Hotel Bardo

Hotel Bardo by Left Lane Development is both an urban resort and a neighborhood clubhouse, where guests are invited to become “pleasantly disconnected from reality.” Originally built in 1888, this historic renovation project passed through several owners and was even once the site of a funeral home. But with the creation of the Bardo brand and its “Always Rare” philosophy, the new hotel serves as a one-of-a-kind destination within Savannah’s iconic Forsyth Park. 

It was thus important for Hotel Bardo’s art collection to reflect the project’s prestige, so we curated a compelling collection that is one to remember. From fine art prints to immersive installations, Hotel Bardo’s expansive art program challenges guests to interrupt their routine, have faith in the intuitive, and delight in the accidental. 

Upon entering the main hall, originals by Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) alumna Alex Waggoner feature the brand colors of rich green and soft lavender to immediately set a tone for the space. This tone continues with work by additional SCAD graduates Hannah Wolf, Jae Daisy, and Heather Young throughout the hotel’s public spaces.

One especially unique component of Hotel Bardo is its adjacent restaurant, Saint. Bibiana, which is open to both guests and the general public. The restaurant features a basement with its own wine room and cooking school, a main dining floor, and a second level that is home to the “Club Bardo” social club. Our team was proud to curate artwork across each of these spaces, much of  which is inspired by Saint Bibiana herself – the Patron Saint of Hangovers. Sketches by Lilly Barret emulate the feeling of being drunk, while a captivating stairway installation by Kelly Bo ehmer showcases an eccentric scene of drunken debauchery. Spanning three walls and connecting the lower level of the restaurant with the social club level, the installation is suggestive of a famous Italian fresco and gives guests the feeling of entering a scandalous yet sophisticated establishment such as one might find in the popular TV show, White Lotus.

Another recurring motif in the restaurant is hands, used to represent the give and take of conversation and the sharing of experiences through indulgence in food and drink. Hands are featured in mixed-media works by Kamryn Shawron and enchanting photographs by Mara Magyarosi-Laytner – both SCAD graduates.

The dynamic art experience continues with Vanessa Platacis’ wrap-around mural in the club level, which she spray painted to align with the restaurant’s coastal Italian atmosphere. Her work can also be found behind the hotel’s reception desk, elevator interiors, elevator vestibules, and guest rooms, where more spray painted and stenciled murals, limited edition prints, and vinyl wall coverings reinforce the hotel’s brand colors and enhance its lavish architecture and design.

Another notable art location is the luxurious outdoor pool, where renowned artist William Sweetlove’s 8-foot tall, bronze heron sculpture creates a landmark moment, signaling to guests that they’ve entered somewhere special. Other colorful, cast-resin herons by the artist are placed throughout the pool area and can be moved by employees to facilitate new discoveries for guests. Nearby, geometric murals by staple Savannah artist Juliana Lupacchino (Julu) adorn both the pool restrooms and Bar Bibi, the outdoor bar and “tipsy younger sister” of the Saint. Bibiana Restaurant.

With additional works in the Saltgrass Spa, cabana suites, and guest rooms – including 175 custom watercolors by SCAD graduate Kat Sours – the art experience at Hotel Bardo aims to flood guests’ palettes with imagination and intrigue, inviting them to escape their every day, embrace the indulgent, and relish in the rich history of Savannah.