The Hotel

Built in 1916, the hotel has been owned and operated by the Brandon Family from the 1920 - 2019. Sallie Brandon purchased the Hotel with the help of her two sisters, Miss Semora and Miss Ethel, establishing a reputation as hospitable hostesses, transforming guests into friends. Southern style cooking drew many St. Marys families away from their own dining room tables, and visitors found a home away from home. The hotel is operated in the same warmth and tradition today as in yesteryear, but with the modern conveniences of today.   

The Innkeepers

The goal of our new owners, Bert Guy and CB Yadav, is to offer visitors an atmosphere of friendly hospitality and relaxation while experiencing historic St. Marys, beautiful Cumberland Island and the surrounding area. Wonder what to bring? Pack comfortably and casually, as it is lower Georgia and usually fairly warm and muggy. Bring bathing suits, sandals, sunglasses, hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, camera, rain poncho, snacks and drinks. We welcome you to the Riverview Hotel, "Where Good Friends Meet, New and Old." Let us know how we can assist you in planning your vacation. We are always happy to help. We are making the Best Kept Secret in Georgia a memorable place to discover history, discover yourself, and enjoy food, fun, and friends. Come join us, and make some memories in this little town by the sea.

 NOTE: Parking is available on the street anywhere around the Hotel.  For those guest going to Cumberland Island the park service has a parking lot 2 blocks from the hotel.  All rooms are on located on the second floor and there is no elevator, however we are more than happy to assist guests in carrying luggage up to their rooms, if needed. Feel free to park in front of the hotel to unload that luggage before heading up to your room as well. 

St. Marys, GA

Long Before our founding fathers decided to establish St. Marys, this was the site of a large Timucuan Indian Village. In 1562 French Huguenot Jean Ribault was said to have sailed into the St. Marys River and named it "River May" for the date of the entrance. Later the name was changed to "Mary". The Santa Maria Mission was located in this area.

Spanish occupation began in 1566 and ended in 1686 when the Spanish withdrew in face of the British intrusion from Carolina. In 1777, the Royal Government divided the area into two parishes. Camden County was one of the original eight counties, named for Charles Pratt, Earl of Camden. In 1787 the town of St. Marys was formed when Jacob Weed split 1,620 acres between nineteen other founding fathers for $38 a four-acre tract (originally known as Buttermilk Bluff). This was the beginning of the town of St. Marys, said to be the second oldest town in the United States, St. Augustine being the oldest. Learn more about the fascinating history of St. Marys and how history was recently re-written with the last battle at Point Peter at the end of the War of 1812. Historical Trolley Tours and Water Taxi run daily directly across from the Historic Riverview Hotel, circa 1916.