Hersha Hotels and Resorts Acquires The Westin Savannah Harbor Golf Resort & Spa

Why It Matters

The purchase gives Hersha a flagship resort in a market where convention and leisure demand are surging, strengthening its foothold in the fast‑growing Southeast hospitality sector.

Key Takeaways

• Hersha acquires Westin Savannah Harbor resort.
• Property includes 403 rooms and 18‑hole golf course.
• Adjacent to newly expanded 660k‑sq‑ft convention center.
• Savannah’s economy booming with port growth and Hyundai plant.
• Acquisition strengthens Hersha’s presence in fast‑growing Southeast market.

Pulse Analysis

Hersha Hotels and Resorts’ latest acquisition underscores the firm’s aggressive expansion strategy in the high‑growth Southeast corridor. By adding the Westin Savannah Harbor Golf Resort & Spa to its portfolio, Hersha gains control of a unique asset that blends luxury resort amenities with urban accessibility. The 299‑acre site, featuring a championship golf course and a 17‑room spa, offers diversification opportunities beyond traditional city‑center hotels, positioning Hersha to capture both upscale leisure travelers and large‑scale corporate groups.

The resort’s proximity to the Savannah Convention Center, which completed a $276 million, 660,000‑square‑foot expansion in 2025, creates a powerful synergy for meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (MICE) business. The expanded ballroom and additional exhibit space have already attracted national conventions, while the resort’s extensive meeting rooms and flexible indoor‑outdoor venues provide a seamless overflow solution. This adjacency not only enhances occupancy rates during peak convention periods but also elevates the property’s revenue per available room (RevPAR) through premium event pricing.

Savannah’s broader economic engine further amplifies the acquisition’s strategic value. The city’s port, the fastest‑growing on the U.S. East Coast, fuels logistics and business travel, while the Hyundai Motor Group’s $7.6 billion Metaplant injects 14,000 high‑skill jobs into the region. Combined with rising tourism driven by the city’s historic charm and culinary scene, these factors create a robust pipeline of both leisure and corporate demand. Hersha’s ownership of the Westin positions it to capitalize on this momentum, delivering long‑term growth and reinforcing its reputation as a leading hospitality operator in emerging markets.

Deal Summary

Hersha Hotels and Resorts, a KSL portfolio company, announced the acquisition of The Westin Savannah Harbor Golf Resort & Spa in Savannah, Georgia. The transaction was arranged by JLL’s Hotels & Hospitality Group. The deal value was not disclosed.