Originally Posted by
carls888
Thanks everyone.
As we are travelling so far (from Australia) we think we will stay at both.
We are having a week in Charleston, 3 nights Kiawah, 5 nights Savannah, 3 nights Sea Island, unsure whether to stay at the Lodge or Cloister yet though.
Any opinions?
Also anyone stayed at the RC Amelia Island lately?
C
In terms of spending time here and there (without taking things like a day playing golf into account). I think a week in Charleston is way too much. Four nights max IMO (we were there earlier this year). Five nights in Savannah - again too much. Three nights max IMO. Unless you're planning to use either place as a hub for long day trips.
Atlanta is worth a visit. I know there are things people hate about Atlanta - like the traffic. But it has some decent stuff to see. From the spring flowers (the Botanical Gardens is very nice) - to the Aquarium - to the High Museum (not world class but excellent for the SE United States). Also - I think Atlanta has the best "new southern food" in the south. A fair number of excellent restaurants.
Seems like you will be here during spring flowering season in the south. Which is great - a beautiful time to be here. But fickle in terms of weather. Our trip to Charleston was supposed to be during the height of azalea season. But we had a very warm spring - and all the azaleas were gone 2 weeks before we got there. OTOH - everything was early - including soft-shell crab season - which was a very sweet consolation prize
.
If possible - I would try to book hotels with 24-48 hour cancellation policies so you can change plans depending on the weather (at our age - mid-60's - and with a very elderly parent - 94 - still living - we always do that). This may not be possible with smaller places - but is almost always possible when you're dealing with hotel chains (including luxury hotel chains).
I don't know where your travels have taken you to. As a veteran of world class luxury hotels - well I don't think you'll find many/any in this part of the world. But you will find many perfectly acceptable places to stay that you can use as bases for exploration.
BTW - one place you haven't mentioned is Callaway Gardens:
http://www.callawaygardens.com/
Absolutely gorgeous in the spring. But certainly not luxury either. Robyn
P.S. We usually stay at the FS when we go to Atlanta. Because it's one of the few higher end properties left where I can still get a smoking room. I also like the location.