Nashville vs Savannah: Which City is Better for Team Retreats? (2026)

Did you know that 79% of employees report feeling more engaged after attending a team retreat? Choosing the right city for your offsite can significantly impact team dynamics and productivity. In this guide, we’ll pit Nashville against Savannah, examining venues, activities, and logistics to help you decide where to host your next team retreat in 2026.

Why Choose Nashville?

Nashville, known as "Music City," is not only famous for its vibrant music scene but also for its diverse venues and rich Southern hospitality. Best visited in the spring (March to May) and fall (September to November), the mild weather makes it ideal for both indoor and outdoor activities. Nashville is conveniently located with a major airport (BNA) just 15 minutes from downtown.

Why Choose Savannah?

Savannah boasts a unique blend of history, charm, and coastal beauty. This picturesque city is best experienced in the spring (March to May) and fall (September to November) when the temperatures are pleasant. Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport (SAV) is about 20 minutes from the historic downtown area, making it accessible for out-of-town guests.

Venue Comparison Table

| Venue Name | Location | Capacity | Price/Person/Night | Best For | Standout Feature | AV Quality | |---------------------|------------------|---------------|---------------------|-----------------------|---------------------------------------|------------------| | The Graduate Hotel | Nashville, TN | 120 | $175-225 | Large Teams | Rooftop bar with city views | Excellent | | The Hermitage Hotel | Nashville, TN | 150 | $200-250 | Luxury Retreats | Historic charm with modern amenities | High quality | | Music City Center | Nashville, TN | 1,000 | $85-120 | Conferences | State-of-the-art facilities | Top-notch | | Perry Lane Hotel | Savannah, GA | 100 | $190-240 | Boutique Experience | Rooftop pool and bar | Excellent | | The Westin Savannah | Savannah, GA | 500 | $150-200 | Large Gatherings | Waterfront views | Good | | The Alida Hotel | Savannah, GA | 130 | $210-260 | Creative Teams | Unique artistic design | High quality | | The Desoto Hotel | Savannah, GA | 400 | $120-180 | Big Events | Central location | Good | | The Thompson Hotel | Nashville, TN | 200 | $220-270 | Upscale Retreats | Modern design and amenities | Excellent |

Budget Breakdown for Team Retreats

Estimated Total Cost for 10-Person Team Retreat

| Category | Percentage | Estimated Cost | |------------------|------------|-------------------| | Venue | 40% | $2,500 | | F&B | 25% | $1,500 | | Activities | 15% | $900 | | Travel | 15% | $900 | | Contingency | 5% | $300 | | Total | 100% | $6,100 |

Activities to Consider

Nashville Activities

1. Live Music Tour

   • Time Needed: 3 hours
   • Group Size: Up to 20
   • Cost: $50/person
   • Energy Level: High
   • Logistics: Book a local guide to navigate the best venues.
   • Skip if: Your team prefers quieter environments.

2. Cooking Class

   • Time Needed: 2 hours
   • Group Size: Up to 15
   • Cost: $75/person
   • Energy Level: Medium
   • Logistics: Venue provides all materials.
   • Skip if: Your team has dietary restrictions.

Savannah Activities

1. Historic Walking Tour

   • Time Needed: 2 hours
   • Group Size: Up to 25
   • Cost: $30/person
   • Energy Level: Low
   • Logistics: Guide and materials included.
   • Skip if: Team prefers more active engagements.

2. Kayaking on the Savannah River

   • Time Needed: 3 hours
   • Group Size: Up to 15
   • Cost: $60/person
   • Energy Level: High
   • Logistics: Rental company provides equipment.
   • Skip if: Team members are uncomfortable in water.

Sample 3-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and Icebreaker

• Morning: Arrival and check-in
• Afternoon: Icebreaker activities (cooking class or live music tour)
• Evening: Dinner at a local restaurant

Day 2: Team Building and Strategy Sessions

• Morning: Team-building activity (historic walking tour or kayaking)
• Afternoon: Strategy sessions at the venue
• Evening: Group dinner with a guest speaker

Day 3: Wrap-Up and Departure

• Morning: Final strategy session
• Afternoon: Casual lunch and wrap-up
• Evening: Departure

Conclusion

Both Nashville and Savannah offer unique experiences for team retreats, but your choice should depend on your team’s preferences and objectives. Nashville shines with its vibrant nightlife and modern venues, while Savannah captivates with its historic charm and scenic beauty.

Action Items:

1. Determine your team’s size and budget.
2. Choose a city based on your team's interests.
3. Book your venue at least 4 months in advance for best rates.