, but quickly ruled it out after seeing how cramped the pool area was (where the ceremony would have taken place) and being presented with the downstairs windowless basement conference rooms as the dining/dancing area. The nicest "boutique" hotel in the city that we visited is probably the Perry Lane (Marriott) though it's quite a bit pricier. Ultimately we picked the Kimpton Brice (IHG) for our venue, which had nice rooms and a more intimate outdoor space which was perfect for our needs. I paid for all the wedding costs using my IHG credit card, which earned us hundreds of thousands of elite qualifying points that came in quite handy for Spire status as well as booking our honeymoon on points.

  17. Mark Diamond

    I stayed there last year and thought the same thing -- this doesn't feel very Andaz, but it's nice enough.

  18. GoAmtrak Diamond

    I was there last fall as a Discoverist, got a nice corner room upgrade (slightly smaller than the loft). The underutilized pool area was amazing, especially at night. Well-heated, classy-lit and deserted.

  19. Wes D Guest

    Atlanta resident and Globalist member here... always wondered about the Andaz Savannah so thanks!! Looks like they’re hard product is not quite Andaz-like as you were saying, their soft product looked to be on point though.

    Lucky, what are your favorite global Andaz properties?

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mowogo Member

The pancakes were wonderful during my stay in March. While the rooms are a little bland there is definitely some Southern charm in the little details, and the location is wonderful for exploring that area of Savannah. I also liked the little globalist gift bag that included two local liquor minis as well as a nice local snack to share some of the flavors of Savannah.

0
John Guest

We did our son's rehersal party here before his wedding a few years ago up on the pool deck when it was the Avia. I worked in Savannah for 7 years and now live an hour north of Savannah. Savannah is my pick over Charleston to the north. I love the many squares in Savannah and it even has a New Orleans vibe to the city. Lot's of great places to eat in Savannah too. Hope you guys had a good time.

0
Stuart Diamond

Not sure what exactly an "Andaz" is supposed to be? Each one has a different character to me. Sure, lifestyle, urban, blah blah...but I never found a consistent link from one to the other. Is that a bad thing?

0
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