Savannah's convention district is set to welcome a new 444-room hotel, the Signia by Hilton Savannah. Construction officially began on Wednesday, marking a significant development for the area. This project will address a long-standing need for more lodging options near the Savannah Convention Center, which recently completed a major expansion.
The hotel, projected to open in May 2028, comes after 15 years and multiple previous attempts to secure a second hotel property near the convention facility. Its completion is expected to boost Savannah's ability to host larger conventions and attract more visitors.
Key Takeaways
- Construction started on the 444-room Signia by Hilton Savannah.
- The hotel is located next to the expanded Savannah Convention Center.
- Opening is planned for May 2028.
- This project addresses a 15-year need for more convention-adjacent lodging.
- State bonds totaling $398 million are funding the hotel construction.
Long-Awaited Development for Convention District
For a quarter-century, the 403-room Westin Savannah Harbor Golf Resort & Spa has been the sole hotel within walking distance of the Savannah Convention Center. This limited lodging capacity has historically posed a challenge for convention planners. Many large groups require more hotel rooms marketed directly with the convention venue.
Previous efforts to build a second hotel faced significant hurdles. Attempts in 2010, 2016, and 2022 did not move forward. These failures were primarily due to financing difficulties and other market-related issues.
Key Numbers
- 444 rooms: Capacity of the new Signia by Hilton Savannah.
- 403 rooms: Capacity of the existing Westin Savannah Harbor.
- 15 years: Time elapsed since the initial idea for a second convention hotel.
- $276 million: Cost of the state-financed convention center expansion.
- $398 million: Amount of state tax-exempt bonds for the hotel project.
Impact of Convention Center Expansion
The recent expansion of the Savannah Convention Center created a new sense of urgency for the hotel project. The state-financed expansion, costing $276 million, significantly increased the center's capacity. This expansion doubled its footprint and broadly increased its ability to host larger events.
The facility hosted its largest event to date in February. A 300-team volleyball tournament brought over 5,000 attendees. This event highlighted the potential for increased bookings with more adjacent hotel rooms.
"This hotel is critical for the expanded convention center and will support our vibrant tourism industry," stated Governor Brian Kemp. "We've seen the potential to maximize more of the convention center's footprint with youth volleyball tournaments and other events."
According to the Savannah Convention Center Authority, the absence of a second convention hotel hindered many prospective bookings. Planners cited lost or hesitant bookings when they could not choose a facility with enough adjacent rooms. This often led to groups selecting other destinations.
Financing and Ownership Details
The latest effort to build the hotel moved forward thanks to state tax-exempt bonds. These bonds, totaling $398 million, were secured by the Georgia-Savannah Convention Center Authority. This financial backing was crucial after multiple past attempts failed.
The Signia by Hilton Savannah is owned by the Georgia-Savannah Convention Center Authority. Hilton will manage the hotel. This arrangement mirrors that of the Signia by Hilton Atlanta, which is adjacent to the Georgia World Congress Center. That Atlanta hotel, also built by the Georgia World Congress Center Authority, opened in January 2024.
Savannah's Hotel Market
Savannah's downtown hotel market is known for high occupancy rates. These rates consistently exceed the national average of about 65%, often reaching over 90%. This strong demand supports new hotel development. The metro area has over 19,645 hotel rooms, with more than 1,000 rooms currently under construction or in planning stages. This indicates a robust and competitive market for businesses and visitors.
Features of the New Hotel
The Signia by Hilton Savannah will offer 444 guest rooms. It will also feature a 13,000-square-foot ballroom and several dining options. These features are designed to connect with the convention center once completed. The hotel is expected to employ about 250 staff members.
"This is a milestone for Savannah as a business and tourist destination," said Kelvin Moore, General Manager of the Savannah Convention Center. "The hotel will elevate our destination and help us in our journey next to the convention center for decades to come."
Conference planners often value hotels that offer 850 to 1,200 rooms within walking distance of a convention hall. The combined room count of the new Signia and the existing Westin will meet this need, providing approximately 847 rooms directly adjacent to the convention center. This is a significant improvement for attracting larger events.
Future Outlook for Savannah Tourism
The addition of the Signia by Hilton Savannah is expected to enhance Savannah's appeal as a premier destination for conventions and tourism. The new hotel, along with the expanded convention center, positions the city to attract a broader range of events and visitors.
The Savannah Convention Center Authority chairman, Mark Smith, called the new hotel an "insurance policy" for the success of the expanded convention center. This highlights the importance of adequate lodging to support major conference facilities.
Local Attractions and Connectivity
The Savannah Convention Center is located on Hutchinson Island. This island is separated from historic downtown Savannah by the Savannah River. Currently, a shuttle ferry connects the island to the downtown area. The new hotel will further integrate the convention experience with the city's attractions.
Discussions are also taking place about the future of the decommissioned nuclear-powered merchant ship, the NS Savannah. This vessel is currently berthed next to the convention center. Local officials are exploring converting it into a maritime museum. This project could add another unique attraction to the area.
The project represents a significant investment in Savannah's tourism infrastructure. It aims to foster an environment where business and leisure travelers can access modern amenities and services. Governor Kemp emphasized the positive economic impact.
"This is another investment that we've made in our pro-business environment that has fostered jobs, investment, and additions here in historic Savannah and next to the Convention Center," Governor Kemp added.
With its target opening in May 2028, the Signia by Hilton Savannah is set to become a key component of Savannah's growing hospitality landscape, supporting both the local economy and the city's reputation as a top travel destination.
