Meet the Owners of 10 Black-Owned Hotels You Need to Visit

Featured Lists Living World

Published by Gugulethu Nxumalo at October 13, 2025

1. Sheila C. Johnson, CEO of Salamander Resort & Spa, Virginia

Nestled in the rolling countryside of Virginia, the Salamander Resort & Spa is one of the most luxurious Black-owned resorts in the United States. Founded in 2005 by Sheila C. Johnson, co-founder of Black Entertainment Television (BET), the 340-acre property blends modern elegance with rustic charm. Johnson remains the only Black woman to wholly own a Forbes Five-Star resort. Her vision was to create a sanctuary where guests could relax, ride horses, enjoy farm-to-table cuisine, and experience five-star service near Washington, D.C.

2. Eddie & Sylvia Brown, co-owners of The Ivy Hotel, Maryland

Located in Baltimore’s historic Mount Vernon neighborhood, The Ivy Hotel is an all-inclusive luxury boutique property owned by philanthropists Eddie and Sylvia Brown.

The Brown family restored this 19th-century mansion to its original grandeur, offering 18 uniquely designed rooms and suites. Guests can indulge in gourmet dining, afternoon tea, or relaxing spa treatments, all part of the inclusive experience. The Ivy represents a fusion of elegance, comfort, and genuine hospitality.

3. Robert L. Johnson, owner of Hilton Cabana Miami Beach, Florida

Robert L. Johnson, another BET co-founder, made history in the investment space with RLJ Lodging Trust, one of the largest publicly traded Black-owned hotel investment companies in the U.S. Through RLJ, Johnson owns several hotels, including the Hilton Cabana Miami Beach. The oceanfront property offers modern rooms, beach access, and a vibrant Miami vibe.

4. Meryanne Loum-Martin, owner of Jnane Tamsna, Marrakech, Morocco

For travelers seeking an international experience, Jnane Tamsna in Marrakech is a must-visit. Owned by Meryanne Loum-Martin, this stunning boutique hotel sits in the Palmeraie oasis and offers a serene blend of African, Moroccan, and European design influences. Loum-Martin, a trailblazer in luxury hospitality, designed the hotel herself, creating a space that celebrates art, culture, and community.

5. Arthur & Louise Gist, co-owners of The Historic Magnolia House, North Carolina

Built in the 1940s, the Historic Magnolia House was once a refuge for Black travelers listed in the legendary Green Book. The Gist family opened their doors to guests who were denied lodging elsewhere due to segregation. Today, the property has been beautifully restored by Natalie Pass-Miller, the granddaughter of the original owners. The Magnolia House serves as both a boutique inn and a museum, preserving the history of Black travel in America.

6. Monique Greenwood & Glenn Pogue, co-owners of Akwaaba Inns, Multiple U.S. Locations

Akwaaba Inns is one of the most recognizable Black-owned hospitality brands in America. Founded by Monique Greenwood, former Editor-in-Chief of Essence Magazine, and her husband Glenn Pogue, Akwaaba operates charming bed-and-breakfasts in Brooklyn, Philadelphia, Cape May, and Washington, D.C. Each inn reflects the couple’s passion for culture, history, and warm hospitality.

Monique Greenwood, co-owner of Akwaaba Inns is one of the most recognizable Black-owned hospitality brands in America

Monique Greenwood, co-owner of Akwaaba Inns, one of the most recognizable Black-owned hospitality brands in America (Courtesy of Monique Greenwood)

7. Rhonda & Erik Albert , co-owners of Oak Bluffs Inn, Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts

For more than two decades, Rhonda and Erik Albert have owned and operated The Oak Bluffs Inn, a cozy 10-room retreat on Martha’s Vineyard. The inn sits in one of the island’s historic African American vacation communities, offering a peaceful and culturally rich escape. Guests often praise the Alberts’ warm service and the inn’s relaxed, welcoming vibe.

8. Norland and Dr. Amina James , co-owners of Quality Inn, Tennessee

Norland and Dr. Amina James, via their company AJA Investments, own the Quality Inn in Memphis, making them the only Black-owned hotel owners there. They purchased the 70-room hotel for $3.85 million in 2022 and are expanding into Louisiana with the acquisition of a new 120-room hotel. Their investment marks a significant step for Black ownership in southern hospitality and serves as an inspiration for future investors seeking to diversify the industry.

9. Genora Boykins & Sharon Owens, co-owners of La Maison, Texas

Located in the heart of Houston’s arts and business district, La Maison in Midtown is an elegant urban bed-and-breakfast co-founded by Genora Boykins and Sharon Owens. This upscale retreat combines Southern charm with modern sophistication, featuring seven uniquely designed guest rooms, gourmet breakfasts, and personalized service. Boykins and Owens, longtime friends and business partners, created La Maison as a space that reflects their passion for hospitality and community. The property stands as a testament to Black female entrepreneurship and remains one of Houston’s most celebrated boutique hotels.

10. Curtis Doucette Jr., owner of Dew Drop Inn Hotel, Louisiana

The Dew Drop Inn originally opened in 1939 and became a landmark Black-owned music and lodging hub during the mid-20th century. After decades of dormancy—and damage from Hurricane Katrina—the property was purchased in 2021 by Curtis Doucette, Jr., who restored and reopened it as a fully Black-owned, boutique destination.

These hotels and resorts represent more than beautiful destinations; they’re symbols of progress, ownership, and legacy. Each property tells a story of visionaries who dared to redefine what luxury and hospitality look like through a Black cultural lens.

By supporting Black-owned hotels, travelers contribute to a more inclusive and equitable travel industry. So, the next time you plan a trip, consider booking a stay that supports Black excellence and honors these trailblazing entrepreneurs.