There are many Black-owned resorts and hotels across the country — and plenty that are particular favorites for travelers — but they’re still not as widespread as one might like.
The National Association of Black Hotel Owners, Operators and Developers says that only 2% of U.S. hotels are Black-owned. Of those, less than 1% are owned by Black women.
While many Black-owned hotels are boutique properties or cozy bed and breakfasts, some are part of larger loyalty programs where you can earn and redeem points. Even if the hotel is not part of a loyalty program, you can use a credit card that offers bonus points on travel spending if you want to be rewarded while staying at an independent property.
Here’s where you can find some of the best Black-owned hotels in the United States.
(Image courtesy of Salamander Middleburg Resort & Spa)
As the only five-star resort wholly owned by a Black American woman, this property is unique.
Sheila Johnson is the Founder and CEO of Salamander Hotels & Resorts, and a co-founder of Black Entertainment Television (BET). This resort is nestled in the Virginia countryside with spa services and plentiful outdoor activities like lawn games, tennis courts and an equestrian center.
Part of the Preferred Hotels & Resorts portfolio, its Preferred Hotels Rewards program allows guests to earn and redeem points during their stay. The number of points required for a stay at Preferred properties varies by night and is tied to the cash rate, but rooms start at as few as 15,000 points.
If you have Choice Privileges points, you can also redeem between 25,000 and 55,000 points for a stay at Preferred properties.
(Image courtesy of The Ivy Hotel)
This hotel, owned by Eddie and Sylvia Brown, is part of the Relais & Chateaux group and has 17 rooms, a spa and a library.
The onsite restaurant features French cuisine with a regional Maryland twist. There is afternoon tea served each day, at a location of your preference in this historic Mount Vernon mansion.
Best of all, the rates here include many perks like breakfast, an in-room minibar, evening cocktails, midnight snacks, valet parking, and private car service.
(Photo courtesy of Urban Cowboy Nashville)
Under the helm of Jersey Banks, the Urban Cowboy brand has been on a growth trajectory thanks to Banks' business prowess. The brand’s motto is “arrive as strangers, leave as friends,” and this attitude is evident in its hotels, now in three locations.
Banks worked as the concierge at her Brooklyn hotel before expanding to other properties in Nashville and the Catskills in New York state. The Nashville hotel is in an old Queen Ann Victorian mansion, with eight guest rooms and two bars — one of which features live music nightly.
(Photo courtesy of Hilton)
This property is owned by RLJ Lodging Trust, a hotel investment group co-founded by BET co-founder Robert Johnson. It sits on the famous strand of Miami Beach where Art Deco design accompanies plentiful shopping, dining and nightlife attractions. The hotel offers direct access to its own private beach, two outdoor pools and complimentary bike rentals.
Hilton Honors fans will find this hotel to be a great option for earning or redeeming their points — although the program’s dynamic pricing model makes it hard to know how many points you’ll need for a redemption night.
On the summer dates we checked, a redemption starts at 47,000 points per night. If you have one of the Hilton Honors co-branded credit cards, you can earn bonus points and perks during your stay, too.
(Photo courtesy of Hyatt)
Also owned by RLJ Lodging Trust — and the first Hyatt Centric to open in Georgia — this hotel is close to local sights like the Georgia Aquarium, the National Center for Civil and Human Rights, and the Fox Theater. With 194 rooms and suites, an onsite bar and restaurant, and a pool and fitness center, this pet-friendly hotel is a great option for all travelers.
Those who enjoy the benefits of the World of Hyatt program can earn and redeem points at this Category 3 hotel, where a redemption night starts at 9,000 points for a standard room. If you have a World of Hyatt Credit Card, you can earn bonus points and take advantage of elite status perks during a stay.
(Photo courtesy of La Maison Midtown)
If the southern-style breakfasts and seven beautifully decorated rooms aren’t enough, the residential living areas will make you feel right at home at this bed and breakfast.
Owned by two friends without prior hospitality experience, the duo spent a decade learning the ropes while overseeing construction of the inn. It opened for business in 2010 in the Midtown area and serves as an “escape in the city” for its guests. All rates include breakfast and Wi-Fi, plus access to a conference room.
(Photo courtesy of Narragansett House)
This Victorian property on Martha’s Vineyard is owned by Inkwell Haven, who transformed the mansion — along with two others — into a bed and breakfast for island visitors. Many guests will appreciate that it is within walking distance of area shops and restaurants.
During their stay, visitors can bike around the island, enjoy yoga on the beach or rent boats. Narragansett House is also available for full buyouts if small groups are interested in having the hotel to themselves.
If you’re looking for a hotel or all-inclusive, Black-owned and operated resort, these seven hotels across the U.S. are a great place to start.
In some cases, the hotels are owned by larger hospitality companies, which are also Black-owned. Many of these are part of larger hotel brand names familiar to frequent travelers, with the added bonus of being able to earn or redeem points for a stay.