Finding a place to crash near the I-95 corridor in Georgia usually involves a lot of scrolling through blurry photos and suspicious reviews. You've probably seen the orange and turquoise roof of the Howard Johnson Savannah GA while driving south toward Florida or heading into the Hostess City. Honestly, it’s one of those spots that people either swear by for a cheap sleep or warn you about like a local ghost story.
Located at 17003 Abercorn Street, it’s basically the gatekeeper of the Savannah Gateway area. It’s not fancy. It’s not trying to be a boutique Hyatt in the Historic District. But for a specific kind of traveler, it works.
The Reality of Staying at Howard Johnson Savannah GA
Let’s get the elephant out of the room. When you book a room here, you aren't paying for marble countertops or a concierge who knows the best hidden speakeasies. You're paying for a door that locks, a bed that’s usually described as surprisingly comfortable, and a location that makes getting back on the highway at 6:00 AM incredibly easy.
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A lot of folks get frustrated because they expect "Savannah Charm" from a roadside motel 20 minutes away from the actual downtown. If you want moss-draped oaks and cobblestones right outside your window, this isn't it. This is a Georgetown-area pitstop.
What the Rooms Are Actually Like
The property was built in 1996 and had a facelift around 2016. It shows its age in some spots, but most rooms come with the essentials:
- A microwave and mini-fridge (essential for those leftover Cracker Barrel biscuits).
- 39-inch TVs with premium channels.
- Sound-insulated walls (though you'll still hear the occasional semi-truck rumble).
- Free WiFi that actually works for basic scrolling.
One weird thing guests often mention is the room numbering. It’s a bit of a maze. You might find yourself wandering the outdoor corridors for a second before realizing your room is around a corner you didn't see. Also, be ready for a $100 cash deposit. It catches a lot of people off guard because it’s not always clearly flagged on third-party booking sites.
Location: The Good, The Bad, and The Cracker Barrel
The biggest selling point for the Howard Johnson Savannah GA is its proximity to everything except downtown.
If you're here for a quick move-in day at Savannah State University or a visit to Hunter Army Airfield, you're in a prime spot. The Henderson Golf Club is a seven-minute walk away, and the Coastal Georgia Botanical Gardens are practically in your backyard.
Hungry? You’re lucky. There is a Cracker Barrel literally next door. For many road trippers, that’s the gold standard of travel dining. There’s also a Walmart Supercenter about a quarter-mile down the road for when you realize you forgot your toothbrush or need to stock up on road snacks.
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The Drive to River Street
If you are planning to spend your time on River Street or wandering through Forsyth Park, factor in a 20-minute drive. On a bad traffic day (and Savannah traffic on Abercorn can be a nightmare), that can easily turn into 35 minutes. Parking in the Historic District is also expensive. You’re saving money on the room here, but you might spend a chunk of it on parking garages downtown.
Why Some Reviews Are All Over the Place
If you look at recent feedback from 2025 and early 2026, the ratings are a total rollercoaster. Some people report a 10/10 experience with "immaculately clean" rooms and "amazing" front desk staff. Then, the next person says they found a cockroach in the microwave.
Why the massive gap?
It’s a high-turnover motel. Maintaining consistency in a 62-room property that sees hundreds of travelers a week is tough. Recent guests like "Liberty" and "Brandon" praised the value and the "best quality coffee," while others noted that housekeeping isn't always daily unless you ask.
The seasonal outdoor pool is another point of contention. When it's open and clean, it’s a lifesaver in the Georgia humidity. When it’s not, it’s just a fenced-in eyesore. Honestly, check the pool status before you get the kids' hopes up about a swim.
Practical Advice for Your Stay
Don't just show up and hope for the best. If you're staying at the Howard Johnson Savannah GA, follow these "pro" tips to make sure you don't end up frustrated.
- Bring Cash for the Deposit: They often require a $100 refundable deposit. If you don't have it in cash, it can be a headache at check-in.
- Request a Top-Floor Room: There's no elevator. If you have bad knees, ask for the first floor. If you want quiet, get the second floor so you don't have people stomping above you.
- Check Your Room Immediately: Before you unpack, check the AC and the bathroom. If something smells funky or looks off, go back to the desk immediately. The staff is generally helpful if you catch things early.
- Breakfast is "Light": Don't expect a full buffet with an omelet station. It’s a grab-and-go situation with coffee, juice, and maybe some packaged items. If you want a real breakfast, walk over to Cracker Barrel.
- Parking is Great: If you're driving a U-Haul, a bus, or an RV, this place is a win. They have a massive lot that accommodates large vehicles, which is rare closer to the city center.
Actionable Next Steps for Travelers
Before you hit that "book" button, take three minutes to verify the current status of the property. Check the most recent 48 hours of reviews on a site like TripAdvisor or Google Maps. Look specifically for mentions of "cleanliness" or "front desk." If the last three people had a great experience, you're likely safe.
If you need a pet-friendly option, look elsewhere. This Howard Johnson has a strict no-pets policy. The Ramada or Quality Inn nearby are usually better bets for those traveling with a dog.
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Finally, if you're arriving late at night, call ahead. The front desk is 24 hours, but confirming your reservation when you're an hour away can prevent the "we gave your room away" nightmare that sometimes happens at busy highway exits. Just keep your expectations realistic—you're looking for a budget-friendly launchpad, not a five-star resort.