Sea Change
These waterfront hotels are worth a winter road trip
By Denise K. James
THE OFF-SEASON IS A GREAT TIME to explore surrounding Southern towns and book a waterfront room without paying peak season prices. Here are a few of our favorites, all waiting to welcome you this winter.
THE ALIDA »
Savannah, GA
Located on the waterfront in the Hostess City, The Alida is named after one of Savannah’s iconic historical figures, Alida Harper Fowlkes. Her namesake hotel’s industrial design honors her love for preserving architecture—but with modern elements to enhance the experience.
My own weekend-long stay was perfect, with a room overlooking the elegant swimming pool and the cabana club. A few intrepid sunbathers enjoyed the dwindling sunlight while I perched in my comfortable window seat, a welcome touch I’d never enjoyed in a hotel room.
Details are considered at The Alida—every floor comes with a water station for refilling bottles and staying hydrated, and my room boasted cozy sheets, plus a shower with just the right amount of pressure.
On the top floor of the hotel, the Lost Square is a nod to Savannah’s historic squares and offers a fantastic menu of cocktails, spirit-free options, and snacks. My bestie and I each ordered a spirit-free cocktail—try the “Doctor’s Orders” with grapefruit juice, lemon juice, orgeat, and soda—and raved over the patatas bravas with red pepper sauce, chives, and garlic aioli. Later that evening, we headed over to Rhett, an on-site upscale seafood restaurant, where we noshed on their “dressed” oysters with mignonette, cucumber, jalapeño, and shallot.
Exploring the city when you stay at the Alida is easy. Step out on foot, and you’re right on the riverfront, surrounded by shops, restaurants, and attractions—or borrow one of the beach cruisers for guests. WeMoke reservations are available in two-hour increments, perfect for sightseeing at less-crowded times of year.
THE GEORGE HOTEL »
Georgetown, SC
The George Hotel is a favorite among Lowcountry visitors for its proximity to Georgetown’s historic Winyah Bay, as well as its boutique charm. Each space features local artwork and coastal detailing, and all 56 guest rooms come with gourmet coffee and tea, robes (a must for winter), plus MALIN+GOETZ bath products.
The Independent, The George’s restaurant, features bountiful seafood, while the cocktail bar, Eliza’s—named after Elizabeth “Eliza” Lucas Pinckney—is a great place to grab a waterfront nightcap.
Overnight guests can book a morning trip on the hotel’s exclusive pontoon boat tour to Hobcaw Barony, a 16,000-acre wildlife refuge on the Waccamaw Neck.
MONTAGE PALMETTO BLUFF »
Bluffton, SC
Situated on the May River between Hilton Head and Savannah, Montage Palmetto Bluff is surrounded by 20,000 acres of maritime forest, making it a perfect getaway for nature-lovers. Recreation at Montage spans from golfing and tennis to boating and saltwater fishing, while Spa Montage offers a variety of outside-the-box wellness services, like the California Wildflower Ritual.
The resort’s main restaurant, the River House, is a must-visit for the appetizers alone—caviar, oysters on the half shell, chilled shrimp, and beef tartare accompany a seasonal entrée menu. Choose from a variety of lodging options, from single rooms overlooking the forest to private cottages and signature residences. V
