Phillip Pond revitalises Savannah’s historic Mansion Hotel, now Hotel Bardo—developing the intriguing “riot clash” design philosophy

In the heart of Savannah, Georgia, where history whispers through cobblestone streets and grand oak trees draped in Spanish moss, a remarkable transformation has unfolded. Nestled along the serene Savannah River and just 20 miles from the Atlantic Ocean, the city’s timeless charm sets the perfect backdrop for this restoration. Picture the iconic “Forrest Gump” scene, where Tom Hanks shares his life story on a bench in Chippewa Square. This nostalgic moment introduces us to the rebirth of the historic Mansion Hotel, now Hotel Bardo.

A DANCE THROUGH HISTORY AND MODERNITY
Hotel Bardo began its journey in the 1890s as a family’s mansion, a Romanesque treasure adorned with turrets and buttresses, standing proudly opposite Savannah’s pristine Forsyth Park. In 2004, this grand structure evolved into The Mansion on Forsyth, offering 125 rooms of Southern elegance. Today, under the visionary direction of designer Phillip Pond, Hotel Bardo emerges as a modern classic, seamlessly blending historical splendour with contemporary luxury. Phillip Pond, an alumnus of the University of Virginia, where he received a classical architecture education, has carved a niche for himself in the world of luxury hospitality design. With over two decades of experience, Pond has worked on high-profile projects globally, including collaborations with renowned studios like Rockwell Group and Yabu Pushelberg. His approach to design is deeply narrative-driven, ensuring each project tells a unique story.

A SYMPHONY OF DESIGN
Stepping through the hotel’s front door, guests embark on a journey through interconnected spaces that echo Savannah’s traditional design vernacular. Tree-lined sidewalks lead to grand interiors and culminate in a lush courtyard oasis—a feature the old hotel notably lacked. “From the moment you arrive, it’s a procession of spaces that feels both expansive and intimate,” explains Phillip, highlighting his commitment to creating seamless transitions and curated experiences. Savannah’s architectural language, with its historic residential blocks, row houses, and layered porches, gardens, and courtyards, served as the muse for this project. “We drew inspiration from these elements to amplify the most Savannah-esque features, crafting a hotel that feels like the grandest of local homes,” says Phillip. This vision comes to life in the heart of the reimagined mansion, where a new pool and garden are enclosed by suites styled as local row houses and an events hall mimicking traditional carriage houses.

NEW ADDITIONS AND CLASSIC ELEGANCE
Key additions include the courtyard conservatory, Bar Bibi pavilion, pool, lawn, and Carriage House. These elements extend the linear procession of spaces, enhancing the guest experience with a sense of social generosity and playful classical design. “If the everyday Savannah mansion has a grand arrival and a cosy backyard oasis, the old hotel was just missing its backyard,” remarks Phillip. “We introduced spaces that brought both social generosity and playful classical design.” The transformation expanded guest areas by 40%, repurposing underutilised parking and garden spaces into a new block of twenty suites with gardens and terraces, an events building, a pool deck, a poolside restaurant, and a flexible courtyard pavilion. This pavilion serves as a standalone destination or supports the pool and banquet facilities, embodying the spirit of versatility and charm.

REIMAGINING THE PAST
The pre-existing hotel areas, including a 19th-century home and a hotel block from the early 2000s, were entirely reimagined. Strategic reorganisation of lobby partitions, bar stations, and retail components infused new life into these spaces. “The lobby was reoriented to celebrate its cosy atmosphere, connecting the reception, bar lounge,
and courtyard areas,” notes Phillip.

The historic wing now boasts two distinct venues. The first floor features a lively restaurant with a prominent bar-room, creating a boisterous arrival experience. The second floor houses a members club with a central space for dinners, music, and cultural programming, offering a sophisticated retreat. “What was once a single restaurant is now a dual-venue experience,” elaborates Phillip, highlighting his vision for multifunctional spaces that cater to diverse tastes and occasions.

RIOT CLASH: A DESIGN PHILOSOPHY
“Riot clash”—a design philosophy that embraces playful juxtaposition—ties together the diverse programme areas of Hotel Bardo. This aesthetic celebrates the eclectic mix of architectural styles, colours, patterns, and refinement levels that define Savannah. “We celebrate this spirit of playful juxtaposition throughout the hotel’s design,” says Phillip, infusing the project with his signature eclecticism.

CONNECTING CREATIVITY AND COMMUNITY
The reimagined Mansion Hotel now features Club Bardo, The Green Room lobby bar, the Event Lawn, Bar Bibi pool bar, the Carriage House, the Cooking School, Saltgrass Spa, and the Courtyard Pavilion. Each space was designed to foster connection and exchange, both within the hotel and with Savannah’s creative community—a core goal of the new brand. “Amenity and social spaces became the focal points for both the design team and the operations group,” reflects Phillip, underscoring the importance of communal experiences in the hotel’s new identity. The design team’s attention to detail extends beyond interiors to site layout, exterior building details, pool design, and hardscapes.

Despite the urban setting, the hotel achieves a resort-like oasis feel, with residential-style pool suite gardens and layers of drapery on exterior structures, creating a sense of fantasy within the walled garden. “In terms of site layout, we aimed to achieve a real sense of resort oasis within an urban site that’s barely larger than a cluster of five or six of the nearby houses,” explains Phillip.

HERITAGE AND SUSTAINABILITY
Sustainability was a guiding principle from the project’s inception. The mandate to preserve as much of the old building and its finishes as possible extended to back-of-house equipment, AV systems, and interior detailing. This conservation ethos ensures that the hotel’s historic charm is retained while introducing modern comforts. “We embraced this goal of old-fashioned conservation throughout the project,” emphasises Phillip, his dedication to sustainability and preservation evident in every carefully preserved detail.

A NEW ERA FOR SAVANNAH’S JEWEL
Under the ownership of Left Lane, the Mansion on Forsyth Park has been transformed into Hotel Bardo, a vibrant urban resort that seamlessly blends historic charm with modern luxury. The hotel boasts 149 rooms and offers an array of amenities, including a sprawling 25-metre pool, the coastal Italian restaurant Saint Bibiana, and the Saltgrass wellness centre. Guests can also explore Club Bardo, a membership-based social club, and enjoy bespoke shopping experiences at Shop Bardo. Another notable feature, highlighting an innovative operation, is the hotel’s partnership with Saks Fifth Avenue. This collaboration has turned one suite into a select shop pop-up by Saks, featuring a collection of fashion and accessories inspired by Savannah.

Phillip Pond’s restoration of The Mansion Hotel in Savannah is a masterclass in adaptive reuse, celebrating the city’s rich architectural heritage while creating a vibrant, contemporary destination. This project stands as a beacon of how historic preservation and modern design can coexist, offering guests an unforgettable journey through time and space.

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