16 charming Airbnbs in Savannah that put you in or near the city's historic district

Publish date: 2024-07-05
Updated 2021-04-26T14:24:27Z

When you buy through our links, Business Insider may earn an affiliate commission. Learn more

If you're looking to steep yourself in a slice of well-preserved history, you'll want to visit Savannah, Georgia. The architecture and abundance of museums will quickly pull you back in time, while beautiful outdoor parks beg to be strolled, and warm temperatures stay mild throughout winter. Plus, the thriving local dining scene is fit for any foodie.

The best way to discover this charming city is to book a vacation rental like those found on Airbnb and make your home base behind one of Savannah's quintessential historic facades. 

We've both spent significant time in Savannah — Paul as a travel writer with a specialty in Savannah and the deep south, and Sarah as someone who's regularly traveled to the city — and have put our love and knowledge of the city together to find some of the best places to stay.

The best Airbnbs in Savannah were chosen based on the following criteria:

  • We only included entire homes or standalone suites with private entrances, per current expert recommendations. 
  • Every listing is highly rated with a 4.7 rating or higher and excellent recent guest reviews.
  • Each home is committed to Airbnb's Enhanced Clean program, a five-step cleaning process developed in partnership with health and hospitality experts. 
  • These Airbnb homes in Savannah range from $115 to $571 per night to start, as of publishing.
  • All options listed have something special about their design, amenities, location, or history that makes them a place worth staying in Savannah specifically.
  • Homes are available to book in the coming weeks and months, subject to availability. For more Airbnbs in Savannah, click here.
  • Browse all the best Savannah Airbnbs below, or jump directly to a specific area here:

    These are the best Airbnbs in Savannah, sorted by price from low to high:

    Fort tiny house

    Airbnb

    Book this Savannah tiny house on Airbnb

    Typical starting price: $115

    Neighborhood: Wilmington Island

    Sleeps: 3 guests/1 bedroom

    Rating: 4.91

    Just 20 minutes from downtown Savannah by car, the suburb of Wilmington Island is a different world, and this tiny house is a really fun way to experience this part of the city. 

    The most noticeable feature of this unusual property is the craftsmanship on display. Reclaimed wood has been used masterfully to create a rustic, cabin-like home that is immediately cozy and photogenic. Three people can stay here comfortably, and a clawfoot bath adds to the allure.

    A kitchenette has you covered for cooking, and relaxing or dining outside is easy on the huge deck. There's even a tree swing if you're feeling whimsical. 

    Townhouse neighboring Forsyth Park

    Airbnb

    Book this Savannah townhouse on Airbnb

    Typical starting price: $135

    Neighborhood: Forsyth Park

    Sleeps: 4 guests/1 bedroom

    Rating: 4.98

    Nothing says charming and historical like exposed brick walls and fireplaces (even if those fireplaces are non-working!) and this home offers plenty of both. You can enjoy fresh air without ever leaving the property thanks to both the screened porch and courtyard, which is decked out with a fire pit to help keep warm even on chilly evenings.

    The interior is just as accommodating, with a modern kitchen and bathroom, the former of which includes high-end appliances and an inviting island. The home has one bedroom with a Queen bed, but there are inflatable mattresses available for hosting two more guests. 

    This townhouse is only two blocks from Forsyth Park so you can easily enjoy the park's views and sculptures before replenishing yourself at one of the nearby eateries. If you love to geek out on history and art, the Georgia Historical Society, Mansion on Forsyth Park's galleries, and Savannah School of Art and Design are a short walk away.

    Downtown condo with balcony

    Airbnb

    Book this Savannah condo on Airbnb

    Typical starting price: $143

    Neighborhood: Historic District

    Sleeps: 4 guests/2 bedrooms

    Rating: 4.97

    There's an intelligent blending of styles in this top-floor condo that comes with its own balcony. Located just off historic Oglethorpe Square (one of the original six town squares), guests can look out over the streets and enjoy a typically seductive Savannah moment sipping mint juleps while the horse-drawn carriages amble by. 

    The interior mixes midcentury modern furnishings with both traditional and contemporary looks, alongside a pastel color scheme. Beautiful pine floors and details such as stained glass transoms are complemented by locally sourced artworks.

    Modern getaway in 1891 Victorian house

    Airbnb

    Book this Savannah apartment on Airbnb

    Typical starting price: $160

    Neighborhood: Forsyth Park

    Sleeps: 2 guests/1 bedroom

    Rating: 4.95

    This house, built in 1891, is the kind of Victorian that Savannah does best, but this top-floor apartment couldn't be more modern. Bright white interiors will appeal to minimalists and daylight really floods into the rooms. 

    Abstract modernist coffee tables and furnishings pit a sense of futurism against original features such as the brick fireplaces and polished wooden floors. It all comes together beautifully, and features such as the regal patterned tiling in the bathroom are welcome luxe touches. The greenery of Forsyth Park is just a block away and you can be in the heart of downtown in a 10-minute walk.  

    Bright, sophisticated house

    Airbnb

    Book this Savannah house on Airbnb

    Typical starting price: $175

    Neighborhood: Historic District

    Sleeps: 4 guests/2 bedrooms

    Rating: 4.98

    It's almost impossible not to be cheered up by the interior of this playfully renovated house. The location is a plum one: two blocks from the serenity of the 18th-century Colonial Park Cemetery and a 10-minute walk from the city's downtown attractions.

    The daring color palette lights up the space with bright aqua and coral tones competing for attention. A coordinated blend of contemporary furnishings reins in any chromatic excess, though, with royal blues and dark wooden furniture calming the aesthetic nicely.

    Pop art prints cut a youthful swathe through the living spaces and abstract chandeliers belie an artists' eye for design. A tastefully tiled walk-in shower and casual outdoor patio round out the best features. 

    18th-century cottage used in a Robert Redford film

    Airbnb

    Book this Savannah cottage on Airbnb

    Typical starting price: $182

    Neighborhood: Historic district

    Sleeps: 4 guests/1 bedroom

    Rating: 4.97

    Walking into this antique-strewn cottage feels like going back in time, especially due to the all-wood interiors and the horse-drawn carriages passing outside its windows. The cottage offers one Queen bed in the bedroom and two twin daybeds in the living room. If you happen to love places with a spooky past, this home is said to be haunted by a ghost named Laura, which is why it is appropriately dubbed "Laura's cottage."  

    But it's not all scary. There's Hollywood history as well. The cottage was used as a film site for the Robert Redford film "The Conspirator." The history doesn't end when you step outside the cottage's walls either since it's located in Savannah's Historic District. The City Market is a short walk away, as is the Historic River Street if you're interested in a ferry ride or a riverboat cruise.

    Find more of the best haunted Airbnbs here

    Colorful and historic carriage house

    Airbnb

    Book this Savannah carriage house on Airbnb

    Typical starting price: $183

    Neighborhood: Historic District

    Sleeps: 3 guests/1 bedroom

    Rating: 4.93

    There are so many great details about this carriage house that artistically-inclined folk will love. The bold color scheme in the living room of teal and orange really pops, and the carefully curated mix of retro and contemporary furnishings delivers a striking, but not overwhelming, design. 

    Everything from large potted plants to colorful abstract art on the walls, and a spiral staircase curling down into the living room contributes to a fun sense of whimsy. The kitchen has muted orange, blue, and green tones that define 50s and 60s glamour. Guests can watch life on Jones Street pass by from the porch and the master bedroom boasts an immersive print of the city's famous Spanish Moss.   

    Chic one-bedroom loft

    Airbnb

    Book this Savannah loft on Airbnb

    Typical starting price: $202 

    Neighborhood: Historic District

    Sleeps: 4 guests/1 bedroom

    Rating: 4.90

    Decorated in relaxing earth tones complimenting the exposed brick walls, this small loft boasts an exceptionally orderly layout. The efficient home is nicely set up for those looking to both work and play during their stay. There's a quiet and secluded workspace in the corner of the loft, and a deep white couch flanked by two leather armchairs and a flat screen TV for when you're ready to recharge.

    The bedroom is simple, but relaxing with a Queen bed and dark wood accents. Pops of color can be found in the kitchen, like the humorous and quirky art piece of a gecko wearing glasses hanging above the small dining table.

    Adding to this apartment's practicality, its location is also ideal. The City Market is a quick walk away, and so are educational stops like the Ships of the Sea Maritime Museum and American Prohibition Museum. If you find yourself hungry, you can walk to Jazz'd Tapas Bar, Joe's At The Jepson, or Lulu's Chocolate Bar in a jiffy. This place is incredibly close to River Street, so you can easily enjoy views of the water or hop on a ferry ride.

    Renovated historic downtown house

    Airbnb

    Book this Savannah house on Airbnb

    Typical starting price: $215

    Neighborhood: Downtown

    Sleeps: 4 guests/2 bedrooms

    Rating: 4.95

    This beautiful 1860s house is equidistant from Troupe and Whitefield Squares, and a short walk from the neo-Gothic splendor of St John the Baptist Basilica, with the heart of downtown just a few minutes' walk beyond that. 

    For somewhere so central there's a wonderfully rustic ambiance to the interior. Preserved, exposed ceiling beams and old brick fireplaces conjure up a cottage-like atmosphere, while the minimalist chandeliers, wooden dining table and floors maintain a bucolic tinge.

    The kitchen island is a perfect spot for a communal breakfast before a day's sightseeing or you could take your morning coffee out onto the sunny balcony. At the day's end, a clawfoot bathtub awaits. 

    Spacious industrial retreat

    Airbnb

    Book this Savannah retreat on Airbnb

    Typical starting price: $215

    Neighborhood: Downtown

    Sleeps: 4 guests/2 bedrooms

    Rating: 4.95

    This home excels at mixing antique and modern design and embraces a fun juxtaposition of original brick with updated features.

    The rustic-chic kitchen is a stunning gathering spot with exposed beams and industrial lighting (hello Edison bulbs!). The home has two bedrooms and sleeps up to four guests. Standout features include the old-fashioned clawfoot tub and a balcony off the master bedroom ideal for enjoying a cup of coffee in the morning.

    If you're looking for a fresh and nutritious meal after spending a day exploring, you can take a quick walk through nearby Troup Square and find yourself at Fox & Fig with its veggie-packed menu. Mate Factor, an absolute gem of a coffee shop, is only a few blocks away, as well. 

    Carriage house with a hip interior

    Airbnb

    Book this Savannah carriage house on Airbnb

    Typical starting price: $226

    Neighborhood: Historic District

    Sleeps: 4 guests/1 bedroom

    Rating: 4.91

    This midcentury modern home fuses '50s and '60s design with a bold '70s-esque color palette. Think geometric accents and oversaturated earth tones creating an undeniably energetic atmosphere.

    The home offers guests a patio with outdoor seating, a porch with a fun swing chair, and one bedroom with a King bed. The bathroom is particularly eye-catching with bright wallpaper, gold accents, and a Japanese soaking tub.

    Besides pulling design inspiration from different time periods, this home is also based in Savannah's Historic District and only a short distance from the City Market and the Victorian District. Essentially, it's an ideal place to stay for a multi-decade experience. Nearby cultural highlights include the Sorrel Weed House and SCAD Museum of Art, while Alligator Soul and Savannah Coffee Roasters are great eateries a quick hop away.

    Award-winning historic home

    Airbnb

    Book this Savannah home on Airbnb

    Typical starting price: $234 

    Neighborhood: Downtown

    Sleeps: 6 guests/3 bedrooms

    Rating: 4.86

    Bright and airy, this home features a surplus of large, beautiful windows that flood the space in natural light. History buffs will also enjoy that this is a renovated historic home dates back to 1899. The hosts even won a preservation award for the meticulous renovation. 

    However, that doesn't mean this isn't a thoroughly modern and comfortable stay. An elegant parlor and gourmet kitchen welcome guests on the first floor, while a floating staircase leads to three spacious bedrooms, including bunk beds in one room that add a sprinkle of whimsy to any family stay. The considerable porch space, spacious floor plan, and plethora of comfy seating mean this home is a great hangout spot.

    Renovated historic home with a pool

    Airbnb

    Book this Savannah home on Airbnb

    Typical starting price: $347

    Neighborhood: Historic District

    Sleeps: 6 guests/2 bedrooms

    Rating: 4.89

    This home feels like a personal spa thanks to a calming color palette of blues and creams. The decor strikes a balance of creating a soothing space, while also including subtle pops of color and plenty of abstract arty. The petite pool in the backyard adds to the resort-like vibes.

    The home originally dates back to 1828 but was completely updated. The kitchen features brand new appliances, a large marble island, and two dining areas. A (non-working) brick fireplace in the living area adds cozy charm. And in addition to the pool, the backyard has a grill and a large seating area with a spunky red cantilever umbrella.

    The Davenport House Museum and the Book Lady Bookstore are a short walk away if you're looking for a history lesson or a bookworm shopping experience, respectively. For food, Jazz'd Tapas Bar and Leopold's are top-notch nearby stops.

    Eclectic three-bedroom home

    Airbnb

    Book this Savannah three-bedroom home on Airbnb

    Typical starting price: $399

    Neighborhood: Downtown

    Sleeps: 10 guests/3 bedrooms

    Rating: 4.91

    With its bright yellow paneling, sea-blue door, pink flowers, and shaded by a canopy of Savannah oaks, this home's exterior is like a blast of serotonin. Take a step inside, and you'll find the interiors of this classic revival home are just as playful with an array of artwork and seating that's eclectic and expertly styled.

    First built in 1895, original details like 14-foot ceilings, heart pine floors, brass hardware, glass doorknobs, and pocket doors remain. Truly a quirky gem, this home has plenty of fun details, including a monkey-themed bathroom with monkey wallpaper and a monkey statue on the wall holding two lamps. 

    It's no surprise an entertaining home like this is meant to accommodate, so it offers space for up to 10 guests in three bedrooms. You and your traveling housemates will conveniently be just a short walk away from Forsyth Park.

    Vibrant carriage house with a pool

    Airbnb

    Book this Savannah house on Airbnb

    Typical starting price: $455

    Neighborhood: Historic District

    Sleeps: 5 guests/2 bedrooms

    Rating: 4.70

    The abundance of vibrant blue hues, light wood flooring, and intricate accents charge this carriage house with subtle elegance. Design highlights include a winding metal staircase, marble showers, exposed ceiling beams, and a dining nook with a long wooden table and bright pillows.  

    A true standout feature is a pool out back with an attached waterfall, which makes for a beautiful view from the home's windows even when you're not using it. Natural sunlight saturates the rooms through tall windows and skylights, helping make this home feel open and airy.

    Both bedrooms are well-decorated with plants, chic lighting, and colorful accent pillows, so you can sleep well knowing you're surrounded by the impeccable ambiance. 

    Forsyth Park and the Savannah School of Art and Design are right nearby, and a delicious meal at Cotton & Rye is within walking distance. 

    Deluxe Washington Square getaway

    Airbnb

    Book this Savannah townhouse on Airbnb

    Typical starting price: $571

    Neighborhood: Historic District

    Sleeps: 10 guests/4 bedrooms

    Rating: 4.91

    Although this property is at the upper end of our price scale, its 10-person capacity, location, and luxury approach to design mean that it still delivers great value. This is the kind of place that we imagine when we think of historic Savannah homes. 

    The plush period furniture and paisley, brocade, and damask patterns complement gilt-framed mirrors and polished wooden floors. It's an aesthetic that walks the line between period and timeless, and guests can live out their upper-class gentry fantasies while enjoying modern luxuries like fast Wi-Fi.

    The property is a minute or two from the river by foot, and you can almost smell the live oaks of historic Washington Square from both of the lovely patios. 

    FAQ: Savannah, GA

    Where is Savannah?

    This tourist-friendly city is around four hours southeast of Atlanta by car, close to the Atlantic coast. It's not a seaside city, but it is close to Hilton Head and Tybee Island.

    Two hours' drive up the coast will land you in Charleston, South Carolina, and two hours' south brings you to Jacksonville, Florida. 

    Where should I stay in Savannah?

    Where you stay in Savannah depends a lot on your budget and personal tastes. Savannah's Historic Downtown is by far the most popular spot and staying here means you can likely walk to most of the sights you'll want to see. It's a mix of commercial and residential, with the city built around squares that are lined with historic homes.

    Ardsley Park and Chatham Crescent/Midtown are cheaper options but further away from the action, though they are mostly tranquil residential neighborhoods.

    Southside is even further out but does have commercial activity, restaurants, and shopping, such as the Savannah Mall.

    There are also some lovely, tranquil islands on the edges of the city such as Wilmington Island that are serene, idyllic options. 

    How much does a vacation rental in Savannah cost?

    If you want to book a private vacation rental in Savannah, the cost will depend on factors such as house size, proximity to downtown, its historic status, plus the time of year, and the day of the week you plan to visit. The average rental cost is $226 according to market analysts AirDNA, but there are variations. 

    For example, a simple studio apartment downtown might start at around $100 per night off season, but surge to over $400 per night for a busy weekend. A large, lavish townhouse could be closer to a thousand dollars or more per night at any time.

    For better deals, as well as increased availability, visit in shoulder seasons like spring or fall when the weather is still quite pleasant and there are fewer crowds and less competition for properties. If you're set on a summer trip to Savannah, plan to increase your budget or consider only staying midweek for lower rates.

    Be sure to also budget extra fees for cleaning, service fees, and other additional costs imposed by vacation rentals such as Airbnb.

    What is there to do in Savannah?

    The city's historic downtown has fascinating architecture and homes that have been converted into museums, such as the Davenport House.

    Just walking around the beautiful squares is romantic, with their live oaks and Spanish moss. Join a walking tour: history, the culinary scene, and the cemeteries are all popular subjects.

    There's also a strong literary culture, the most famous book associated with the city being Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil, and carriage tours point out the most beloved spots. The Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) is a huge part of the city's cultural landscape, and their Museum of Art is well worth a visit.

    Although it has some similarities, Savannah is a different city to Charleston. It's slightly more bohemian, and more in line with Key West or New Orleans.

    Is it safe to travel and stay in an Airbnb?

    The CDC says it is safe for fully vaccinated individuals to travel. Additionally, experts told Insider that private Airbnbs are safe, even more so than hotels, because private homes on Airbnb remove interactions with other guests and staff outside of your traveling party. Airbnb hosts are also required to follow enhanced cleaning protocols.

    More popular Airbnbs on the East Coast

    Corolla Beach in the Outer Banks. Carroll Creative Imagery/Getty Images
    Sarah Toscano Story Production Fellow Sarah is a Story Production Fellow for INSIDER. She is a pop culture enthusiast with a love for all aspects of storytelling. She has worked in beauty and fashion, as well as sports media before coming to INSIDER. She graduated from Barnard College in May 2020 with a degree in English (concentrating in Creative Writing) and American Studies (concentrating in Media and Pop Culture). Hailing from New Jersey and attending college in New York, Sarah really values a good bagel. In her spare time, she likes to watch anime and longboard. Read more Read less spanPaul Oswell is a British freelance journalist based in New Orleans. He's been published in dozens of newspapers and magazines, including The Guardian, Conde Nast Traveler, and Travel & Leisure. His specialist region is the Deep South, but he love exploring all of his adopted home country of the United States. /span spana href="https://www.businessinsider.com/insider-reviews-expertise-in-product-reviews"Learn more about how our team of experts tests and reviews products at Insider here/a./span Paul Oswell Freelance Reporter, Insider Reviews Paul Oswell is a British freelance journalist based in New Orleans. He's been published in dozens of newspapers and magazines, including The Guardian, Conde Nast Traveler, and Travel & Leisure. His specialist region is the Deep South, but he love exploring all of his adopted home country of the United States.  Learn more about how our team of experts tests and reviews products at Insider here. Read more Read less

    Axel Springer, Insider Inc.'s parent company, is an investor in Airbnb.

    ncG1vNJzZmivp6x7o8HSoqWeq6Oeu7S1w56pZ5ufonyowcidnKxnpKeut7HLaJmeq6Rirqq%2BwaeZrGWjlsOius2anw%3D%3D