Recess Hotel & Club Savannah, a member of Leading Hotels of the World, is set to open its doors in September 2026, transforming the Historic District’s 114-year-old Manger Building.
Inspired by the artists, makers and storytellers who make up Savannah’s rich creative community, the property is designed to channel the carefree spirit of childhood recess.
First built as the Hotel Savannah in 1912, the Beaux-Arts-style Manger Building became one of the city’s first skyscrapers, boasting grand arched windows, decorative cornice and a tripartite architectural composition rare for the city.
Now, New York City-based real estate development and hospitality firm Left Lane have partnered with hospitality design firm Atelier Pond to bring Recess’ ‘new old school’ design philosophy to life within the restored building.
Analog elements like vintage push-button light switches, antique mirrors, natural wood and even the building’s original mosaic tile flooring are juxtaposed with modern finishes and whimsical colours, bringing a playful, youthful energy to a property steeped in history and grandeur.
In keeping with Recess’ vision to serve as a playground for the new creative class, the property will showcase modern artwork from creatives all around the world, including a custom mural from Savannah-based painter Kipper Millsap.
Upon entering the hotel, the Lobby Bar establishes Recess’ social-first ethos with its adjoining living room-style lounge, featuring woven custom chandeliers, layered textures, tiled columns and lush greenery. The lobby also houses The Servery, a Japanese automat-inspired takeout window serving up fresh juices, smoothies, pastries, salads and sandwiches.
This spirit carries to each subsequent floor, where the hotel introduces Rumpus Rooms: lively social hubs featuring lounge seating, large flat-screen televisions, custom vending machines and vintage board games inspired by the 1970s and 1980s.
Following a ‘retro futurist’ narrative, the 221-key property leans into the rise of analogue and the return of nostalgia-fuelled pop culture across its 136 guest rooms, 23 suites and 62 bunk rooms, resulting in interiors rich with tactile elements like natural wood grains, marble and tile.
Recess’ bunk rooms – 20 of which are TV-free – balance design with functionality through built-in bunk beds, shared vanities and smart storage, allowing groups and families to settle in comfortably without losing the sense of fun.
Traditional guestrooms are thoughtfully pared back, with natural materials, organic linens and Corpus Naturals amenities, while on the 10th floor, each of Recess’ 23 suites showcase the best of the city, with 17ft high ceilings, dramatic arched windows and panoramic views.
The hotel offers numerous food and beverage venues including principal restaurant Le Flâneur, a French brasserie showcasing the building’s original mosaic flooring alongside antique mirrors, authentic woven rattan bistro chairs and custom statement lighting.
Meanwhile, 12 storeys above the city, Kilter Rooftop Bar offers a playful interpretation of Recess’ dining options. The bar and lounge is home to Savannah’s tallest rooftop pool, creating an urban garden oasis teeming with vibrant greenery and trees, warm colours, and whimsical tile patterns.
Recess also introduces an expanded vision for Saltgrass, Left Lane’s holistic wellness and spa concept. Set in the space of the former Savannah Health Club, the mosaic tiling found throughout the spa is inspired by the tiles of the original pool and carries through a cohesive design narrative from the rest of the property.
The hotel also features ample meeting and event spaces, including its flagship 6,500ft2, two-storey event hall – the only new build on the property. On the first floor, the Annex Ballroom features elegant, adaptable elements, soaring ceilings, outdoor space overlooking Johnson Square and its own street-side entrance for events of up to 250 guests.
Meanwhile, the second-floor Conservatory is inspired by Savannah’s famous gardens with luxuriant greenery and pools of natural light from statement windows. Kilter’s adjacent Rooftop Lawn provides an additional 830ft2 of flexible event space.
The heart of Recess’ events programming is Club Recess, which serves as the property’s creative clubhouse. Set across 5,500ft2 on the hotel’s second floor, the club provides a home for local and visiting makers, entrepreneurs and artists. A collection of libraries, studios, lounges, meeting rooms, communal workspaces and even a conversation pit foster discussion and ideation, while complimentary photoshoot sessions provide members with a headshot.
“Luxury travel is evolving with guests seeking out community and meaningful experiences built around connection,” says Jon Kully, Managing Partner, Left Lane. “Savannah’s rich cultural heritage, entrepreneurial spirit and vibrant arts community made it the perfect home to launch Recess, and we’re honoured to build on the success we found with Bardo in a city that means so much to us.”
