Though an oddity in downtown Savannah, The Thunderbird Inn brings new clarity to, and well serves the contemporary culture’s interest in mid-century as well as vintage Savannah. For 50 years The Thunderbird Inn has successfully maintained its ethos of presenting a unique, friendly motel environment where the Deep South traveler loves to come back … and modern generations love to discover.

Stories to Share

Built along the old coastal highway, U.S. Highway 17, The Thunderbird Inn’s roadside lodge is on the Atlantic Heritage Coast, celebrated on the tri-state Southern Passages trail. The route immerses travelers in centuries of history and culture, a deep reverence for times past and rich traditions.

Synonymous with Savannah’s modern pop culture scene, the fledgling Jackson Five stayed here. Yes! There is a photo of the quintet posing on the second floor.

On St. Patrick’s Day, The Thunderbird Inn bids an “Erin Go Braugh, Ma’am!” on t-shirts and conversations that begin with green grits for breakfast.

Today Tbird is THE renewed action spot where creatives and geeks, upcoming musicians and Roller Derby stars crash overnight in a retro-meets-historic-paint-themed rooms.

The inn’s modern roadside lodge (built in 1964) earned The Thunderbird Inn a place on the Historic Register. Within one city block, guests walk the largest National Landmark Historic District – profuse and varied architecture – 1,800+ buildings in Federal, Regency, Greek Revival, Italianate, Gothic Revival, Romanesque and Victorian styles.

Advocating “Earth is worth getting nostalgic about”, the inn’s “go green” sustainability efforts include water conservation initiatives like low-volume irrigation in its colorful southern landscaping and water saving toilets and bath showers, recycling plus glass cups and mugs instead of paper.

Media Mentions

"Top 10 Best Retro Hotels in the USA!" - USA Today 2014
10 Best - USA Today
Dog Lovers Guide to Travel - National Geographic
New York Times
Southern Living
Ladies Home Journal
BaltimoreStyle.com
Best10.com
GeekEnd
TravelMuse.com
She Magazine
Bust Magazine
EveryDay with Rachel Ray
Brown’s Guides

Awards

2012 Silver Telly Award® for our video "Dog Days in Historic Savannah."
2010 addition to the National Register of Historic Places.

Need More Information?

Please direct media, journalist and artist inquiries to publicist Sandy Traub, straub@spatior.com – 912-398-9828.