About
Step inside the Catherine Ward House Inn and you will immediately feel right at home. Bright and airy, elegant and inviting, the inn welcomes guests from all over the world to experience the comfort and charm of this 1880s Savannah home.
From assistance with your trip itinerary, to impeccable care and cleaning of each guestroom and common area, to our famous freshly made breakfast each morning the staff at the Catherine Ward House Inn go above and beyond to make your stay in Savannah memorable.
A favorite among past guests, The Catherine Ward House Inn has consistently been ranked among the best Savannah bed and breakfasts. The staff invites you to an unforgettable first-class experience in Savannah at the inn.
Inn History
Built in 1886 just east of Forsyth Park in Downtown Savannah, the Catherine Ward House is considered by many to be the best example of High Victorian Italianate Architecture in Savannah. The home is a unique union of traditional Savannah architecture with the modern conveniences of the Victorian Age. It was built by Sea Captain James Ward, an immigrant of Ireland who was attracted to the large Irish community in the new South and who was ready to put down roots with his wife, Catherine, in Savannah’s Victorian District. Captain and Mrs. Ward rose to become prominent members of Savannah’s Irish community, and their name still lives on today through the inn.
The building was also home to other notable Savannahians, including hotelier Michael Gainey and his family from 1913-1935, followed by John M. Trapani and his family through 1965. Recognized for its architectural and historical significance, the house was later purchased and renovated by the Historic Savannah Foundation in the early- to mid-1980s.
Under new ownership in the early 2000s, the Savannah bed and breakfast received a complete cosmetic update including new paint, wallpaper and floor coverings, furniture, and other guest amenities. In 2016-17, the inn received additional guestroom updates, including fully renovated bathrooms complete with luxurious finishes. Today, the Catherine Ward House Inn welcomes guests into a beautiful, modernized, and airy space that still pays tribute to its rich history through hand-picked antique accents and original, handcrafted architectural details around every corner.
About Your Stay
For any occasion, from a first time visit to a romantic getaway to a business trip, the Catherine Ward House is the best way to experience Savannah in style.
Animals
The Catherine Ward House Inn does not accept any animal guests.
Arrival Time
We appreciate that plans change especially on the day you are traveling. If for any reason you won’t be arriving as planned, please let us know as early as possible so we may adjust our schedules. We are not a hotel. Arrival times matter to us. Arrivals after 5 PM will be provided self-check-in instructions.
Breakfast
Each morning, we serve a full hot chef’s choice breakfast in our dining room. We understand that not everyone is on the same schedule so we try to be flexible. We put a lot of planning and care into our breakfasts so please let us know when you are making your reservation if you have any dietary restrictions. Breakfast is usually served at 8:30 AM and 9:30 AM. When we have a full house, we have to have two sittings for breakfast. We try to work it all out depending on tour schedules, checkouts, etc.
Deposit/Cancellations
A deposit equal to one night is taken at the time of reservation. Cancellations made more than 7 days before your arrival will incur a $50 cancellation fee. Cancellations made fewer than 7 days to arrival will forfeit the deposit made.
100% of the reservation cost will be charged if the guest fails to cancel or fails to check-in. 30 days notice is required when cancelling reservations for holidays, holiday weekends, or events (i.e. St. Patrick’s Day or New Year’s Eve).
Check-In Time
You are encouraged to arrive as early as 11:00 AM. Even if you arrive in Savannah before 11:00 AM, please feel free to come directly to the Inn. If your room is not available, you can still park your car, leave your luggage with us, review area maps and tour information and get an early start on your Savannah touring. Arrivals after 5 PM will be provided self-check-in instructions.
Check-Out Time
Our normal check-out time is 11:00 AM. However, on your checkout day, you can check-out of your room and we will take care of your luggage until you are ready to leave town.
Children
Because of the surroundings, all guests must be at least 14 years of age. All rooms are double-occupancy only.
High-Speed Wireless Internet
We offer, at no charge, high-speed wireless Internet access throughout the Inn. We are innkeepers, not computer experts. Therefore, we do not and cannot guarantee the wireless Internet service we provide will be compatible with every computer, tablet, or telephone. If your device is not compatible with our system, we can offer recommendations of other wireless hot spot locations in Savannah.
Maximum Number of Guests per Room
The maximum number of guests, no matter the age, in all rooms is two.
Non-Smoking Areas
The Catherine Ward House Inn is a Non-Smoking property.
No Shows
If you are not coming, do let us know. We hate sitting up worrying about you. Unfortunately, we will have to charge you for your entire stay if you do not show up without contacting us in advance.
Parking
We are located on a quiet, residential street where there is usually plenty of on-street parking. In addition, off-street parking is available and we will give you a permit to use it. All parking is free.
Service
We won’t enter your room during your stay but will provide fresh towels, replenish supplies and offer trash service, all without entering the guestroom. We do not offer daily housekeeping service.
If your stay is longer than 4 nights, we will refresh your room every 3rd night.
Alcoholic Beverages
We do not have a liquor license and therefore cannot serve liquor at the Inn. Guests may bring their alcoholic beverage of choice. We happily supply glasses and an endless supply of ice.
Coffee
Coffee is usually ready by 6:30 AM. If you need a coffee fix before then, we will show you which button to push on the coffee maker and where the cream and sugar are located.
DOT Free Historic District Bus Service
To reduce the need for a using your car while visiting, Savannah provides a free shuttle service known as DOT.
M-F 7AM to 7PM
Saturday 10AM to 7PM
Sunday 10AM to 6PM
There are 24+ stops in the Historic District and two of them are within a short 2-3 block walk from the Inn. The shuttle runs every ten minutes (or so). We have maps we can share with you that identify all of the stops but in the meantime you might want to take a look online at: www.ConnectOnTheDot.com
Gift Certificates
We sell Gift Certificates for any dollar amount. If you would like to treat someone to a night or a weekend at the Inn, you may do so by purchasing a Gift Certificate at the Inn or by telephone.
Gratuity for the Staff
Leaving a gratuity is not required. However, doing so lets your Housekeeper know that you truly enjoyed your service and appreciated her exceptional personal attention. It is acceptable to give the gratuity directly to your staff member or leave it in the guestroom when you checkout. Generally, guests will leave $5.00 for each night stayed as a gratuity.
Keys & Locks
All of the guestrooms have deadbolts for your security while in your room.Your guestroom key opens your guestroom doorknob, the front doors, the kitchen door, the door to the courtyard, and the door to the lane in the back of the carriage house. You do not need a key to lock your door; the doorknob locks from the inside and the key only unlocks the knob.
Kitchen
Our kitchen is very small and the Fire Marshall does not allow our guests to do any cooking. However, you can enter the kitchen at anytime. You can help yourself to glasses, ice from the freezer, and ice buckets to keep your wine cool.
Reservations & Itineraries
To enhance your Savannah experience, we have partnered with many Savannah businesses to offer you special care when you visit. We are always ready to schedule tours, make reservations and plan itineraries with you. It is recommended that you make restaurant reservations well in advance of your arrival. We will be happy to provide you with a list of some of our favorite establishments.
Local Attractions
The Catherine Ward House Inn is conveniently located half a block from Forsyth Park and the famous Forsyth Fountain. It is a quick walk from countless restaurants, tours, and activities in Savannah’s famed Historic District. Below are some of our longtime guest favorites.
Please note our staff is always happy to assist with planning activities, booking restaurant reservations, scheduling tours, and providing itinerary recommendations during your stay.
Scenic Tours
Architectural Tours of Savannah | Visit Website
Old Savannah Tours | Visit Website
Old Town Trolley Tours | Visit Website
Carriage Tours of Savannah | Visit Website
Dash Tours | Visit Website
Gray Line Savannah Tours | Visit Website
Noble Jones Tours
Bonaventure Don Tours
Ghost Tours
Blue Orb Tours | Visit Website
Afterlife Tours | Visit Website
Restaurants
Collins Quarter | Visit Website
45 Bistro | Visit Website
Noble Fare | Visit Website
Bella Napoli | Visit Website
Cotton & Rye | Visit Website
Local 11 Ten | Visit Website
Common Thread | Visit Website
Crystal Beer Parlor | Visit Website
Leopold’s | Visit Website
Public Kitchen | Visit Website
Madame Butterfly | Visit Website