The Gazebo Suite at the Ballastone Inn

In 2005, Frommer’s listed the Ballastone Inn as the best place to stay in Savannah, Georgia. It’s a four-story antebellum mansion, dating back to 1838, so obviously it has some historical charm, but that’s not the only reason people make the trek to Savannah to stay here.

The dining experience is part of the draw here — private tables are available either within the mansion or outside in the courtyard for an intimate breakfast, and every day they offer Traditional Afternoon Tea and an elegant cocktail hour, complete with hors d’oeuvres.

Obviously it has more than just a bit of Southern charm and some tasty treats going for it — we’re talking about a AAA Four Diamond hotel, after all. Each room is beautifully appointed, with authentic antiques (or at least high-quality reproductions), complete with Egyptian cotton linens and plush down pillows.

While the Ballastone Inn itself doesn’t have a spa or gym available, there are two nearby spas which will happily come to your guest room, and passes to the local gym are complimentary.

It’s a historically significant building in Savannah, having been awarded two commemorative plaques — from the Historic Savannah Foundation and the National Trust. Originally settled in 1733, the Ballastone Inn has been a private townhouse, a boarding house, a well-known bordello, and an apartment building for immigrant workers. Later, it was purchased by the Girl Scouts of America, who used the lower level as administrative ofices, and in 1980 it was converted into the bed and breakfast we see today.

You can check out this historic, romantic venue for yourself — rooms start at $235 and range up to close to $400, according to the website, but you can choose your room and see it from nearly every angle before you book by looking here.

Photo credit: ballastone.com