Two local specifics: Riverfront nightlife and Savannah's squares — how to experience them from the hotel
From Hotel Indigo Savannah Historic District you can walk to River Street in minutes to join the riverfront nightlife, then return to the hotel's Five Oaks Restaurant & Taproom or the covered outdoor lounge for late-evening drinks. To experience Savannah’s squares, step out onto Ellis Square (directly across the street) and follow a short walking loop through nearby squares — combine daytime strolling with evening dining at the hotel or a riverfront bar crawl.
In this guide
Getting from the hotel to River Street and the riverfront nightlife
Hotel Indigo Savannah Historic District sits at 201 W Bay St, about 0.1 miles from River Street and directly adjacent to City Market, so you can reach the cobblestone riverfront on foot in only a few minutes.
River Street has bars, restaurants, and music venues that stay lively after dark; because the hotel is so close, plan short walks back to your room between stops rather than driving or taking a ride service.
- Walk out the hotel entrance toward Ellis Square and head down to the cobblestones of River Street — it's roughly a 3–5 minute stroll.
- If you prefer to stay at the hotel, Five Oaks Restaurant & Taproom serves cocktails and local beers in the lobby-level taproom (bar hours listed on the hotel page).
- Bring comfortable shoes for uneven cobblestones along River Street and layers for cooler evenings along the river.
| From Hotel Indigo | Estimated Walk |
|---|---|
| Ellis Square (across street) | 1 minute |
| City Market (adjacent) | 1–2 minutes |
| River Street (cobblestone walk) | 3–5 minutes |
Late-evening options at the hotel
Five Oaks Restaurant & Taproom is the hotel's on-site restaurant and bar; it offers dinner service and a taproom pouring Georgia craft beer and cocktails. The taproom hours are published on the hotel's dining information.
If you prefer a quieter outdoor setting, the hotel has a covered outdoor lounge and a nighttime terrace area where you can sit with a drink and avoid the riverfront crowds.
- Five Oaks Taproom happy hour runs Monday–Thursday (check current hotel hours for details).
- In-room dining is available if you want hotel food and drinks in your Standard Room, Premium Room, or one of the suites.
- The covered outdoor lounge lets you enjoy an evening breeze without leaving the property.
| Hotel Hospitality Option | Typical Hours / Notes |
|---|---|
| Five Oaks Restaurant & Taproom (dinner) | Dinner service in the evenings; bar/taproom open later |
| Taproom (bar service) | Bar hours listed on hotel dining page; happy hour exists Mon–Thu |
A practical riverfront bar crawl — step-by-step
Start at the hotel so you can leave belongings in your room (examples: Standard Room, Standard Room (High Floor), or Suite, 1 Bedroom) and walk to nearby riverfront spots without driving.
Move along River Street and into City Market for a mix of river views, live music, and casual bars; return to the hotel between stops if you want to freshen up.
- Begin with pre-dinner drinks at Five Oaks Taproom (on-site) or the hotel's outdoor lounge.
- Head down to River Street for waterfront bars and live-music venues; stroll east or west along the river to sample different spots.
- Finish with a nightcap back at the hotel’s taproom or in your room via in-room dining (available until evening hours listed by the hotel).
| Stage | Where to Go | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-night out | Five Oaks Taproom / outdoor lounge | Close to your room; easier to meet your group |
| Main outing | River Street & City Market | Riverside bars and live music |
| Nightcap | Hotel bar or in-room dining | No need for transport; quieter finish |
Exploring Savannah’s squares from the hotel
Hotel Indigo overlooks Ellis Square (across the street), making it a convenient starting point for a walking loop through Savannah’s Historic District squares.
Squares are best experienced on foot: allow time to pause at monuments, check plaques, and sit on benches — many squares have shade from mature trees, which is helpful in warm months.
- Start at Ellis Square (outside the hotel) and walk south or east to visit nearby squares such as Telfair Square and Wright Square — distances are short and walkable.
- Use the hotel’s concierge for printed maps or a recommended walking loop if you want a timed route.
- Bring water from your room or the hotel (in-room bottled water is included with the resort/destination fee) on hot days.
| Square | Approx. Distance from Hotel Indigo | What to Expect |
|---|---|---|
| Ellis Square | Across the street | Public green, events, immediate access |
| Telfair Square | A short walk (blocks) | Historic markers, near Telfair Academy |
| Wright Square | Short walk | Benches and memorials |
Best times and tips for square- and riverfront-focused days
Daytime is prime for sightseeing and photography in the squares when light and temperatures are favorable; mid-morning and late afternoon avoid the midday heat in summer.
Evenings on the river are livelier; if you plan to drink, use the hotel as a home base to avoid parking or ride-share waits in the Historic District.
- Morning: squares and museums (bring sunscreen and a water bottle).
- Late afternoon/early evening: River Street strolls and dinner reservations (consider Five Oaks for convenience).
- Night: riverfront bars open late; keep street noise in mind if your room faces the river or Ellis Square — consider a higher-floor room like Standard Room (High Floor) if you prefer quieter nights.
| When | Activity |
|---|---|
| Morning | Squares, museums, galleries |
| Afternoon | Riverfront walk, lunch at City Market |
| Evening | Dinner, riverfront nightlife, back to hotel bar |
Safety, logistics, and family considerations
Hotel Indigo Savannah Historic District welcomes families and provides family rooms and in-room cribs; the property’s minimum check-in age for the primary guest is 21, but children of all ages are welcome.
For parking note that the hotel operates valet-only parking; if you plan to use a car for evening trips outside the Historic District, check valet policies and height restrictions with the front desk.
- If traveling with children, daytime square visits are family-friendly; River Street can get crowded and lively at night.
- The hotel concierge can advise on quieter riverfront spots or family-friendly dining at Five Oaks Restaurant & Taproom.
- Bring a small flashlight or use your phone's light for nighttime cobblestone walks; cobbles can be uneven.
| Topic | Note |
|---|---|
| Check-in age | Minimum primary check-in age is 21 |
| Families | Children are welcome; family rooms available |
| Parking | Valet-only — ask the front desk for details |
