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New Hotel Construction Set to Enhance Savannah’s Hospitality

The upcoming luxurious hotel on Hutchinson Island will significantly enhance Savannah's hotel accommodations.

News Summary

Savannah is set for a hospitality boost as the Savannah-Georgia Convention Center Authority has amended its hotel-motel tax agreement to finance a new hotel on Hutchinson Island. The city council approved this crucial agreement, allowing the issuance of bonds to support the construction of a modern hotel featuring 445 luxurious rooms. This initiative, alongside an increase in hotel-motel tax rates, aims to meet rising demand and contribute to local financial health, with the convention center enhancing its role in the city’s growing convention market.

Exciting Developments for Savannah as New Hotel Moves Forward!

Big news for the beautiful city of Savannah! The Savannah-Georgia Convention Center Authority (SGCCA) recently took a giant leap towards enhancing the city’s hospitality scene. On Wednesday, they successfully amended their hotel-motel tax agreement with the city of Savannah, paving the way for the financing of a new hotel on Hutchinson Island.

City Council Association Approves Amended Agreement

It didn’t take long for the Savannah City Council to jump on board with this exciting development. They approved the amended agreement the very next day! This amendment is crucial as it allows the SGCCA to secure necessary bonds to finance the construction of a modern hotel, which is anticipated to bolster Savannah’s accommodations significantly.

Long-Term Strategy to Align Financial Resources

The amended hotel-motel tax agreement will run through 2058, perfectly aligning with the bond term’s expected length. This strategic move means the SGCCA can now utilize hotel-motel taxes, ensuring a reliable source of revenue for paying off the bonds used to build the hotel.

The Savannah Convention Center receives a share of hotel-motel tax revenues collected by the city. Of the impressive $49.4 million generated for the city’s 2025 budget, it is set to get around $6.9 million. This revenue will bolster the city’s overall financial health and contribute to numerous local projects.

Financing Plans for the New Hotel

The SGCCA is planning to issue bonds in three different phases, with the first two being backed by the revenue generated from the hotel itself. There’s also a third tranche, estimated at $65 million, which will require direct payment from the authority. The amended agreement guarantees a steady income stream for repaying the resulting bond debt, providing peace of mind for investors and local taxpayers alike.

Excitingly, the authority currently holds about $26 million in cash reserves and plans to allocate $10 million into an escrow account to support the third tranche of bonds. This framework ensures that hotel tax funds can replenish the escrow account if needed, keeping financial stability at the forefront.

New Hotel to Meet Rising Demand

So, what can we expect from the new hotel? It’s set to house around 445 luxurious rooms on Hutchinson Island, which will nicely complement the existing 400 rooms at the nearby Westin Hotel. This bumps the total room count on the island to approximately 850, a much-needed upgrade to cater to the growing demand from convention attendees.

The new hotel is seen as an essential safeguard for the expansion of the convention center itself, which was funded by an awe-inspiring $276 million from the state. With the convention center positioned to become the 71st largest in the U.S., local officials are eagerly anticipating that it will host its first event on February 15, kicking off an array of larger conferences.

Future Developments Awaiting Funding

What’s more, the initial designs for the planned 400-room Signia by Hilton Savannah hotel located next to the convention center are nearly finished, and there’s an anticipated grand opening slated for March 2028. Funding for this project is contingent on a significant $300 million bond sale expected in June, subject to some legal clarifications regarding the use of tax revenues.

Hotel-Motel Tax Increase: A Catalytic Force for Success

To enable further city projects, there’s also going to be an increase in the hotel-motel tax rate from 6% to 8%. This bump is projected to generate substantial funds earmarked for various local initiatives, including the redevelopment of River Street and the Historic Waterworks Building, along with improved trails for locals and tourists to enjoy.

While the local lodging community recognizes the hotel may be competitive, there’s a solid acknowledgment of its necessity. Savannah’s hotel occupancy rates often exceed 90%, indicating that the demand for hotel rooms around the convention center is not just a want, but a genuine need!

Preparing for a Thriving Future

With all these changes and initiatives underway, Savannah is definitely preparing itself for a thriving future. The hotel expansion, combined with improvements to tourism infrastructure and a focus on enhancing the convention attendee experience, positions Savannah as a robust competitor in the hospitality and convention market.

As Savannah gears up for these monumental changes, it’s clear this charming city is ready to embrace a new era of growth and economic vitality!