Hotel Bardo is set to open its doors in Savannah in February 2024, transforming a 19th century Southern Gothic structure into an urban sanctuary.
A new urban resort concept from New York City-based Left Lane, Hotel Bardo Savannah is a sprawling two-acre resort comprising 149 guestrooms, as well as a coastal Italian restaurant, a holistic fitness and wellness club, and a membership and social club.
Upon arrival, guests are greeted by the lobby bar, The Green Room, a warm, living room-style space anchored by an oval-shaped bar. Past the lobby is a glimpse of the heart of the resort: the courtyard, surrounded by intimate gardens, leading to a 25m pool complemented by poolside cabanas. The pool bar, Bar Bibi, offers a coastal Italian menu with bright salads, crudo and pizzettas from its exposed brick oven. Bar Bibi plays the cheeky younger sister role to Bardo’s marquee coastal Italian restaurant, Saint Bibiana, led by Executive Chef and Culinary Director Derek Simcik.
The design language of Hotel Bardo Savannah brings together old and new. Left Lane’s ‘riot clash’ aesthetic mixes traditional styles seen in Savannah – like the hotel’s Romanesque exterior – with the firm’s contemporary vision, evoking a feeling that the resort was built up over time.
Savannah muralist Vanessa Platacis brings her signature stencilling work to the private members’ club walls through motifs of Savannah flora, while contemporary Belgian sculptor William Sweetlove’s five bird sculptures sit on pedestals by the pool and gardens. Savannah College of Art and Design professor Kelly Boehmer leads the way up the stairs to Club Bardo with a playful installation depicting the Patron Saint of Hangover’s quest to cure a rowdy evening, and SCAD graduate Libby Barret’s large-scale, panoramic painting sits in the main floor dining room.
“We’ve thoughtfully transformed one of Savannah’s most historic and treasured assets, bringing together the best creative talent spanning design, brand, food and beverage, wellness and programming to make the adventurous feel at home,” says Jon Kully, Managing Partner, Left Lane. “We are ready to provide something fresh for the city – a coming together of good company in incredible spaces with impeccable service and dynamic programming from sunup to sundown.”
The launch of Hotel Bardo also sees the debut of Saltgrass, its holistic gym and wellness spa concept. The hotel’s dedication to wellness extends beyond its indoor fitness facility, with personal training and small group classes across the resort grounds and in Forsyth Park. Event spaces meanwhile include The Carriage House, which opens onto the event lawn, paying homage to the former mansion’s original use as a private home in the late 1800’s. The Ballroom, which leads to the Courtyard, will be 3,500ft² of event space that can accommodate up to 200 guests.
The brand’s exclusive membership club, Club Bardo, will give members access to a private lounge above Saint Bibiana, preferred room rates, priority reservations, access to the pool and fitness facilities as well as perks like personal training and small group fitness.
The opening is the latest in the Bardo brand, which Left Lane plans to expand to the likes of Pittsburgh and Providence within the next five years.
