by 
By Mark A. Leon
Savannah is a city that rewards curiosity.
It is a place where wandering down a side street can reveal a hidden courtyard, where a piece of art may be tucked into an unexpected corner, and where history seems to exist alongside the present rather than behind glass. A heart-shaped lock, an old phonograph, a sculpture on a bench or the silhouette of a bridge over the Savannah River can become part of the experience.
From a city shaped by centuries of triumph, tragedy, reinvention and resilience, Savannah has evolved into one of the South’s most distinctive destinations for art, food, history and hospitality.
And now, there is a new place from which to experience it all.
Tempo by Hilton Savannah Historic District (220 E. Bryan Street) places travelers in the middle of that experience — just steps from River Street and some of the city’s most recognizable restaurants, shops and cultural attractions.
But the story of the property begins well before the hotel.
The site was once home to Savannah’s original FBI Field Office, a brick building dating to the 1950s. It was later used by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation before the land was acquired and now the home to the Hilton Tempo lifestyle brand..
Unlike many hotels in Savannah’s Historic District that occupy renovated historic structures, Tempo is a new construction, built with steel and concrete while intentionally positioning itself within one of the country’s most historic urban environments.
That contrast is part of the concept.
Tempo by Hilton was created with the independent business traveler and couples in mind — guests who want the reliability and loyalty benefits of a major hotel brand while also looking for the personality and atmosphere of a lifestyle hotel. It is designed for travelers who appreciate modern amenities, technology, wellness and thoughtful design without sacrificing the ability to step outside and immediately experience the character of Savannah.
The hotel’s location also places it close to one of Savannah’s most important creative institutions: the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD).
That proximity has already created a meaningful connection between the hotel, SCAD students and their families. Parents visiting Savannah for campus events, move-in, family weekends, graduations and other milestones have become an important part of the hotel’s relationship with the university community. Students and their families aren’t simply visitors passing through — they are becoming part of the hotel’s growing local story.
It is a natural relationship for a property built around art, creativity and the modern lifestyle.
The hotel’s design reflects that philosophy.
The fitness center sits on the seventh floor, rather than being tucked into a basement or ground-level corner. From there, guests can take in views toward the Savannah River while working out, with Peloton-equipped rooms and other technology-driven wellness features adding to the experience.
Hydration stations throughout the property, high-end UHD televisions and thoughtful touches in the guest rooms reinforce the hotel’s modern approach.
There is also a strong emphasis on food and gathering.
At street level, Bluestone Lane, Australian Café and Coffe Shop brings its café concept to the property, offering breakfast and lunch to hotel guests and the public. It is the kind of space that works equally well for a morning coffee, a casual meal or simply watching Savannah move around you.
Above it all is Waving Girl Rooftop, named for Florence Martus, Savannah’s legendary “Waving Girl,” who became known for greeting ships entering the harbor.
And this is a place worth lingering over.
For a meal, start with the Whipped Goat Cheese Tartine or the French Onion Soup. For an entrée, the Seared Ahi Tuna and Firecracker Salmon Bowloffer two distinctly different choices. Add a glass of Marchesi di Barolo, and the combination makes for a satisfying evening overlooking the city.
The rooftop restaurant and bar offer the kind of elevated setting that makes the hotel feel connected to Savannah rather than simply occupying space within it.
The hotel is also designed to serve the community beyond overnight guests. Its conference and event spaces provide an opportunity for local businesses, organizations and residents to use the property for meetings, gatherings and special events — part of an effort to establish the hotel as a community partner rather than simply another place for visitors to sleep.
Perhaps the most interesting part of the Tempo concept is what happens at the front desk.
Rather than relying solely on a traditional concierge model, front desk agents are trained to help guests experience Savannah — from arranging trolley tours to recommending restaurants and helping visitors discover the city beyond the hotel doors.
And there is certainly no shortage of places to discover.
Within an easy walk are The Olde Pink House, one of Savannah’s most recognizable dining landmarks; Alexandra’s Gift Shop and other Historic District shops; Lucas Theatre for the Arts; River Street Marketplace; and the Savannah River itself. Of course, if shopping is your passion, Broughton Street is just a couple of blocks of away.
The legendary Waving Girl is also part of the neighborhood’s story, giving the rooftop restaurant its name and connecting the contemporary hotel to one of Savannah’s most enduring waterfront characters.
The location is equally convenient for business travelers, with conference facilities nearby and easy access to the Savannah Convention Center. A three-story parking garage is located about a half-block away, while valet service provides another option for guests arriving by car.
For Tempo, the next chapter may be even more local.
The hotel is working toward replacing some of its designer artwork with pieces created by local artists and exploring opportunities to bring local musicians into the property. Beginning in January, guest rooms are also expected to feature Bluestone Lane coffee, further connecting the café experience with the rooms themselves.
There is a certain irony in placing such a modern hotel on a site once occupied by federal investigators.
But perhaps that is Savannah.
The city has always been about reinvention — taking what came before and finding a way to make it part of what comes next.
Tempo by Hilton doesn’t attempt to recreate Savannah’s past.
Instead, it puts travelers within walking distance of it — and gives them a comfortable, contemporary place from which to look up, walk out the door and discover the city for themselves.
Click HERE for reservations.
Stay connected and subscribe to Charleston Daily
