Savannah for Families: History, Charm, and Comfort at The Ann

by Amanda Eyre Ward on July 24, 2025 in Travels,
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As a novelist and travel writer, I’ve spent much of my life chasing stories. But some stories are personal, rooted in family and memory. 

No matter where I travel, I always return to Savannah, Georgia, where my family is from and where my parents, Peter Westley and Mary-Anne Westley, live on Skidaway Island. This summer, I decided to head into downtown Savannah, where my grandmother grew up, with my family of five in tow.

We chose The Ann Savannah, a new extended-stay hotel in the Historic District, as our home base. It turned out to be the perfect choice: beautifully designed, family-friendly, and ideally located for exploring a city that invites you to slow down, eat beautiful meals, and consider the history of this complex city.

Seamlessly blending historic Savannah architecture with contemporary design, The Ann’s distinctive tower rises between beautifully preserved brick buildings in the heart of the city’s cultural district. Photo courtesy The Ann Savannah, Apartments by Marriott Bonvoy

Where Past Meets Present in the Historic District

Savannah’s Historic District — the largest National Historic Landmark District in the U.S. — is like walking through a living novel. I loved the sunlight dappling through Spanish moss as we wandered cobblestone streets, passed pastel-painted homes, and stumbled upon historic plaques that became story prompts for our kids. Each square felt like a chapter: some playful, some reverent, all filled with possibility.

Hop aboard Savannah’s iconic trolley tours to explore the city’s historic squares and antebellum architecture, where knowledgeable guides share tales of ghostly legends and Southern charm as you wind through cobblestone streets. Photo courtesy Visit Savannah

One of our favorite family rituals became hopping aboard the Old Town Trolley Tour, which let us all relax while still absorbing history and gave us an overview of the city’s layout. From there, we made stops at Forsyth Park, where we enjoyed lunch under oak trees, and River Street, where the echoes of steamboats and candy shops delight.

A True Family Home Base at The Ann Savannah

Modern loft-style accommodations feature fully equipped kitchens with sleek appliances and mid-century modern furnishings, perfect for extended stays or travelers who prefer the comfort of preparing their own meals. Photo courtesy The Ann Savannah, Apartments by Marriott Bonvoy

Traveling with a family often means giving up space or sacrificing comfort. Not so at The Ann. Our suite offered multiple rooms, allowing our kids to unwind in their own space while my husband and I enjoyed quiet mornings or late-night conversations in the stylish living area. The fully equipped kitchen allowed us to cook with fresh ingredients from local markets, and the full-size refrigerator, dishwasher, and ample counter space made meals feel like home.

Guest suites combine industrial elements like exposed ductwork with warm touches including leather seating and natural wood accents, offering panoramic views of Savannah’s historic streetscapes. Photo courtesy The Ann Savannah, Apartments by Marriott Bonvoy

Everything was intentional — designed for longer stays without ever feeling clinical. We spread out and settled in. After long days exploring the city, we would wind down at the pool. The onsite laundry facilities came in handy after an impromptu fountain detour, and the fitness center, with its floor-to-ceiling windows, was a hit with my teen sons.

Guests can unwind on the hotel’s private pool terrace, featuring comfortable loungers and umbrellas set against the backdrop of Savannah’s charming brick architecture and lush courtyard gardens. Photo courtesy The Ann Savannah, Apartments by Marriott Bonvoy

The onsite restaurant, Little James, quickly became a favorite. We grabbed buttery croissants and locally roasted coffee before a walking tour and returned later for an easy, elegant dinner when no one wanted to cook. The space evolves throughout the day, giving families flexibility — something we deeply appreciated.

Creative Energy and Kid-Friendly Culture

Coming from vibrant Austin, Texas, I loved Savannah’s creative energy. The influence of Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) is everywhere — in the bold murals, the cutting-edge retail design, and the galleries. At the Jepson Center, my kids engaged with interactive exhibits while I took in the sweeping contemporary collections. E. Shaver Booksellers was another gem — its cozy rooms filled with books and cats offered a literary escape for all of us.

We also explored the Telfair Museums, Ships of the Sea Maritime Museum, and the American Prohibition Museum — all offering just enough hands-on elements to hold young attention spans while keeping adults intrigued.

Rooted in History, Reimagined for Today

Visitors can admire the stunning stained glass windows at First African Baptist Church, where intricate artistry tells stories of faith and heritage in one of America’s oldest African American congregations. Photo courtesy Visit Savannah

One of the most meaningful stops was the First African Baptist Church, where we took a guided tour that wove together history, resilience, and human connection. Even our children, usually impatient during lectures, were quiet and curious. Moments like that reminded me why we travel — not just to see, but to understand the past and use this knowledge to envision the future.

Throughout our stay, Savannah’s blend of tradition and innovation — old houses with fresh coats of color, modern cuisine served in centuries-old buildings — made every corner feel alive.

A City That Welcomes Wonder

The welcoming lobby of The Ann showcases a sophisticated mix of natural textures, from the dramatic marble walls and reclaimed wood ceiling to lush tropical plants that create an inviting urban oasis for guests. Photo courtesy The Ann Savannah, Apartments by Marriott Bonvoy

When we checked into The Ann, I thought I was just returning to a city from my past. But by the end of the week, I realized we had written something new: a family story built from small joys — fresh waffles at a café, a drawing of a live oak, a quiet moment watching the river roll by.

My daughter asked, as we packed our bags, “Can we come back next summer?” The answer (every summer) is yes. And when we return to the city of my grandmother’s youth, I already know where we’ll stay.

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Cover photo courtesy Visit Savannah

Amanda Eyre Ward is a New York Times-bestselling novelist and travel writer whose work has appeared in publications across the country. She lives in Austin, Texas, and is always on the hunt for stories that blend personal narrative with unforgettable places. Amanda’s newest novel, Lovers and Liars, was just released in paperback.