Bohemian Hotel Riverfront is Savannah's newest super-luxe property

October 31, 1:32 PMRaleigh Luxury Travel ExaminerKathy Newbern

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Bohemian Hotel Savannah Riverfront offers luxury. (Photo: J.S. Fletcher)

By Kathy M. Newbern & J.S. Fletcher  © 2009

Having stayed at both Grand Bohemian Hotel, Asheville, and the Mansion on Forsyth Park, Savannah, we were already huge fans of Kessler properties. So when we heard this luxury collection had added a new riverfront property in Savannah, we couldn't wait to check it out.

We aren't the only ones. Much of Savannah, it seems, has already at least visited the hip new rooftop tapas bar and lounge  - the only rooftop bar in Savannah, we're told - at the swanky new Bohemian Hotel Savannah Riverfront.

During our weekend stay, there were lines out the door, literally, for this new see-and-be-seen evening night spot, and there wasn't a seat to be had for the riverfront sunset, understandably. We watched as a huge cargo ship crossed under the iconic Talmadge Bridge while festival-goers on the street below munched corn dogs and perused arts and crafts for sale along the riverfront Octoberfest Festival. We checked in too late to take in the morning weiner-dog races - maybe next year.  (Photo of the rooftop bar above courtesy the Bohemian)

The Savannah River - the country's busiest port after New York and New Jersey - is the dramatic backdrop for the Bohemian's restaurant Rocks on the River Modern Grill, down at street level, and for its likewise popular Rocks on the Roof.

But the real drama - as with all Kessler properties - lies inside. From the art, a Kessler mainstay, to the lighting and decor, the Kessler stamp is again all over this property. His design team continues to deliver the goods property after property. How fun.

Entering the lobby area, there are two check-in/concierge desks, but even before you reach them the few steps from the double-glass-door entry, there's the usual head-turning artwork from massive balls on the floor by the elevator to a massive sculpture of two human forms balanced precariously, one atop the other a-la-cirque style. Then there's the onyx inside the elevator.

Heading to our room - there are 75 in all, making for a nice boutique property - we step into a hallway lit with creative sconces and overhead panels dangling with wire and colorful beads. As with other Kessler properties, there’s orange and purple everywhere, but here, in the halls to the rooms, they are nicely subdued. (Lobby and room photos courtesy of The Bohemian)

The definition of bohemian? A  person, as an artist or writer, who lives and acts free of regard for conventional rules and practices. Though we’ve never had the pleasure of meeting the man, we would venture to stay this sounds like Mr.  Richard Kessler.

The long-anticipated property opened in late July at  a premier location on River Street overlooking the Savannah River and within walking distance to more than 100 shops, galleries, and restaurants, and Savannah's many squares, parks, and other historic sites.Mr. Kessler has said, "I have always dreamed about opening a world-class boutique hotel on Savannah’s historic riverfront and am thrilled to see that dream become a reality,” said Richard C. Kessler. “Travelers can expect the high-quality accommodations, outstanding service and incredible cuisine they have enjoyed while staying at The Mansion at Forsyth Park or at any of our fine properties.”

The new hotel's brick architecture, dramatically lit at night, is representative of the historic era of the Riverwalk area when shipping and the cotton trade dominated. The nine-story hotel also features original local and international artwork, a board room, fitness center, concierge service and valet parking.                                        (Savannah's "Waving Girl" on the riverfront, photo by J.S. Fletcher)

There’s the Poseidon Spa and outdoor pool at sister property Mansion on Forsyth Park with free shuttle service in between. (We loved our spa services: Click here to read that story.)

Once we’re ready for dinner, we head to the casual upscale 115-seat Rocks on the River Modern Grill (photo at right courtesy the Bohemian), where we learn it’s the second of its kind. The first is located in Kessler's Beaver Creek Lodge in Beaver Creek, CO.  The restaurant is open for lunch and dinner, and guests have the choice to dine in the sidewalk cafe, private dining room, main restaurant or lounge seating area. The dinner menu features fresh seafood and casual American fare. We sampled and liked the crab crab and the meatloaf. Breakfast is also served here, offering local favorites with both indoor and outdoor seating.  

Back in our room, we comment on the most unusual feature: the handmade chandelier over the bed is made of oyster shells (see the guest room photo). There are matching sconces, too. Other rooms, we’re told, have wrought iron and crystal chandelier.

Guestrooms and suites are designed in what the property calls “refined contemporary rustic” and feature king or queen plush pillow-top beds.

We were having trouble putting our finger on the motif. One of the staff said it was reminiscent of pirates, but a hotel spokesperson said the inspiration is Savannah’s historic shipping industry, recalling the era when British settlers first landed on the bluff above the Savannah River in 1733. Custom-made guest room furnishings include elements of British campaign furniture fitted with finely grained wood, brass and leather.

“We paid respect to Savannah’s rich history throughout the design of the Bohemian Hotel,” said Mark Kessler, Senior Vice President of Marketing and Business Relations for The Kessler Collection. “This property boasts the same attention to detail as our other hotels. From the architecture to the design, Bohemian Hotel will set a new standard of excellence along Savannah’s riverfront.”

Deep rust and copper colors adorn the rooms which feature plush drapery and wood elements. Each room boasts original colorful artwork by artist Alexander Gore, an internationally-recognized artist. (Photo at left by Kathy M. Newbern)

The rooms also feature a dramatic desk, wireless Internet, and all the latest technology through the plasma televisions using the Roomlinx system, found in other Kessler properties like the Asheville one, which allows guests to order room service, access the Internet, and check out the local sites before stepping outside.

We love the fact that your charges at The Mansion on Forsyth Park and show up on a single bill when you check out of the Bohemian. Very convenient. (Left: Mansion on Forsyth Park photo by Kathy M. Newbern)

“Bohemian Hotel Savannah Riverfront is a spectacular property nestled along one of the most beautiful riverfronts in the United States,” Mark Kessler added. “With exquisite accommodations, remarkable attention to detail and incredible on-site dining, the Bohemian truly offers the very best of Savannah.”

We concur.

Luxury Travel Examiner Kathy M. Newbern and husband, J.S. Fletcher, report on luxury destinations, spas and cruising around the globe. They are award-winning members of the Society of American Travel Writers and operate YourNovel.com, their personalized romance novel business.