There are numerous options when choosing where to stay on Tybee Island. As a frequent traveler to Savannah, Georgia and Tybee Island Beach, our family has rented condos, cottages and stayed at several different hotels. We’ve been able to enjoy all facets of the island this way. One thing we’ve realized over the years is that walkability is an important factor for enjoying our time on Tybee Island. This trip we were invited to stay at the new Admiral’s Inn On Tybee Island. Here is our experience...
Location, location, location!
Admiral’s Inn, Tybee Island’s newly renovated hotel at 1501 Butler Ave, couldn’t be better located. Its walkability factor is a 10, which is huge on Tybee Island as parking isn’t free. Admiral’s Inn is literally a 1-minute walk to Tybrisa Street - the main drag on the beach leading to the Tybee Island Pier & Pavilion. Tybrisa Street is home to some of the best seafood on Tybee Island - Rock House Bar & Grill, the famous backdrop to several Hollywood films - Fannie’s On The Beach, Waves Surf Shop, and Wet Willie’s frozen cocktails. And Admiral’s Inn is situated directly across the street from The Breakfast Club, Tybee’s famed breakfast spot. As well as the Sunrise Restaurant - right next door.
The Renovation
Tybee Island native, Dillon Patel and his family, acquired the old Admiral’s Inn in May of 2016. The hotel, built in 1996, had not seen many changes over three decades and when the Summer season slowed, Patel began renovations. A two year overhaul from top to bottom as well as a complete rebranding has put this family run business at the top of the hospitality market on Tybee Island. The staff is friendly, courteous and happy to answer questions. They proudly showed us all the new items in the hotel lobby and explained that many items, including decor and security cameras, were being installed daily.
Hands down, the headliner of these hotel rooms are the renovated bathrooms - the showers to be specific. Admiral’s Inn offers rain shower head tiled showers in all rooms. This was an unexpected delight in a hotel of this caliber. The second runner up to the shower would be the soft as a cloud mattress and extra fluffy pillows. We honestly haven’t been this comfortable in a hotel bed in years.
The Cons
First, Admiral’s Inn is not an ocean front property. It is located just one block from the beach on Butler Ave. It's a very short walk - really not an issue at all. Keep in mind, ocean views come with higher price tags and in my opinion a complete waste of money. I mean, who comes to the beach to look out of a window? Get out of that room and put your feet in the sand.
Second, as much as we loved this hotel experience, there is one thing guests should be aware of and let me preface this statement with, the owner is aware and is hurriedly rectifying this issue, which makes us love this hotel and their hospitality even more. Depending on which room you stay in, you may hear doors closing in the hallway or noise from the breakfast area and lobby in your room. They have added beautiful tile throughout the lobby but this has caused some acoustic issues. Again, they are currently working toward fixing this issue. So ignore any negative reviews you may have seen about the noise, just ask for a room at the end of the hall or an upper floor. Trust me when I tell you the pros outweigh the cons at Admiral’s Inn.
We’d like to thank Mr. Patel for hosting us. Our stay was delightful and we look forward to our next trip. We’ve already recommended this hotel to a few friends and highly recommend Admiral’s Inn to anyone traveling to Tybee Island.
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