A Modern Take on Southern Hospitality

Have you ever noticed that no one ever discusses how stressful it can be to plan the “perfect vacation”? Well, we have… and let’s face it, choosing the right hotel can make (or break) your holiday. Not to mention, here at TravelRx, we’re forever seeking the most unique experiences that stray from the usual. That’s right, we crave adventure in every corner of our hotel experience and that’s exactly what we found at the Kessler Collection hotels and the Mansion on Forsyth Park. To us, the Kessler Collection Hotels embody everything that defines a great stay — exquisite service, local offerings, beautiful surroundings, homegrown tastes, and a healthy dose of luxury! And that’s why we’ve rated The Kessler Collection’s Mansion on Forsyth Park, located in the heart of Savannah charm, one of our top picks for places to stay in the South in 2019.

The Mansion on Forsyth Park is one of nine stunning Kessler Collection hotel estates in America. The walls of all the Kessler Collection hotels are adorned with hand-curated art from all over the world, picked out by Mr. Kessler himself. Each Kessler property mirrors the indigenous culture of the surrounding locale. And the Mansion on Forsyth is exactly that: A cultural destination that reflects and connects you to the roots of Savannah history and community.

I’ve heard rave reviews of Savannah, Georgia my whole life. But it wasn’t until I visited this past summer that I fully grasped the haunting allure of this sleepy, Southern town. Walking around the streets you’re struck by the mix of beautiful architecture, the o-so-humid air, and the hush of Spanish moss dripping down from age-old oak trees. Spirited (and full of spirits), Savannah is rumored to be the most haunted cities in America. Boo! I was enchanted before I even saw my first ghost.

Central to Savannah is Forsyth Park — a wondrous mecca of nature, culture, and local community — where the Kessler Collection’s historic, red-brick mansion proudly sits astride. The original structure of the mansion at 700 Drayton Street dates back to 1888 when it was a private residence for the Lewis Keyton family. It stayed in the family’s name until 1953 when it became home to the dead, quite literally. At this time, Savannah’s most esteemed undertaking business, Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, took it over and began embalming some of the great elites of Savannah society. In 2005, the Kessler Collection brought the mansion back to life (pun intended) when they acquired the property. Expanding on its antiquity, but not losing any sense of its history, The Kessler Collection added a prominent addition to the original house.

Today, the mansion and its new appendage features the 5-star restaurant, 700 Drayton, a trendy cocktail hang, the Casimir Lounge, a picture-perfect outdoor pool, an amazing spa, and a high-end boutique featuring local artisanal crafts. And, of course, you won’t be able to miss Mr. Kessler’s keen eye for art as almost every wall of the hotel is dappled with his world-class collection of paintings.

But more than all of this, my favorite aspect of this hotel is their 700 Kitchen Cooking School. Here locals and tourists alike can mingle together and take cooking classes taught by world-renowned Chef Shahin Afsharian, trained under Michelin-starred Joel Robuchon in Monaco. So, on Saturday morning I gathered with Savannah locals, fellow hotel guests, and Chef Shahin to cook a proper Southern brunch. First, we headed to Forsyth Park to forage our local ingredients from the farmers market. Next, we were brought into the hotel’s kitchen (rumored to once be an embalming room) and got cookin! Well, actually, we popped some champagne and had delicious drinks to get the party started. Because in the South, it’s never too early to start drinking. Chef Shahin then showed us how to make the perfect poached eggs, savory collard greens, and delectable, cheesy-purple grits! It was so much fun and Chef Shahin is such a beautiful and welcoming teacher. It’s difficult to articulate just how fantastic and unique this experience is, so check out a clip from the TravelRx episode and you can watch us poppin’ bottles, crackin’ eggs, and having a ball! I also loved the mix of Savannah locals and tourists too. It made for an unforgettable, interactive, exploratory cooking class, which is open to everyone. If I lived in Savannah I would frequent this cooking class with friends and family. Click here to sign up for cooking classes with Chef Shahin at the 700 Kitchen Cooking School today — it’s a great gift too!

Honestly, I’ve traveled a lot and stayed in all kinds of hotels. But I’ve never experienced a hotel quite like the Mansion on Forsyth Park. With so many offerings under one roof, so many unique opportunities waiting to be had, and so many alluring spirits lurking in every corner (yes, there are rumored to be a few ghosts who live here too…), a stay here is a must. Plus, the rooms are so spacious and comfortable you’ll really be able to indulge in your inner Scarlett O’Hara. This NYC girl felt like a proper Southern belle tucking in for the night in her mansion overlooking Forsyth Park.

Simply put, The Mansion on Forsyth is where high living meets modern luxury, with a twist of wonder, of course. More than just “a hotel stay,” all the Kessler properties offer an immersive experience. Check out all the Kessler hotels here and book your stay at the Mansion on Forsyth Park now by clicking here. You’ll thank me later!