Quirky Roadside Hotel with Retro Decor and Complimentary Desserts

Since its debut in 1964, Savannah’s Thunderbird Inn has been completely revamped—but it’s never lost its retro spirit. It still looks like a classic motel with a low-slung, L-shape frame, exterior-facing guest rooms, and bright, geometric patterns. The neon roadside sign evokes authentic Route 66 motels, and a soundtrack of sock-hop standards is piped into the parking lot.

The hotel complements this vintage charm with genuine southern hospitality. In the lobby, guests snack on freshly made popcorn or cool off with a glass of lemonade. Complimentary breakfasts in the café include Krispy Kreme donuts, and every night, staffers top pillows with a MoonPie. When you're looking for more substantial fare, swing by the front desk for staff picks of local restaurants and nightlife hotspots. Seed Eco Lounge plays thumping dance music until 3 a.m. and is just a half mile from the inn—close enough to walk to, but far enough away so that you won't be bobbing your head in your room.

Guest rooms are accessible from the parking lot and embody Thunderbird Inn's signature '60s flair. Upholstered headboards in red, yellow, or blue contrast with white leather furniture, and private-label toiletries display atomic-style packaging. But in contrast to the '60s, the rooms are now equipped with HBO and free WiFi.

Savannah, Georgia: Historical Mansions and Gourmet Seafood Restaurants

Savannah, known for its cobblestone streets and live oaks draped in Spanish moss, was founded in 1733 as Georgia's first city. The town retains much of its original layout, including the famous public squares, many of which contain a historical landmark or two. The Davenport House, one of the town’s most famous antebellum homes, can be found at Columbia Square, which is just a five-minute walk from the hotel. Daily guided tours wind past the home's period furnishings and cantilevered staircase. If art is more your scene, head to the SCAD Museum of Art—it's just two blocks from the hotel. Also nearby is the historic Savannah Theatre.

Open-air restaurants, antique shops, and street performers contribute to a lively atmosphere along Factors Row, a riverfront district named for the cotton brokers (or "factors") who once operated here. A five-minute walk will take you to the Savannah City Market, a four-block public meeting space home to artists' studios, candy shops, a gelato café, and lively taverns.

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