18 Amazing Black-owned Hotels Around the World

When planning a getaway — whether it be a long holiday or quick weekend jaunt — picking a place to stay can feel like a daunting task, with a plethora of options ranging from quaint boutique hotels to sprawling luxury resorts to all-inclusive stays. The accommodations you choose may not only make or break your trip — they can also have an impact. With that in mind, consider supporting a Black-owned hotel or accommodations where the owners identify as part of the African diaspora. 

Check out this list of 18 incredible Black-owned properties around the world, including a cozy bed-and-breakfast in Brooklyn, a five-star retreat in Virginia, a jaw-dropping beachfront resort in Grenada, a luxurious oasis in Morocco, and much more.

Anguilla Great House Beach Resort in Rendezvous Bay, Anguilla

Owned by W. Fleming, Anguilla Great House has welcomed guests since 1985. The beachfront hotel features 35 spacious rooms, some with a garden view and others overlooking the ocean. Guests can create a personalized vacation experience with all-inclusive packages and special meal plans, taking the stress out of the trip planning process.

Hotel staff can also arrange fun activities for guests, including scuba diving, sailing, golf, tennis, dolphin encounters, horseback riding along the beach, and more. Take a glass-bottom boat ride to see triggerfish, greenback turtles, and giant coral; go for a guided hike along century-old trails between North Hill and Sandy Ground; or explore Anguilla's rich history at Big Spring, one of the destination's most famous historical sites.

Urban Cowboy Hotel in Nashville, Tennessee

Jersey Banks is the co-founder and co-owner of the Urban Cowboy brand, which has properties in Denver, Nashville, and the Catskills (Big Indian, New York). The adults-only Urban Cowboy Nashville has eight experiential suites including The Penthouse, the largest suite in the Victorian mansion. It features an ensuite bathroom, a 14-foot headboard, and a 72-inch clawfoot tub. The city’s cultural epicenter, downtown Nashville, is located only a nine-minute drive away from the hotel. 

You can hang out at the hotel and enjoy a good craft cocktail and food, including award-winning pizza, at Public House Bar, the local watering hole located in the stable house out back. You also have the option to order your beverage of choice at the Parlor Bar. Grab a glass of wine while watching live music and special performances, or just watch the sunset from the hotel’s porch or garden.

Akwaaba Mansion in Brooklyn, New York

Monique Greenwood, former editor-in-chief for Essence magazine, opened the first Akwaaba Bed & Breakfast Inn in Brooklyn in 1995. Just a 15-minute subway ride from Manhattan, this B&B is an 1860s landmark mansion with 14-foot ceilings and ornate fireplaces, blending antiques and Afrocentric elegance. Guests can choose between four guest rooms with private baths, some with double Jacuzzis. A secluded garden, glassed-in porch, shaded courtyard, and a personal concierge to arrange tours are just a few amenities available to guests.

In addition to the Akwaaba Mansion in Brooklyn, Greenwood has opened properties in Washington, D.C., Philadelphia, and Cape May, New Jersey, as well as The Mansion at Noble Lane, located in Pennsylvania's Pocono Mountains. No matter which property you pick, however, make sure you come to breakfast hungry. The innkeepers serve a hearty Southern spread in the morning, which includes chicken and waffles, fish and grits, and a variety of other delicious menu items.

Jnane Tamsna in Marrakesh, Morocco

Upon walking into the Jnane Tamsna, guests will admire Meryanne Loum-Martin's impeccable interior design, in addition to her husband and ethnobotanist Dr. Gary J. Martin's masterful hand at creating the hotel's nine-acre garden. Fusing traditional and modern elements of Moorish design, the 24 rooms are exquisite. The property is home to five houses, as well as five pools, a tennis court, and a private villa.

Jnane Tamsna offers a variety of activities, too, including a cooking class with chef Bahija that allows guests to discover local dishes and spices for the ultimate culinary experience. Go beyond the city walls and see the majestic Atlas Mountains on a guided bike tour, or take a sidecar to discover the Medina or Agafay Stone Desert. Kids can learn traditional Arabic calligraphy, magic tricks from Didier the magician, or join the entire family for a camel ride through the beautiful palm grove.

La Créole Beach Hotel & Spa in Gosier, Guadeloupe

Open since 1975, this luxury resort was designed to immerse its guests in a French Creole vibe. Owners Daniel Arnoux and Patrick Vial-Collet are the clever masterminds behind the property, which houses more than 200 spacious rooms and suites. In 1986, they founded the Black-owned Leader's Hôtel group, which owns and manages four other properties in addition to La Créole Beach Hotel & Spa.

Personalized service, a spa, infinity pool, kids club, the hotel beach, La Créole Jazz Club, and two restaurants serving delicious French Creole food are just a few of the reasons why guests visiting Guadeloupe should book a stay here. Active types can also take yoga classes and aqua gym workout sessions, or partake in a variety of other activities, like kayaking, windsurfing, deep-sea diving, jet-skiing, and chartered excursions (for an extra charge).

La Maison in Midtown in Houston, Texas

La Maison in Midtown is touted as a slice of Europe in the heart of Houston. Owners Sharon Owens and Genora Boykins run the seven-room bed-and-breakfast, located within walking distance of the city's finest restaurants and lively entertainment venues. Guest rooms are outfitted with the same luxury amenities you'd expect to find in a five-star hotel, including a private spa bath with a walk-in shower, couple's rain shower, or Jacuzzi tub.

But it's the Texas hospitality that keeps guests coming back, many of them referring to this small B&B as their "home away from home." A few cultural haunts travelers may want to visit: the Houston Museum of African-American Culture, Buffalo Soldiers National Museum, and Eldorado Ballroom, a historic nightclub that showcased music legends like B.B. King, Ray Charles, Etta James, and James Brown.

Elephant Plains Lodge in Katunguru, Uganda

If you’re traveling to Uganda, you’ll want to consider staying at Elephant Plains Lodge. Guests staying here will have panoramic views of the nearby grasslands, Lake George, and Lake Kikorongo. Located near the equator, the luxury lodge features 10 cottages that range from single occupancy to a private cottage that’s ideal for a family. Set in 80 acres of pristine wilderness, the lodge is just 25 minutes from the Kasenyi Plains Park gate, and yes, guests can see elephants roaming around Lake Kikorongo with the help of a telescope at the lodge.

For more up-close and personal excursions, guests should expect to pay additional fees for park transfers, entrance, and activities such as chimp tracking in Kyambura Wildlife Reserve, a boat safari on the Kazinga Channel, and game drives in the Kasenyi Plains. You should know that Amos Wekesa owns Uganda Lodges, which includes Elephant Plains Lodge as well as three other lodges: Simba Safari Camp also located in Queen Elizabeth National Park, Primate Lodge Kibale in Kibale National Park, and Budongo Eco Lodge in Murchison Falls National Park. 

La Maison Michelle in St. James, Barbados

Immerse yourself in Caribbean hospitality at La Maison Michelle, located on a hilltop with amazing views of Barbados' Platinum Coast. A husband and wife team, Guy and Michelle Jenkins own this seven-suite villa that's ideal for a destination wedding, romantic getaway, or fun vacation with friends. Guests who check into this secluded hideaway are surrounded by a full-service staff, including an on-site chef that whips up fresh, local Barbados fare infused with an African, West Indian, and European twist.

Guests can also request an on-site personal trainer for a customized workout in the climate-controlled fitness center and visit the spa for a massage or special body treatment inside or under the gazebo near the infinity pool. The staff is also available to assist guests in coordinating fun day trips to visit local tourist attractions, such as Harrison's Cave, Carlisle Bay, and Hunte's Gardens.

The Oak Bluffs Inn on Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts

Rhonda and Erik Albert are the owners of this 10-room Victorian inn, located in quaint Oak Bluffs, Martha's Vineyard. Created by architect Mark Hutker, the iconic lighthouse has served as a beacon to islanders and vacationers, including celebrities such as film director Spike Lee, who has stayed in the penthouse suite, and jazz musician Wynton Marsalis, who serenaded guests with his trumpet during an impromptu concert in the living room.

Guests staying at The Oak Bluffs Inn are within walking distance of a variety of farm-to-table restaurants and a short walk or bike ride away from Inkwell Beach, East Chop Beach, and Joseph Sylvia State Beach. Consider a picnic at Ocean Park or a guided tour along the African-American Heritage Trail.

Ocean West Boutique Hotel in Nassau, Bahamas

The 10-room Ocean West Boutique Hotel offers guests breathtaking views of Lake Killarney to the south and the Atlantic Ocean to the north. Exercise in the rooftop fitness center with ocean vistas; make an appointment for a massage and feel the stress melt away; grab a cocktail from the outdoor or indoor bar and relax by the pool; or take a four-minute walk and enjoy a delicious meal at Sapodilla.

Ocean West Boutique Hotel is located four miles west of the Cable Beach area, which features shopping, a vibrant nightlife scene, and a variety of activities, including casino gambling, golf, snorkeling, scuba diving, fishing, and parasailing. After an active day, guests can return to their secluded retreat.

Salamander Resort & Spa in Middleburg, Virginia

Sheila Johnson, co-founder of Black Entertainment Television, is the owner of the 168-room Salamander Resort & Spa. It's no surprise that this luxurious 340-acre property, located in the Virginia countryside, took a decade to build and design, opening its doors in August 2013. In addition to its 23,000-square-foot spa, this resort offers fun outdoor activities, including zip-lining, hiking, and horseback riding. Guests can bike throughout the property and into town and to wineries, too.

Johnson also serves as the founder and CEO of Salamander Hotels & Resorts, the parent company that owns and manages properties in Charleston, South Carolina, Montego Bay, Jamaica, and more. So, vacationers have a few options when planning a luxury getaway for some much-needed rest and relaxation.

Spice Island Beach Resort in Grand Anse, Grenada

Travelers planning a future Caribbean getaway may want to consider making reservations at this resort, located on Grenada's Grand Anse Beach. Sir Royston O. Hopkin bought the resort in 1987, but the entire family has taken an active role in running the hotel. After his death, Hopkin's daughter, Janelle, became the president and managing director of the all-inclusive resort.

Spice Island Beach Resort has 64 suites, including the premium Royal Collection Pool Suites, featuring amenities such as a full-size living room, four-poster king canopy bed, cedar saunas, and large private pools. The Royal Cinnamon and Saffron Beach Suites are the premier category suites, ideal for romantic getaways or family vacations. Gourmet dining, an oceanfront swimming pool, scuba diving, sailing, non-motorized water sports, island tours, tennis, golf, and biking are a few activities that make a stay here extra special.

Blue Apple Beach on Tierra Bomba Island, Colombia

British-Trinidadian Portia Hart owns this serene oasis tucked away on the shore of Tierra Bomba Island, 30 minutes off the coast of Cartagena, Colombia. A boutique hotel and beach club, Blue Apple Beach has 10 rooms, ranging from comfortable guest suites to eco-chic cabanas, all designed using local materials. Guests have access to two pools, an outdoor lounge, the beach, and a restaurant with Chef Pedro Mosqueda creating dishes using ingredients from the property’s onsite farm. Try the whole roasted mackerel and signature blue cheese mussels paired with an expertly prepared cocktail. 

It's not uncommon to see a mix of locals and tourists at Blue Apple Beach because it hosts lively, diverse parties, including Spread Your Wings, a bi-monthly LGBTQ+ party. Diversity also extends to the hotel’s management team — including young, BIPOC, gay, and female team members— who are responsible for the property’s inclusive programming. Hart also owns the Townhouse Boutique Hotel & Rooftop and Amare Beach Club in Cartagena. 

Clevedale Historic Inn and Gardens in Spartanburg, South Carolina

Pontheolla and Paul Abernathy are celebrating their 10th year as the owners of the Clevedale Historic Inn and Gardens, located in Upstate South Carolina. The couple decided to retire in Spartanburg because of “its small-town charm with big-city amenities.” The Abernathys purchased the four-acre property, which started as a bed-and-breakfast, but its lush gardens drew locals and tourists alike, expanding the property’s popularity as a go-to place for hosting special events such as weddings. 

The Clevedale Inn features four rooms, including the Ohana Suite, The Wren, The Westmoreland Bridal Suite, and the MackRail Cabin Car, a vintage 1947 Southern Rail Caboose transformed into a queen-bedroom suite next to the Clevedale’s English Knot Garden and Courtyard. If this B&B looks familiar, you may have seen it featured on the Emmy award-winning drag series, We’re Here. HBO filmed the first episode of the show’s second season here.

Concord Quarters in Natchez, Mississippi

When they purchased the property in 2017, Natchez natives Debbie and Gregory Cosey didn’t realize that the last standing structure on the former Concord Plantation was once slave quarters. The couple renovated the quarters into a bed-and-breakfast, hoping that it would educate visitors and serve to honor the lives of the enslaved people who once lived on the plantation. Today, Concord Quarters’ décor reflects Black art and history. Conveniently located five minutes from downtown, Concord Quarters also hosts weddings, bridal and baby showers, small art gallery shows, and retreats. 

The Hamilton Howell House in Atlanta, Georgia

The Hamilton Howell House is a bed-and-breakfast located in the heart of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Historic District in Atlanta’s Old Fourth Ward. Alexander Hamilton, Jr., the leading African-American contractor and builder in Atlanta, built the home in 1893, and in 1984, the Howell/Youngblood family bought and restored the house, becoming the second family to live in the house. The room names pay homage to American cultural icons: Aretha Franklin, the Queen of Soul; Sun Ra, the avant-garde jazz musician; W.E.B. DuBois, a scholar, author, philosopher, and activist; Elizabeth Catlett, a painter, printmaker, and sculptor; Maya Angelou, a poet, playwright, director, and activist; and John Coltrane, a pioneering jazz saxophonist and composer. 

Guests can reserve the four bedrooms – the W.E.B. Dubois, the Elizbeth Catlett, the Maya Angelou, and the John Coltrane – which all have a private bathroom. The newly renovated home also features a state-of-the-art kitchen, a business center, a solarium with a built-in spa, and a deck and patio perfect for outdoor entertaining or just relaxing. 

The Ivy Hotel in Baltimore, Maryland

If you’re visiting Baltimore, you may want to consider checking into this 19th-century mansion restored and transformed into a boutique hotel in the heart of Mt. Vernon, a historic neighborhood in Baltimore. Black entrepreneurs and philanthropists Eddie and Sylvia Brown opened The Ivy Hotel in June 2015, and it features 17 rooms, a library, a conservatory, and the Spa at The Ivy. 

The hotel’s restaurant, Magdalena, is where Chef Scott Bacon creates classic French bistro dishes with a B’more twist. The bounty of the Chesapeake Bay region usually dictates the restaurant’s seasonal menu, which includes dishes such as grilled venison sausage, local lettuce salad, and local blue catfish. Don’t miss out on the hotel’s afternoon tea, serving tiers of sweet and savory bites paired with a selection of teas from local Black-owned brand Equitea Co. Take your tea on the tranquil patio or anywhere in the hotel you desire.

Magnolia House Inn in Hampton, Virginia

Lankford and Joyce Blair are the innkeepers and owners of this five-star bed-and-breakfast listed on the National Register of Historic Places and the Virginia Landmarks Register (where it's recognized for its original Queen Anne architecture). Guests have their choice between three rooms. The Haven and The Writer’s Retreat rooms have queen beds, whereas The Ellington Suite has a king bed, sitting room, full bathroom, and a private spa tub room. The Magnolia House Inn also provides a full gourmet breakfast featuring local Virginia fare. 

Guests are encouraged to explore the nearby beaches, museums, restaurants, and shops or just chill out on the inn’s historic porch. Couples can walk down the aisle of the inn’s wedding chapel to get married. No need to worry about finding a priest for your ceremony because the owners are certified wedding officiants.