$150–300

A Days Inn property, the Inn at Ellis Square (201 W. Bay St., 912/236-4440, www.innatellissquare.com, $189) is smack dab between City Market and Bay Street: in other words, the heart of the tourist action. Set in the renovated 1851 Guckenheimer Building, the Inn is one of the better- appointed chain hotels in town.

Over $300

Providing a suitably modernist decor to go with its somewhat atypical architecture for Savannah, the new M AVIA Savannah (14 Barnard St., 912/233-2116, www.aviahotels.com, $320) overlooks restored Ellis Square and abuts City Market with its shopping, restaurants, and nightlife. Named one of the top new U.S. hotels by Condé Nast Traveler magazine, the AVIA’s guest rooms and suites feature top-of-the-line linens, extra large and well-equipped bathrooms, in-room snack bars, and technological features such as mp3 docking stations, free Wi-Fi, and of course the ubiquitous flatscreen TV.

Customer service is a particular strong suit. Just off the lobby is a very hip lounge/wine bar that attracts locals as well as hotel guests. Keep in mind things can get a little noisy in this area at nighttime on weekends.

© Jim Morekis from Moon Charleston & Savannah, 4th Edition