Juneteenth is finally a federal holiday, gifting us all a well-earned long weekend and an opportunity for us in the travel industry to celebrate the incredible African-American hoteliers forging a name for themselves and highlighting the strength diversity breeds in our country.
With less than 1% of hotels in the US owned by African Americans, there’s still a long way to go, but this array of stays shows the future is bright. From Victorian mansions to Seaside escapes, these are the best black-owned hotels in the US.
Akwaaba Mansion
Location: Brooklyn, New York
Price: $230+
Vibe: Quiet Victorian opulence in the big city
The rundown: A rare gem in the chaos of New York City, Akwaaba Mansion is set in a quiet district of Brooklyn, but is just 15 minutes by car to Manhattan. Housed in a refurbished Italian mansion from the 1860s, finding a property this special in the city is rare.
Boasting just four unique rooms, guests can enjoy massages, sip lemonade on the front porch, indulge in hearty southern breakfasts, or relax in the games room and lounge. Its neighborhood, Stuyvesant Heights, is a wondrously diverse corner of the city, quickly turning into a hot spot for culture, arts, and food. You might not even want to hit Manhattan.
Nopsi Hotel
Location: New Orleans, Lousiana
Price: $163+
Vibe: You can BET on a good stay
The rundown: Founded by Sheila Johnson, the co-founder of BET, the NOPSI Hotel is an impeccably placed historic hotel, despite only opening in 2017. Its stunning industrial brick building was once the headquarters for New Orleans Public Services Inc and has been beautifully renovated to include an enticing pool area, 217 guest rooms, a stand-out bar, and stylish decor harkening back to the building’s 1920s roots.
The highlight, of course is the rooftop bar’s commanding views of Downtown New Orleans, while some lucky guests will be treated to their own private decks overlooking the urban explosion, too. Throw in its prime location, and you have an unbeatable stay in the Big Easy.
Urban Cowboy, Nashville
Location: Nashville, Tenessee
Price: $200+
Vibe: Traditional exterior, effortlessly cool interior
The rundown: Urban Cowboy already has a reputation for being immensely cool. We’ve featured its Catskills location multiple times, and the Nashville property is just as good.
Set in another Victorian Mansion (they seem to be in vogue), this B&B is one of the best black-owned hotels in the country. It has eight welcoming suites available for guests and two bars, a solid ratio by anyone’s reckoning. As with the other locations, the decor is unbelievably slick. Rich, welcoming colors with a masculine edge and bold patterns set the tone, while the backyard bar and pizza joint add some gusto to an already enigmatic stay. You can’t do better in Nashville.
The Ivy Hotel
Location: Baltimore, Maryland
Price: $600+
Vibe: All-inclusive city escape
The rundown: Don’t be scared off by the higher price tag of one of the best black-owned hotels in the US. The wildly popular Ivy Hotel packs a lot into that price. Widely regarded as one of the most inclusive hotels in Baltimore and probably the US, guests enjoy a made-to-order breakfast, afternoon tea, a fully-stocked minibar, evening cocktails, and midnight snacks.
And we haven’t even got to the hotel itself. Elegantly designed with generously oversized guest rooms boasting four-poster beds and thoughtful artwork. Every room is unique in its own right, making return visits just as unique as the last.
Oak Bluffs Inn
Location: Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts
Price: $300+
Vibe: A shining light of luxury
The rundown: If the mesmerizing lighthouse design isn’t enough to pull you in from the off, the service, location, and design will. A regular haunt for an endless list of celebrities, including Woody Harrelson and Spike Lee, among others.
It’s been operating in some form since the 1870s, although its current form only dates back to 1998. It’s a delightfully homey feel in one of the nation’s premier destinations. It’s ideally situated for exploring the island.
Six Acre Bed and Breakfast
Location: Cincinnati, Ohio
Price: $120+
Vibe: Historic ties to the African American community
The rundown: Few hotels have played such an integral role in the emancipation of enslaved African Americans. In a past life, the building now housing Six Acre was owned by a farmer who helped freed and escaped African Americans along the Underground Railroad. A false bottom in his crop cart allowed him to smuggle escapees to his home and house them until safe passage to the next home could be found.
Nowadays, the 150-year-old building is an atmospheric bed and breakfast that’s one of the best black-owned hotels in the country with the sole purpose of providing comfortable respite to weary travelers. An excellent breakfast spread, beautiful guest rooms, and delightful outdoor areas make it the perfect place to lounge away in between explorations of Cincinnati.
by travelers, for travelers.
