Savannah, Georgia, is seeing significant development along the Savannah River as construction progresses on a new luxury hotel. The 18-story Signia by Hilton Hotel, located next to the Savannah Convention Center, represents a nearly $400 million investment. This project aims to enhance the city's event industry and boost its economic profile.
Key Takeaways
- An 18-story Signia by Hilton Hotel is under construction on Hutchinson Island.
- The project is valued at $398 million and secured through bond financing.
- It will feature 444 rooms, a rooftop pool, and 38,000 square feet of meeting space.
- The hotel is expected to open in summer 2028.
- It is linked to the state's $276 million expansion of the Savannah Convention Center.
- Officials believe it will double event capacity and significantly boost the regional economy.
Significant Investment on Hutchinson Island
Preliminary construction for the Signia by Hilton Hotel began weeks ago. A ceremonial groundbreaking event is scheduled for October 8th. The hotel is a critical component of Savannah's strategy to attract larger conventions and trade shows. This development marks the largest hotel investment on Hutchinson Island in over two decades, following the Westin hotel.
The total cost for the project is $398 million. This funding was secured through recently closed bonds. The hotel is anticipated to be ready for guests by summer 2028, offering a new level of luxury and convenience for visitors attending events at the adjacent Convention Center.
"With the expansion and then the opening of the hotel, it doubles our capacity. That means more jobs, that means more people coming in town spending money," said Kelvin Moore, Senior VP & General Manager of the Savannah Convention Center.
Project Facts
- Hotel Name: Signia by Hilton Hotel
- Height: 18 stories
- Number of Rooms: 444
- Total Investment: $398 million
- Estimated Completion: Summer 2028
- Meeting Space: 38,000 square feet
Boosting Savannah's Convention Capacity
The new Signia by Hilton hotel is directly connected to the state's $276 million expansion of the Savannah Convention Center. This expansion, completed in February, effectively doubled the Convention Center's capacity. The hotel is considered essential for leveraging this increased capacity and making Savannah more competitive in the national events market.
Officials state that the hotel will help Savannah move up in national rankings for convention center size and capability. This improvement is expected to draw a greater number of and more significant trade shows, conferences, and events to the region. The proximity of the hotel to the Convention Center means attendees will have direct access to luxury accommodations.
Economic Impact and Job Creation
The development is projected to have a substantial positive economic impact. Increased convention traffic is expected to generate more jobs and bring additional revenue to the city through visitor spending. The hotel itself will create numerous employment opportunities in hospitality, food service, and facility management.
Context: Savannah's Growth
Savannah has been a growing destination for both tourism and business events. Investments like the Convention Center expansion and the new Signia by Hilton hotel are part of a broader strategy to solidify the city's position as a premier location. Hutchinson Island, in particular, is seeing significant transformation, with over $1 billion in investment over the past 25 years.
Luxury Features and Amenities
The Signia by Hilton will be an elite brand, one of only six nationwide. This places Savannah among a select group of cities hosting such a high-tier Hilton property. The hotel is designed with luxury in mind, aiming to be one of the finest in Hilton's global portfolio. It will offer a range of amenities to guests and local residents.
Key features include a rooftop pool that provides views of the Savannah River. There will also be a rooftop bar, offering another vantage point for scenic views. Furthermore, the hotel will include six new dining venues, providing diverse culinary options. The 38,000 square feet of meeting space will complement the Convention Center's offerings.
"This property is going to be the nicest Hilton Hotel in their whole portfolio. With the addition of the Signia by Hilton headquarters hotel here, Savannah is a destination on a level all by itself," Moore emphasized.
Future Vision for Hutchinson Island
According to Kelvin Moore, the island is poised to become a destination in its own right within the next five to ten years. The ongoing developments, including the new hotel, are central to this vision. The combined investments in infrastructure and hospitality are transforming Hutchinson Island into a hub for events, leisure, and luxury experiences.
The official groundbreaking ceremony on October 8th will celebrate this milestone. It signifies the next phase of development for the hotel and for Savannah's future as a major event destination. The project underscores a commitment to long-term economic growth and enhanced visitor experiences in the region.
