Nashville vs Savannah: Which City Offers the Best Venues for Southern Corporate Retreats?

As we step into 2026, corporate retreats are becoming increasingly vital for team bonding and strategic alignment. Did you know that 90% of teams report improved collaboration after an offsite retreat? However, choosing the right location can be a daunting task. Nashville and Savannah both boast unique Southern charm and a variety of venues. Let’s dive into a detailed comparison to help you decide which city offers the best options for your next corporate retreat.

Overview: Why Choose Nashville or Savannah?

Nashville, known as "Music City," is famous for its vibrant music scene, rich culture, and modern amenities. It’s an ideal location for teams looking to blend work with leisure. The best time to visit is in the spring (March-May) and fall (September-November) when the weather is mild.

Savannah, on the other hand, is steeped in history and Southern hospitality. Its picturesque squares and historic architecture provide a charming backdrop for any retreat. The best time for a visit is during the spring (March-May) and late fall (October-November) to avoid the summer heat and humidity.

Getting There

• Nashville International Airport (BNA): 20 minutes from downtown.
• Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport (SAV): 15 minutes from downtown.

Venue Comparison Table

| Venue Name | Location | Capacity | Price/Person/Night | Best For | Standout Feature | F&B Included | |---------------------------------|--------------------|----------------|--------------------|-------------------|--------------------------------|--------------| | The Omni Nashville Hotel | Nashville, TN | 500 | $225 | Large Conferences | Rooftop pool with skyline views| Yes | | The Westin Savannah Harbor | Savannah, GA | 400 | $210 | Team Building | Waterfront views | Yes | | The Graduate Nashville | Nashville, TN | 200 | $175 | Small Teams | Unique local decor | Yes | | Hyatt Regency Savannah | Savannah, GA | 350 | $200 | Business Retreats | Historic charm | Yes | | The Bell Tower Nashville | Nashville, TN | 150 | $190 | Creative Meetings | Historic bell tower | Yes | | Forsyth Park Inn | Savannah, GA | 50 | $180 | Intimate Gatherings | Charming B&B atmosphere | Yes | | The Music City Center | Nashville, TN | 1,000 | $240 | Large Events | State-of-the-art technology | Yes | | The Marshall House | Savannah, GA | 80 | $175 | Small Groups | Historic building | Yes | | Loews Vanderbilt Hotel | Nashville, TN | 300 | $215 | Corporate Retreats | Modern amenities | Yes | | The Alida Hotel | Savannah, GA | 200 | $225 | Modern Retreats | Rooftop bar | Yes | | The Thompson Nashville | Nashville, TN | 300 | $230 | Trendy Gatherings | Rooftop bar with skyline views | Yes | | The Kehoe House | Savannah, GA | 20 | $150 | Executive Retreats | Boutique hotel experience | Yes |

Best Venues for Different Group Sizes

Best for Large Groups (200+)

1. The Omni Nashville Hotel

   • Capacity: 500
   • Price: $225
   • Best for: Large Conferences

2. The Music City Center

   • Capacity: 1,000
   • Price: $240
   • Best for: Large Events

Best for Medium Groups (100-200)

1. The Graduate Nashville

   • Capacity: 200
   • Price: $175
   • Best for: Small Teams

2. The Westin Savannah Harbor

   • Capacity: 400
   • Price: $210
   • Best for: Team Building

Best for Small Groups (Under 100)

1. Forsyth Park Inn

   • Capacity: 50
   • Price: $180
   • Best for: Intimate Gatherings

2. The Kehoe House

   • Capacity: 20
   • Price: $150
   • Best for: Executive Retreats

Activity Recommendations

Nashville Activities

1. Music City Walking Tour

   • Time Needed: 2 hours
   • Group Size: Up to 30
   • Cost: $40/person
   • Energy Level: Moderate

2. Nashville Escape Room

   • Time Needed: 1 hour
   • Group Size: Up to 10
   • Cost: $30/person
   • Energy Level: High

Savannah Activities

1. Savannah Historic District Tour

   • Time Needed: 3 hours
   • Group Size: Up to 25
   • Cost: $45/person
   • Energy Level: Low

2. Ghost Tour of Savannah

   • Time Needed: 1.5 hours
   • Group Size: Up to 20
   • Cost: $35/person
   • Energy Level: Moderate

Sample 3-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival & Welcome Dinner

• Morning: Arrive in Nashville/Savannah
• Afternoon: Venue check-in and setup
• Evening: Welcome dinner at venue

Day 2: Workshops & Team Activities

• Morning: Breakout sessions
• Afternoon: Team-building activity (choose from above)
• Evening: Dinner at a local restaurant

Day 3: Wrap-Up & Departure

• Morning: Final presentations
• Afternoon: Casual lunch and feedback session
• Evening: Depart for home

Budget Breakdown for a Typical Team of 20

• Venue: $4,500 (40%)
• F&B: $2,500 (25%)
• Activities: $1,500 (15%)
• Travel: $2,000 (15%)
• Contingency: $500 (5%)
• Total: $11,000 (Approx. $550/person)

Conclusion: Making the Choice

Both Nashville and Savannah offer unique advantages for corporate retreats. Nashville excels in modern amenities and large venues, perfect for big teams looking for a vibrant atmosphere. Savannah, with its historic charm, is ideal for smaller, intimate gatherings.

Action Items:

1. Determine your team's size and objectives.
2. Choose a city based on your venue and activity preferences.
3. Start booking your venue at least 4-6 months in advance to secure the best rates.