News Summary
The Municipal Grand hotel has officially opened, providing a new hospitality venue in Savannah. The hotel features a stylish lobby bar, an innovative cocktail program, and a creative food menu, all set within a beautifully reimagined historical building. With amenities like communal cocktails and unique culinary offerings, the Municipal Grand aims to become a highlight in Savannah’s vibrant hospitality scene.
Savannah Welcomes Municipal Grand Hotel
The Municipal Grand hotel officially opened its doors on July 11, offering locals and visitors a new destination for hospitality. Located in a reimagined six-story building that originally housed the First Federal Savings and Loan Association from 1961 to 1989, the hotel features a stylish lobby bar that has quickly gained popularity among patrons.
Innovative Cocktail Program and Unique Bar Design
The hotel’s lobby bar, an eponymous feature of the Municipal Grand, is designed as a vibrant social gathering spot emphasizing visibility, making it a perfect setting for both in-person interactions and social media engagement. The bar includes a distinctive curved layout with a 14-seat design and serpentine banquettes, creating an inviting atmosphere reminiscent of a sunken conversation pit due to the adjoining mezzanine level.
The cocktail program at the Municipal Grand is tailored to reflect the subtropical climate of Savannah, incorporating rum and mezcal into its handcrafted drink offerings. The innovative menu features communal cocktails such as banana daiquiri “cheekies” priced at $8 per person and espresso martini cheekies for $6 each. Additionally, guests can indulge in “Proper Martini Service” for two, which costs $36 and can be paired with shoestring fries for an additional $5. Other standard cocktails are available, with prices ranging from $16 to $19, showcasing vibrant concoctions such as a neon-hued white Negroni.
Focus on Culinary Creativity
The Municipal Grand offers a food menu that intentionally bypasses traditional items like club sandwiches and Caesar salads, aiming instead for creativity. Culinary offerings include smoked salmon tartine and mortadella roll, curated by a talented kitchen team led by chefs with backgrounds from Death & Co. and local eateries. The breakfast options are equally inventive, featuring dishes such as Carolina Gold rice porridge and a “Fancy Omelet.”
Architecture and Interior Design
The hotel’s architecture seeks to preserve the historical essence of the original building, retaining classic elements such as terrazzo tiles and a functional bank vault. Interior designs have been crafted in collaboration with AAmp Studio and local firms, including Lynch Associates Architects and Ward Architecture + Preservation. These efforts reflect a harmonious blend of modern aesthetics and historic charm, further enhancing the guest experience.
Management and Future Plans
Overseeing operations at the Municipal Grand is General Manager Franck Savoy, who brings his family’s culinary heritage to the establishment as son of Michelin-star chef Guy Savoy. The hotel’s management team includes founding partners from the renowned Death & Co., David Kaplan and Alex Day, alongside Ryan Diggins from the Ramble Hotel. Additionally, local talents like Karim Elkady and Shannon Koprivich play a significant role in shaping the kitchen’s direction.
Looking ahead, an underground cocktail bar named Hot Eye is scheduled to open in the fall, promising to expand the hotel’s innovative beverage offerings. The lobby bar currently operates daily from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m., providing ample opportunity for guests and locals to enjoy its creative drinks and ambiance. At present, access to the rooftop Sun Club pool deck remains exclusive to hotel guests, adding an element of exclusivity for those staying at the Municipal Grand.
Conclusion
With its opening, the Municipal Grand hotel aims to become a key player in Savannah’s hospitality landscape, offering a unique blend of innovative cocktail programming, creative dining, and a modern yet historically inspired space for social interaction.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Municipal Grand Hotel Opens in Downtown Savannah
Additional Resources
- Eater: Municipal Grand Savannah
- Hotel Dive: Cocktail Lifestyle Hotel Brand Launch
- Southern Living: Municipal Grand Hotel in Savannah
- Savannah Now: Bonaventure Cemetery Features
- Wikipedia: Savannah, Georgia
Author: STAFF HERE SAVANNAH WRITER
SAVANNAH STAFF WRITER The SAVANNAH STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESavannah.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Savannah, Chatham County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Savannah Music Festival, St. Patrick's Day Parade, and Savannah Jazz Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce and United Way of the Coastal Empire, plus leading businesses in aerospace, education, and logistics that power the local economy such as Gulfstream Aerospace, Savannah College of Art and Design, and Colonial Group. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAtlanta.com and HEREAugusta.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.
