Disclaimer: I am a paid SPG Amex Ambassador and this is a sponsored blog post. All opinions are my own, are based on my personal experience, and have not been influenced in any way. For more information on the Starwood Preferred Guest Card from American Express, check out this page.
I had always wanted to visit Savannah, Georgia. I’d always heard amazing things about it and it was always on my list. It was one of the few American cities worth visiting that I hadn’t yet visited. So when for the 6th year in a row, I was invited to participate in the Holiday Challenge from my friends at the Starwood Preferred Guest Card from American Express, I jumped at the opportunity. I received 70k Starpoints to book 2 nights at the Westin Savannah Harbor Resort, an SPG resort, taking advantage of no blackout dates during the busy holiday season for 2 rainy days in Savannah
The lovely pool at the Westin Savannah Harbor Resort in Savannah, Georgia
Before I get to my trip, I want to reiterate that the Starwood Preferred Guest Credit Card from American Express and the SPG Program have awesome benefits. I have been a member since 2001, and I am a Starwood Platinum Elite (Lifetime Platinum Status) . That means I have stayed over 500 total nights, and at least 50 nights, in at least 10 separate years. I cherish this status and all the perks that come with it, including suite upgrades, bonus Starpoints and the no blackout dates.
The Starwood Preferred Guest Card from American Express
Whenever I book a hotel, I always look at SPG properties first. I look at the cost if I pay cash versus how many Starpoints I would need to redeem for a rewards night stay. Then I do a cost/benefit analysis, and calculate which option is the best value. I highly suggest you do this as well, to maximize your points and still achieve status!
The back patio at the Westin Savannah Harbor Resort
The Westin Savannah Harbor is located across the river from the main part of Savannah. You have nice views from the rooms that face the river. The other rooms face the golf course. Unfortunately for me, I had 2 rainy days in Savannah, so my planned rounds of golf had to be cancelled. Nevertheless, I still had a great time and occupied my time in other ways, mainly by eating!
The Holidays are festive at the Westin Savannah Harbor Resort
Savannah, like many southern cities, has amazing food. You won’t lose any weight in Savannah, but you’ll be very happy and fall asleep early as a result of the food coma! I ate at some amazing restaurants during my 2 rainy days in Savannah. Here are some of the highlights.
Mrs. Wilkes is a true treat for any foodie; communal family style eating and amazing food
Mrs. Wilkes is legendary in Savannah, and I couldn’t recommend a restaurant any more. The restaurant features communally seating, the food is served family style. You’ll be seated with some of the nicest folks you’ll ever met. That’s a common theme in Savannah! There are some 21 sides to share, and then comes the fried chicken that is to die for. The banana pudding and peach ala mode complete the meal. Trust me, the desserts are amazing!
Mrs. Wilkes from the outside on beautiful oak tree-lined Jones Street
The Olde Pink House is also a must visit in Savannah. The shrimp and grits are so good, you’ll want to order more, and the BLT salad is out of this world! I recommend eating here on a different day than you had lunch at Mrs. Wilkes. After those two meals, I was asleep by 7pm.
Shrimp and Grits at the Olde Pink House was truly spectacular
Finally, The Grey is a top rated restaurant in an old Greyhound Bus Terminal that has been redone into a cool art deco restaurant, serving Italian Soul food. It’s fantastic. I recommend the country pasta and the barbequed shrimp. Plus, their craft cocktails are fantastic.
Country Pasta at The Grey
About 30 minutes outside of Savannah is Tybee Island. I was up really early one morning and drove out in the rain, in hopes of getting some great sunrise photos. Sadly the rain, cold and wind made it difficult. But it was still cool regardless.
Sunrise on Tybee Island in a rain storm
The Breakfast Club on Tybee Island has an amazing breakfast. Several people recommended it to me and it’s a known celebrity favorite. It’s a no frills place, where they cook the food right in front of you. I don’t even know what I ate, but it was amazing with homemade sausage!
Amazing breakfast concoction at the Breakfast Club on Tybee Island
Savannah is definitely a walking or biking city. Because it rained both days when I was in Savannah, I had to use my rental car and drive to see the gorgeous squares and old buildings. Forsythe Square is at the center of it all, and known for its famous fountain and oak trees.
The fountain in Forsythe Square in the rain
Chippewa Square is where they filmed part of the movie, Forrest Gump, and where they filmed the famous bench scenes, as he tells stories and the feather falls. The bench from the movie isn’t actually there; it was a movie prop and is in a museum. But it’s still fun to see it, and relive such a great film, which is also located near St. John the Baptist Church.
St. John the Baptist Church
Outside of town, was my favorite site, the Wormsloe Historic Site. The oak tree lined avenue was really amazing to see and drive down. Unfortunately, it was raining when I was there, but that kind of added to the spooky feel to it. I highly recommend getting out to see it if you’re in Savannah; it’s a 20 minute or so drive.
The Avenue at Wormsloe Historic Site on the outskirts of Savannah is really cool
So that’s basically what I did during the two days I spent in Savannah. Sadly, I didn’t get to utilize the beautiful pool at the Westin Savannah Harbor Resort but I have a feeling I’ll be back soon!
The pool at the Westin Savannah Harbor Resort in the rain
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