New Orleans vs Savannah: The Best Southern Cities for Your Next Company Retreat (2026)

Planning a company retreat can feel like navigating a maze, especially when choosing the right city that offers both a vibrant atmosphere and suitable venues for your team. Did you know that companies that hold retreats report a 30% increase in employee engagement? With that in mind, let’s dive into two of the South's most charming cities: New Orleans and Savannah. Both cities offer unique experiences for corporate retreats, but which is the best fit for your team in 2026?

Overview: Why Choose New Orleans or Savannah?

New Orleans

• Best Seasons: Spring (March to May) and Fall (September to November) when the weather is mild.
• Getting There: Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY) is just 20 minutes from the French Quarter.

Savannah

• Best Seasons: Spring (March to May) and Fall (September to November) for pleasant weather and fewer tourists.
• Getting There: Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport (SAV) is about 30 minutes from downtown Savannah.

Venue Comparison Table

| Venue Name | Location | Capacity | Price/Person/Night | Best For | Standout Feature | F&B Included | |------------------------------|-------------------------|---------------|---------------------|------------------------|--------------------------------|--------------| | The Roosevelt New Orleans | New Orleans, LA | 1,200 | $200 | Large Teams | Historic luxury | Yes | | The Ritz-Carlton, New Orleans| New Orleans, LA | 500 | $250 | Executive Retreats | Riverfront views | Yes | | Hyatt Regency Savannah | Savannah, GA | 1,000 | $150 | Large Conferences | Rooftop pool | Yes | | The Kimpton Brice Hotel | Savannah, GA | 300 | $175 | Creative Meetings | Outdoor courtyard | Yes | | Hotel Monteleone | New Orleans, LA | 600 | $220 | Unique Experiences | Carousel Bar | Yes | | The Westin Savannah Harbor | Savannah, GA | 700 | $180 | Team Building | Golf course access | Yes | | The Bourbon Orleans Hotel | New Orleans, LA | 200 | $190 | Intimate Gatherings | Historic charm | Yes | | The Desoto Hotel | Savannah, GA | 300 | $160 | Casual Retreats | Central location | Yes |

Best Venues for Small Teams (Under 100)

| Venue Name | Location | Capacity | Price/Person/Night | Best For | Standout Feature | F&B Included | |------------------------------|-------------------------|---------------|---------------------|------------------------|--------------------------------|--------------| | Bienville House Hotel | New Orleans, LA | 75 | $180 | Boutique Meetings | French Quarter charm | Yes | | The Cotton Sail Hotel | Savannah, GA | 80 | $170 | Creative Brainstorming | Rooftop terrace | Yes | | Maison de la Luz | New Orleans, LA | 50 | $200 | Team Retreats | Unique design | Yes |

Activity Recommendations

New Orleans

1. Culinary Tour: 3 hours, 10-30 people, $75/person. Engage in the local food scene with a guided tour of iconic restaurants.
2. Jazz Cruise: 2 hours, up to 150 people, $60/person. Enjoy live jazz on the Mississippi River while networking.
3. Streetcar History Tour: 1.5 hours, 10-50 people, $20/person. Explore the city’s historic streetcars and neighborhoods.

Savannah

1. Ghost Tour: 2 hours, 10-30 people, $40/person. Discover Savannah’s haunted history through a guided walking tour.
2. Riverboat Dinner Cruise: 3 hours, up to 250 people, $85/person. Experience Southern cuisine and live entertainment on the Savannah River.
3. Historic Savannah Bike Tour: 2 hours, 10-20 people, $30/person. A fun way to explore the city’s historic squares and parks.

Sample 3-Day Itinerary

Day 1

• Morning: Arrival and welcome breakfast at venue.
• Afternoon: Team-building activity (Culinary Tour or Ghost Tour).
• Evening: Dinner at a local restaurant.

Day 2

• Morning: Workshop or brainstorming session at the venue.
• Afternoon: Afternoon activity (Jazz Cruise or Riverboat Dinner Cruise).
• Evening: Free time for team exploration.

Day 3

• Morning: Wrap-up meeting and feedback session.
• Afternoon: Departure.

Budget Breakdown for a Typical Team of 20

| Category | Cost/Item | Total Cost | |--------------------|-------------------|--------------| | Venue | $200/person/night | $12,000 | | F&B | $75/person/day | $4,500 | | Activities | $60/person | $1,200 | | Travel | $300/person | $6,000 | | Contingency (5%) | - | $1,000 | | Total | - | $24,700 |

Conclusion: Choosing Your Southern Retreat City

Both New Orleans and Savannah offer unique experiences for your company retreat in 2026. New Orleans is perfect for larger teams seeking vibrant culture and entertainment, while Savannah offers charm and history for smaller groups.

Clear Action Items:

1. Determine Your Team Size: This impacts venue selection and budget.
2. Select Your Preferred City: Consider the type of experience you want.
3. Book Early: Popular venues fill up quickly; aim for 4-6 months in advance.
4. Plan Activities: Choose engaging activities that fit your team's interests.