Travel & Hotel  
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Navigating in Savannah
Robert Simmons, LAC Site Coordinator


Savannah, Georgia, will be an exciting venue for the M&M 2004 meeting. It's a little bit different from our usual meeting sites in that Savannah has a river running through it. The City of Savannah lies on a bluff on the southern bank of the Savannah River while the Convention Center lies about 200 yards across the river on Hutchinson Island.

Crossing Over the River

While life in the South is often thought of as slow-paced, the river moves along at a brisk 4-5 knots. Alligators, large container ships and the occasional dolphin are sited in the area, so swimming is discouraged. There is no pedestrian access on the Talmadge Bridge crossing from Savannah to Hutchinson Island, so the crossing must be made by one of 2 means: the bus transportation system provided by the meeting or the ferries operated by the convention center. The bus system is the primary means of cross-river transportation if you are running on a tight schedule. The ferries are best for more casual, and perhaps more scenic, river crossings. Your meeting badge will serve as your ferry ticket, so be sure to identify yourself as an attendee when you board. The buses will run from the meeting hotels on the southern bank of the river at regular intervals and will take about 20-25 minutes to reach the convention center, depending on traffic. There are two ferries running on a regular schedule through the day. Detailed schedules for both transportation modes will be posted in the hotels, convention center and the daily newsletters. If you need to get across the river after the ferries close for the day you'll need to hail a cab. Expect to pay about $12 for the trip between River Street and the Convention Center/Westin Hotel.

Resting Under the Shade of the Trees

River Street is the heart of the entertainment district of Savannah and rests just a few feet above the high tide mark. Here you will find the original granite cobblestones laid down as the first paved street in town. They've worn a bit over the years and footing can be treacherous, especially after a rain. Comfortable walking shoes are highly recommended for this area. You may stroll River Street carrying the beverage of your choice so long as it is in a plastic or paper container (no glass or metal allowed), just be sure to finish up before you get on the ferry as they don't allow open containers on board. Cobblestone ramps lead from River Street up to Bay Street and the tree-lined avenues of Old Savannah. These ramps quickly rise about 25 feet from the river level to the town.

Once you are in town the CAT Shuttles provide visitors with free transportation around the downtown historic district. White signs with green lettering identify shuttle stops.

Remember that this is Summertime in The South. Jumping fish and high cotton aside, it's warm down here. "Sticky" is an expression commonly used to describe it, especially when the sea breeze dies down. This means that summer is a casual time of year. Dress light, relax and enjoy our Southern Hospitality.

Hotels


Note: This drawing of the relative locations of Hotels is NOT to scale.

1. Savannah Marriott Riverfront Located on the Historic Riverfront connected to world-famous River Street via the Riverwalk. River Street offers over 68 unique shops, taverns, and restaurants. The Savannah Riverfront is within easy walking distance of the Historic District where guests can enjoy the beautiful squares, historic house museums, art galleries and antique shops.

2. Westin Savannah Harbor The 403-room Westin Savannah Harbor is Savannahâs only AAA Four Diamond resort. The Westin offers an 18 hole PGA TOUR quality golf experience managed in partnership with Troon Golf, the nationally recognized Greenbrier Spa, four lighted HarTru Tennis Courts, a complete fitness center, 400 feet of floating dock space and two outdoor pools. All these amenities are located adjacent to the Savannah International Trade and Convention Center and just a short water taxi journey from the excitement of Historic River Street.

3. Savannah Convention Center This is the location of the M&M 2004 Conference. All Workshops, Lectures, Exhibits, and Meeting Functions are held here.

4. Hyatt Regency Savannah A beautiful downtown hotel on the scenic waterfront of the Savannah River. The Hyatt is prominently situated on the 12-block Riverfront Plaza in the heart of Savannah's Historic District. Within walking distance of shops, pubs, restaurants and more. The Hyatt is the ideal gathering place for groups of 10 to 1,000. Discover the perfect blend of location, ambiance, and hospitality to make your visit an event to remember.

5. Hilton Savannah DeSoto Featuring 246 deluxe rooms and suites, the Hilton Savannah DeSoto Hotel is ideally located in the heart of Savannah's popular Historic, Dining and Theatre Districts and a short walk to Savannah's bustling River Street and City Market. Surrounded by Savannah's languid and beautifully shaded squares, quaint southern homes of the Colonial and Victorian eras and traditional landmarks, For over a century, the Historic Hilton Savannah DeSoto Hotel has been renowned for its traditional southern hospitality.

6. Days Inn Suites Historic Riverfront Our location is across the road from River Street and is adjacent to City Market making us an ideal spot for meetings and after-hours enjoyment. 196 Standard Double Rooms, 57 Executive Suites with Full Kitchens. Garage Parking on-site. Take water taxi to Trade Center. Trolley Tour pickup at hotel.

* Only those hotels offering special rates to MM2004 attendees are shown on the map.
Hotel/Convention Center Shuttle Bus Service

There will be FREE scheduled shuttle bus transportation to and from the convention center from the 5 convention hotels, available for all attendees on all convention days (~ 6:30 am - 10 pm ) . In addition, a FREE water ferry that runs scheduled service from river street to the center operates from 7:30 am until 10 pm daily. Meeting Attendee's will have to show their Badges to use theses shuttles. Taxis are available approximate cost one-way from River Street to the Convention Center is $12-15.

Meeting Air Travel

United Airlines discounted fares: 1-800-521-4041
UA Meeting Plus ID code: 514ZC

Registration Hours

Saturday 7:30am-3:00pm
Sunday 7:30am-5:00pm
Monday 7:00am-5:00pm
Tuesday 7:30am-5:00pm
Wednesday 7:30am-5:00pm
Thursday 7:30am-3:00pm

Commercial Exhibiton Hours

Monday noon-5:00pm
Tuesday 9:30am-5:00pm
Wednesday 9:30am-5:00pm
Thursday 9:30am-3:00pm

Travel Information

Nestor J. Zaluzec / Zaluzec@Microscopy.Com