5 Black-Owned Hotels to Visit around the US

Shelia C. Johnson, the first African American woman to become a billionaire, had a vision for Salamander Resort and Spa in Middleburg, Virginia. Johnson wanted to honor the equestrian roots of this area just outside Washington, D.C. Sitting on 340 acres among the Blue Ridge Mountains, Salamander Resort and Spa provides a welcoming vibe to everyone who walks through its doors.

Starting with the resort’s signature dark chocolate devil’s food and pumpkin chocolate chip cake, the resort offers a range of food and drink experiences. You can sip a signature cocktail like the smoky Paloma at the Gold Cup Wine Bar, dine at Harrimans Virginia Piedmont Grill, known for dishes like the grilled octopus and fried chicken collards and house-made hot sauce, or take a class or reserve a private dinner at the Cooking Studio.

The “Big Easy” is more than midnight strolls down Bourbon Street and morning beignets with chicory coffee at Cafe Du Monde. African Americans have called New Orleans home for centuries — and now there are hospitality options in New Orleans that are Black-owned, too. Entrepreneur Sheila Johnson is also the founder of this hotel and, like her other properties, NOPSI Hotel has its own character, style, and ambiance.

Located in the Central Business District, NOPSI Hotel was built in the 1920s for New Orleans Public Service, Inc., aka NOPSI, the city’s gas and electric utility. Now listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the 217-room property features elegant guest rooms decorated with soft colors and classic-style furniture. You can bask in the building’s history with a drink at Henry’s Gin Bar or sample American classics like spinach and artichoke dip or a barbecue bacon cheeseburger at the hotel restaurant Public Service.

Although bed and breakfasts tend to be an option for travelers passing through smaller towns or rural locations, La Maison offers its own urban version in Houston’s Midtown neighborhood. Business partners Sharon Owens and Genora Boykins bought this three-story mansion in 1999 and after more than a decade of planning, opened in 2010.

French inspiration can be seen in touches in its seven guest rooms, including wrought-iron bed frames, luxe bedding, and antique wardrobes. Each morning, guests can partake in either a full, Southern-style breakfast or a continental version. The living room, parlor area, and dining room are perfect to start the day or relax at the end.

Robert L. Johnson, the founder and former chairman of Black Entertainment Television, has long diversified his business interests— including investing in the travel sector. His company RLJ Lodging Trust operates a portfolio of nearly 100 properties in 23 states and Washington, D.C. In 2013, the publicly traded company made its first acquisition in Hawaii – Courtyard by Marriott Waikiki Beach.

Located close to this iconic beach, the 399-room hotel offers tropical-inspired rooms with sleek furniture, kitchenettes with microwaves and mini-refrigerator and, and floor-to-ceiling windows or private balconies with ocean views. Other amenities include a coffee bar, Hawaiian-inspired restaurant, two outdoor pools, a 24-hour fitness center, and an on-site spa.

Jessica Myers and Davonne Reaves achieved a major career achievement in 2020, becoming the youngest Black women to co-own a chain hotel property in the U.S. The Atlanta natives, who met at Georgia State University and are part of the Epiq Collective, partnered with Nassau Investments to acquire Home2Suites by Hilton El Reno.

All rooms feature an in-room kitchen making it an ideal pick for anyone who wants to purchase food and snacks to prepare on their own or needs proper storage for drinks and food. Hotel amenities include an indoor pool, fitness center, business center, and EV charging for electric cars.