The Mansion on Forsyth Park is an exquisite boutique hotel overlooking Forsyth Park in Savanna, GA and one of Savannah’s most sought-after luxury 5-star hotels. Its thoughtfully curated interiors are rich in design, art and taste, showcasing local and international artwork, many pieces of which are available to purchase. It was built in 2005 adjacent to the original 18,000-square-foot mansion, which was originally built in 1888 and converted to house the mansion’s lobby, 700 Drayton Restaurant (with six private dining rooms) a wine room, two bars, an outside balcony overlooking beautiful Forsyth Park and a culinary cooking school. The adjacent four-story building includes 126 guests rooms (100 rooms + 16 suites) the Poseidon Spa and fitness center, ballroom, bar, and an outdoor pool.
So let’s do a walkthrough, shall we? I visited the mansion in late March, just as the trees and flowers in the city of Savannah were starting to bloom, and highly recommend this hotel to anyone whose planning a trip to the area — no matter what season you happen to be traveling. As the name suggests, it happens to be located directly across the street from Forsyth Park, a 30 acre park in the heart of Savannah’s historic district, so be prepared for striking views of Savannah’s Spanish moss oak trees and iconic water fountain (which was originally installed in 1858).
Also, for those who travel with pets, the Mansion on Forsyth Park is one of the most pet-friendly hotels Savannah, GA has to offer.
A walk through the main level you’ll discover a striking lobby with an impeccably designed seating area, the romantic Bösendorfer Lounge, a stunning grand piano surrounded by ethereal paintings, the Grand Viennese Ballroom, the elegant Marble Garden Courtyard with intricately designed sculptures, a sparkling heated pool as well as 700 Drayton, one of Savannah’s finest dining experiences. Down one flight of stairs to the mansion’s lower level you’ll discover an opulent wellness center and the luxurious Poseidan Spa to relax in after a long weekend spent exploring all there is to see and do in Savannah.
Mansion on Forsyth Savannah
The entrance to the Mansion on Forsyth is an experience in itself. Once entering the lobby guests are immersed in a lavish welcome area inspired by European elegance with a unique twist of southern charm. To the left is a concierge desk sitting just beside a sophisticated seating area surrounded by velvet sofas, striking occasional chairs and a delicate crystal chandelier above. A few steps further to the left you’ll find the dark and romantic Bösendorfer Lounge complete with sultry music drifting through the air and delicious handcrafted cocktails to sip the night away.
Mansion on Forsyth Hotel
Just past the Bösendorfer Lounge you’ll find and another exquisite seating area where you can enjoy cocktails in the evening, afternoon tea, or a freshly brewed cup of coffee in the morning with mesmerizing views of Forsyth Park from the adjacent window.
As you make your way from the lounge to the courtyard you’ll find the majestic Bösendorfer piano surrounded by the stunning Grand Bohemian Art Gallery, which strategically spotlights local artists as well as internationally renowned artists. To date, there are more than 400 pieces of art on display in the gallery as well as throughout the mansion, with 50 intriguing paintings by German artist Peter Keil as well as works by expressionist-colorist Jean Claude Roy. Each piece of art was hand selected by the hotel’s owner, Richard C. Kessler, whose been an avid art collector for nearly 50 years.
To say staying at the Mansion on Forsyth Park is an unforgettable experience is putting it lightly, and in my opinion it’s something everyone should experience at least once in their lifetime.
Savannah Georgia Best Hotels
Naturally, the Mansion on Forsyth Park hotel is rated one of Savannah, Georgia’s best hotels. It is arguably one of the most exquisite 5-star hotels in the southern U.S., and is actually one of 13 artistically inspired boutique hotels in The Kessler Collection portfolio. It’s an upscale hotel where art lovers in particular will feel right at home. Foodies will also enjoy the Mansion of Forsyth Park, if not for the fine dining at 700 Drayton, inside the mansion’s on-site 700 Kitchen Cooking School where residents can indulge in unique cooking classes taught by Executive Chef Jason Winn.
Mansion on Forsyth Park
At the time of our visit, rooms were sold out, and for good reason! For that reason, I highly suggest reserving your stay well in advance, as well as securing reservations for dinner or brunch in the property’s delectable restaurant, 700 Drayton. While the Mansion on Forsyth Park is relatively new to the Savannah hotel scene (being built in 2005) word has spread quickly so I recommend reserving your stay weeks in advance.
Once checking in guests enter a luxurious marble elevator to their room, and upon exiting the elevator are greeted with long hallways filled with unique paintings to their left and right and sparkling crystal chandeliers above. Inside the immaculately appointed rooms and suites you’ll find stunning Italian furnishings, antique European accents, French chandeliers, pillowtop bedding, a marble claw-foot bathtub and, if you’re on the west side of the building as we were, breathtaking views of the infamous Forsyth Park.
Mansion on Forsyth Savannah GA
Now, let’s talk about tea for a moment. Whether you’ve yet to experience a traditional southern afternoon tea service, or you live for them, you can experience one of the finest Savannah has to offer at the Mansion on Forsyth Park. Reservations are required and can be booked inside the serene Marble Garden Courtyard or the stately Bösendorfer Lounge. You can choose from a variety of tea’s to be expertly seeped in your personal ceramic floral teapot. Tea’s on the menu include:
- Queen’s Garden Tea
- Green Tea
- Grand Jasmin Chung Feng
- The’ des Lords
- Mint Tea
- Chai Imperial
- Infusion de Camomille
Naturally the tea is served with a variety of sandwiches, open-faced biscuits (served with jams and butter) scones, pound cake, chocolate petit fours, macaroons, and Napoleon desserts. Guests can make reservations on Open Table.
Where to Stay Savannah Georgia
The Mansion on Forsyth Park certainly doesn’t skimp on southern hospitality. If you’re wondering where to stay in Savannah, Georgia, again, this is a hotel I personally recommend. Aside from all the expertly curated amenities, the Mansion on Forsyth Park has an exceptional staff at your fingertips 24/7. With a concierge at your service to book dinner reservations, personal transportation, limousine services, flower deliveries, tickets to local sporting events, and shopping excursions, you really have everything Savannah has to offer all at your fingertips.
It also should be noted that the mansion has a Bath Butler — which includes locally handcrafted bubble bath, bath salts and bath bombs for the deep in-room soaking tubs, champagne for two, plush robes, and slippers, as well as Salacia Salts (available for an additional charge). Naturally they also have a complimentary turndown service. Also, for more active guests who want to explore the city by bicycle, you’ll find complimentary bicycles on-site, and for all the art lovers out there, a Docent Tour of the mansion’s art and hat collection.
Mansion on Forsyth Park Wedding
Now, I wouldn’t feel right ending this post without mentioning one last thing — if a wedding is in your future, you may want to consider the Mansion on Forsyth to host your special day. Their extensive Viennese Ballroom is located directly off the Marble Garden Courtyard and simply oozes in sophisticated southern charm. It’s grand enough to host, delight (and impress) all of your guests on your wedding day. I imagine a wedding at the Mansion on Forsyth would be nothing short of extraordinary, and if you agree, here’s more information.
5 Star Hotels Savannah
In terms of rankings, U.S. News analyzed more than 35,000 hotels to find the best in the USA, Europe, Canada, Mexico, Bermuda and the Caribbean, based on reputation among travel experts, guest reviews and hotel class ratings. Here’s how the Mansion on Forsyth ranked:
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#447 in Best USA Hotels
As you can see, it exudes southern hospitality. Whether you’re in the mood for an indulgent, romantic long-weekend getaway, a self-care staycation, or are planning a lengthier stay, the lavish Mansion on Forsyth Park is an excellent choice for those with refined taste and a deep love for the arts. Book your stay at the mansion here.
Travel & Itineraries
Want more inspiration for your next weekend getaway or vaction? Make sure to read all of the other travel guides I’ve written for this blog next.