After a meticulous two-year restoration, The Douglas, a striking 16-room boutique hotel, is now open in Savannah’s historic district, blending timeless architecture with contemporary comfort…
Originally built in 1853 as a private residence, The Douglas has lived many lives, from a banker’s home to a gentlemen’s club, WWII-era apartments, and even a Girl Scouts annex, before its careful transformation into an intimate luxury hotel. Today, its beautifully-restored heart pine floors, intricate plasterwork, and antique furnishings nod to its centuries-old past, while contemporary conveniences and exemplary service usher in a new era of discreet, design-forward hospitality.
Image credit: The Douglas
The hotel was brought to life by Obstinate Hospitality, the team behind acclaimed Charleston restaurants Wild Olive and The Obstinate Daughter, along with a collective of Lowcountry-based preservationists and designers including Reggie Gibson Architects, Glenn Keyes Architects, and Kirby Caldwell, who created a space that feels like a well-loved home.
Inspired by French antiques and clean lines, each room at The Douglas is individually styled yet unified by pared-back elegance. The colour palette leans into rust reds, dusty rose and blue, sage greens, deep aubergine and soft neutrals, with rich textures and plenty of natural light. Each of the 16 guest rooms evokes a sense of understated opulence with original Murano chandeliers, Louis Philippe dressers, and vintage Turkish oushak rugs. Many furnishings were sourced from Round Top, TX, with finishing touches selected in collaboration with Southern artists and curators.
Image credit: The Douglas
The hotel’s shared spaces invite guests to slow down and unwind. The light-filled Parlor, with its chic furniture and contemporary touches, feels like the sitting room of a well-appointed historic Savannah home and the perfect place for conversation or a peaceful morning coffee. Just beyond, the Drawing Room, a discreet, guests-only bar, offers a warm and intimate setting for a pre-dinner cocktail or nightcap. Even the hallways hold quiet moments of delight, with complimentary mini bars offering artisanal snacks and drinks tucked on each landing.
Image credit: The Douglas
A second phase of The Douglas is already underway next door at 18 Oglethorpe Avenue, with six additional guest rooms and the debut of Lester’s, a full-service restaurant helmed by Chef Larson that will serve lunch and dinner daily, set to open in early 2026. The restaurant will bring the same chic design and Southern hospitality to the table, further cementing The Douglas as a gathering place for both visitors and the local community.
With its intricate craftsmanship, discerning details, and quietly confident charm, The Douglas is a testament to Savannah’s enduring elegance and its reverence for historic architecture and beauty. It invites guests to slow down, linger in good company, and discover Savannah through a new lens.
Main image credit: The Douglas
