Riverview Hotel, St. Marys

We've been staying at the Riverview Hotel in St. Marys, GA for over twenty years now. We're happy to report that our favorite hotel is being restored with the heartpine floors, new bathrooms, paint, etc. It's looking great. We can't wait to see the finished product. The owners are doing one wing at a time and it should be complete by the end of summer. All the rooms are being named after the notable people that have stayed there over the years. We'll definitely be staying there for the next twenty years, God willing.

This hotel is the neatest place we've ever stayed. You feel welcome the moment you check in. The owners greet you at the desk like you are family. The lobby is full of old pictures of the owner's family from past generations to present, and pictures of some of the notable guests that have visited such as author Marjorie Rawlings or Today Show weatherman Willard Scott. The owner was the mayor of the town for a long time and also a descendant of the original owners. He took the time to give us a little history lesson of the hotel and tell us about his great aunts whose picture hangs above the fireplace. One of them actually looks exactly like "Mrs. Doubtfire!" Our room overlooked the front porch. The room was clean and had antique furniture in it which made it charming. The carpet was worn but clean. We didn't expect the Hampton or Ritz Carlton so we didn't care. The owners put out an ample breakfast the next a.m. We picked up our picnic lunches at the desk to take with us to Cumberland Island. Other guests were bragging about the food in the Cafe in the hotel and we's wished we'd eaten there now. We decided that was enough reason for us to plan another trip back to the Riverview. We enjoyed the friendly atmosphere. It was a welcome change from being treated like a number at most other places. If you're into fancy high priced hotels then this one isn't for you. If you like a place that has character and history and a warm feeling, and where they remember your name and the name of your kids, then you'll love the Riverview.

We recently stayed at the old Riverview Hotel in St. Marys, GA. The location is directly across the street from the ferry to Cumberland Island which made it extremely convenient to carry our camping gear to the ferry the next morning. Even though the hotel is old it is clean and the staff are very friendly. We had the best meal we've had in a very long time in the hotel restaurant Seagle's Waterfront Cafe, fresh swordfish with a chili salsa topping served with red mashed potatoes and fresh vegetable medly and a salad. My husband had the Rock Shrimp blackened. It was presented beautifully and tasted delicious. We went to the lively Seagle's Saloon next door to have a cocktail and to meet the bartender Cindy we'd heard so much about. She was everything and more! Words can't describe this woman exept that it was worth the visit to meet her. All in all our experience was great. The hotel is a throw back to old times. It was nice to get away from the usual cookie cutter hotels that have no character. The Riverview Hotel is definitely full of personality with locals from town patronizing the bar and cafe, the owner's grandson greeting us when we cheked in and his 3 year old brother riding his scooter in the lobby. Last, but not least, the lobby cat "Daisy" sleeping through it all on the guest book under the original Tiffany lamp circa 1916 just like in the brochure. We'll definitely be back.

This hotel is so disgusting that it doesn't even rate a 1 star. It didn't look like the vacuum had been run in at least two years. Everything about it is old and filthy and smelled like cigarette smoke. If it were the last hotel on earth, I wouldn't stay here. (P.S. I couldn't post this comment without at least giving it a 1 star, but trust me, it doesn't deserve that much honor.)

I LOVE the Riverview! Gayla and Jerry were great hosts last time I was there...Cindy ran the bar like a storm-trooper...and Seagulls food was great! yes our room was "funky" and 'tired"...BUT how many hours was I in my room? To sleep...that's it. And the view! I looked out my window at the river, boats, the ferry, the marshes...beauty just feet away! St Marys is fabulous...fantastic new park, Lang's Marina, their seafood restaurant, art and antique stores, and MORE! I live on a Savannah island ( it's also a Paradise) and St Mary's and Riverview is my Other Paradise! I love this place! And..they are pet friendly..so my critter Yogi can join me in Eden! Um...St Mary's..lol!

This hotel has great potential for being historic and quaint and while I admit I did not see all of the rooms we had to leave after our first night because we could not tolerate the filth. I was traveling with my daughter so we were not interested in the bar, but maybe that would have made the place look better. I am not a very picky person, I don't stay at high end hotels but I don't expect t find piles of dirt on the floor in the lobby, halls, stairway and on the windowsill in the room. We were uncomfortable walking on the bathroom floor without shoes on, the tub faucet was completely corroded through on the underside and the shower was ridiculous and scary to turn on. The comforter was dirty and the carpet in the room had not been vacuumed. I don't know if there is usually air conditioning in the common areas of the hotel but there wasn't any during our stay. The lobby, halls and foyer on the second floor were stiflingly hot and the air in the room had not been on anytime recently and the vent was filthy. We could not stay in the room immediately and had to leave while the window air conditioner tried to cool the room. The room never got cool, because with the ceilings so high and the bathroom large there was no way the the small air conditioner could keep the space comfortable. I was truly disappointed because I was looking for a unique place to stay. It doesn't take a lot to vacuum and dust, its unfortunate that this hotel is so poorly maintained because it could be a true gem.

My boyfriend and I decided to stay at the Riverview, as it was the least expensive hotel in the area, plus we wanted something sort of romantic. It looked like it was perfect with the atmosphere and the price. We booked only one night, but I probably would have stayed two if it were possible. First, the good things: 1) The drinks were amazing and the barkeep was a friendly lady whom gave us some great tips on the local to-do's and history. The drinks were reasonable on the high end of cost but I swear I received 4 shots+ per drink so I think we got a hell of a deal in the bar!! The locals we met were the most down-to-earth people and genuinely wonderful and we had a great time in the saloon. 2) I met the owner and he was a super nice person!! If you love shows like A Haunting or Paranormal State, this is the place to stay. Not that it's haunted, however it gives-off that vibe and I felt like I was in the 1930's all the way. 3) The antiques are great. It was amazing--the antiques ranged from the turn of the century all the way to the 40's and being an antique buff, I loved it. The veranda and the sitting room were a nice bonus to enjoy. 4) Location: it's the best location in regard to the river (obviously) and within walking distance to everything. We enjoyed walking the old streets and seeing all the old homes and buildings. 5) The menu at Seagle's looked great, however it was not open during our stay. Maybe next time... 6) They didn't kick us out because of a late checkout! :) Now the bad (It was not as bad as other reviews said): 1) Cleanliness. I could care less about old stains (this is a "historic" hotel with character, so little stains on antiques are expected and there was nothing terrible.) But, I swear our bathroom and the bed comforters needed washing (I don't think they cleaned them the last time a guest left) and the extra pillow in the dresser had major stains. I don't think the owner knows about this. He didn't seem the type to let stuff go. The shower was bad due to the water pressure and the linens smelled like other people but they weren't "antique." They needed cleaning. 2) There was obviously a party or something before we got there because there was plenty of trash (cups, etc.) all around. I think the owner must hire someone who doesn't do their job in the area of cleaning. 3) I saw the reviews on the bad floors and the moldy a/c units, but this is an OLD hotel so I let that go. The floors weren't as bad as they said. I don't think there was that much damage to our bathroom. It was just older and it was actually kind of neat to experience the older fixtures and wall paper. I pretended I was in the 40's. it was lots of fun! 4) Phone: There isn't a room phone and the hotel the last time we tried to book never called us back. Or answered the phone. Or emails. So if you want to book, keep trying to call or just walk-in. 5) Water pressure: There was way under zero. I had to turn the hot all the way then ended up taking a cold shower, because otherwise I couldn't rinse out my hair. I'm sure the owner would have fixed this, should I have asked him to, though. ***I'm not one of those chronic complainers, and I think a few of these reviews are a bit too harsh. I think if you want charm, old-world style, a hide-away that offers privacy and great people, the Riverview is for you. We will BE BACK for more and I think no one should read too much into the negative reviews here. I am used to grander hotels and I was not displeased save the shower. You can't beat the price and you will enjoy your stay.***

The Riverview Hotel is an unique experience. The rates are very reasonable for what you receive. It is very convenient to the Cumberland dock, which is the reason I stay there. I like it for men only because of the atmosphere and the saloon. The drinks are well-prepared and inexpensive. Cindy the porno queen is the reason for the liveliness in the saloon. I would not stay with my wife or girl friend because the women folk would be repulsed by the mold, the dirt, and the dust. But, I enjoy it for the beginning of a stag weekend on Cumberland Island. Jerry and Cindy keep up the good work!

in the last year,this place has really changed-not all rooms are in need of repairs, most are excellent-anyone who gave this hotel a less than stellar review must be extremely picky or just couldnt find anything to be happy with. Jerry and Gaila are the warmest couple to ever meet, the service staff are helpful and pleasent, and Cindy is a delight! wonderful for familes, couples, or just one person!

Totally runined my romantic getaway plans with the wife. I relied upon several sources that called this "quaint, charming, and romanatic". Now I believe that I fell for some fictional marketing. If you are looking to for a hotel by the hour/college party/frat house/hasn't been cleaned all year motel, then yes, this is your place. If you want a place that is comfortable, dusted, not moldy, clean and quite (is this really too much to ask?), try several of the B&Bs across the street. Of course, maybe that is why the bar is in the lobby. You have to be pretty drunk to think this is romantic. From the desk clerk with tatoos and the cig, to the first wiff of stale smoke and mildew, this place begs you to go elsewhere. If believe any review more than 2 stars, lower your expectations and say I didn't warn you.