Black History Month is a time to reflect on the immeasurable impact that African Americans have had upon the history and culture not just of the U.S. but across the globe. It’s a time to celebrate, learn, and consciously support underrepresented groups, like Black-owned businesses in the tourism sector. Whether you’re looking for one of the best Black-owned restaurants in the U.S. or the best Black-owned hotels here and abroad, you’re in the right place.
What is Black History Month?
Since 1976, the accomplishments and contributions of African Americans have been celebrated each February under the official presidential designation of Black History Month. In Canada, the observance is also held in February, while it is marked in the U.K. and Ireland in October.
The event dates back to 1925, when Carter G. Woodson, the “father of Black history,” launched Negro History Week to be held to coincide with the birth dates of President Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass.
Each year, Black History Month features a distinct theme. For 2024, “African Americans and the Arts” will celebrate the impact of African Americans on cultural forms ranging from theater, performing arts, and literature to architecture, fashion, and film. Events and celebrations provide everyone with the opportunity to not only share in but to comprehend the great impact of Black heritage and culture on modern society.
Supporting Black-Owned Businesses in the Tourism Sector
This month, support diversity in the hospitality and tourism industries by opting to stay at a Black-owned hotel. The hotels on this list include private homes that have been transformed into boutique hotels, award-winning luxury properties, and distinctive resorts with unique histories.
From New York to Guadeloupe and everywhere in between, here are 14 Black-owned hotels you can visit in the U.S. and beyond.
1. Akwaaba Mansion – Brooklyn, New York City, New York, USA
Best for: Travelers looking to stay at a small bed and breakfast in New York City.
Why stay here: Akwaaba Mansion’s convenient Brooklyn location allows travelers to stay close to the energy of Manhattan but still escape to a quieter place to rest their head during a visit to New York.
Akwaaba Mansion, in Brooklyn, New York, and about a 15-minute drive to lower Manhattan, is in an Italianate former mansion originally built in the 1860s. There are actually three Akwaaba Mansions, including this one. The other two are Akwaaba Philadelphia and The Mansion at Noble Lane in Pennsylvania’s Poconos.
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This particular bed and breakfast features just four guest suites, each with a unique theme and decor. Visitors can relax in the guest library, game room, and secluded garden with a glassed-in sun porch. As for that breakfast, Akwaaba Mansion serves hearty Southern fare, and guests can also enjoy afternoon tea.
Each suite is equipped with a king-size bed, dresser, and seating area, plus a spacious private bathroom. Akwaaba has custom bathroom toiletries made by local artisans that are also available for sale at the on-site shop. Rooms can accommodate up to three adults or two adults and one child.
Rates at Akwaaba Mansion, Brooklyn, New York, start at $225 per night for double occupancy.
2. The Ivy Hotel – Baltimore, Maryland, USA
Best for: Visitors to Baltimore looking for luxury accommodation options with views of Mount Vernon.
Why stay here: Guests at The Ivy Hotel can look forward to beautifully decorated and modern rooms, an in-house spa and restaurant, inclusive amenities such as cocktails at the Mansion bar, and more.
The Ivy Hotel is a mansion turned boutique hotel in Mount Vernon, in the heart of Baltimore. There is a spa on the property where guests can indulge in services like an Ayurvedic facial massage or lemon verbena body treatment.
The hotel’s only dining outlet, Magdalena, combines European culinary traditions with Maryland soul. Dishes include pepper-crusted venison loin, dry-aged duck, and seared Maine scallops.
Each of The Ivy Hotel’s rooms and suites is uniquely decorated and features a fireplace, heated bathroom floors, and plenty of natural light. Canopy beds are draped with delicately patterned fabrics, and walls are painted in bright, yet calming colors.
Rates at The Ivy Hotel start at $614 per night for double occupancy.
3. The Oak Bluffs Inn – Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts, USA
Best for: Families who love an East Coast beach adventure.
Why stay here: The Oak Bluffs Inn is conveniently located within walking distance to the beach, shops, and dining with charming rooms in a historical structure.
The Oak Bluffs Inn in Martha’s Vineyard has been owned and operated by Rhonda and Erik Albert for over 20 years. The Inn has just 10 rooms, each uniquely decorated with elegant white Frette linens, colorful throw pillows, and wall art for a truly beachy feel. Architect Mark Hutker renovated the inn to resemble a lighthouse before the Alberts purchased the former private mansion in 1998.
Room rates include continental breakfast (offered from May through October), along with complimentary snacks and beverages. Other high-end touches include Aveda bath products and the use of cozy fire pits.
The Inn is within walking distance of the beach, shops, and restaurants, though guests can also take advantage of bike pumps and racks if they want to get around on two wheels to such local favorites as Fishbones and The Lookout.
Rates at the Oak Bluff Inn start at $235 per night.
4. Salamander Resort & Spa – Middleburg, Virginia, USA
Best for: A staycation near Washington, D.C., or a visit to the nearby state capital of Richmond.
Why stay here: Salamander Resort & Spa has a large equestrian facility, plenty of outdoor activities for all levels of adventure, and a stellar dining experience.
Salamander Resort & Spa is in Middleburg, Virginia, just a one-hour drive from Washington, D.C. Of the 340 acres that the property rests on, 25 acres are dedicated to equestrian activities such as horseback riding and a 14,000-square-foot stable.
The resort also has a spa where guests can enjoy treatments like sound therapies and couple massages. There are plenty of activities for visitors to enjoy on the property, such as zip lining and nature hikes, along with a dining program that includes a multi-experience cooking studio. Harriman’s Virginia Piedmont Grill is the main restaurant, where diners can savor locally sourced dishes like Atlantic halibut and Hudson Valley foie gras.
Each of the 168 rooms and suites at Salamander Resort & Spa comes with an outdoor patio or balcony and soft amenities like terrycloth bathrobes. The decor pays homage to the seasons and equestrian life with warm colors and hints of blue and green, along with fun touches like stirrup motifs on the linens. Salamander Resort & Spa is also pet-friendly and offers ADA rooms.
Rates at Salamander Resort & Spa start at $615 per night.
5. Clevedale Historic Inn and Gardens – Spartanburg, South Carolina, USA
Best for: Travelers who want a charming South Carolina bed-and-breakfast experience.
Why stay here: Spartanburg is a short drive from Greenville, South Carolina, and an hour-and-a-half from Charlotte, North Carolina, making it a convenient getaway from either city.
Clevedale Historic Inn and Gardens bed and breakfast is less than 30 minutes from Greenville, South Carolina. It was originally built and owned by a descendant of President Grover Cleveland and was once a 440-acre farm. Current owners Pontheolla and Paul Abernathy purchased and renovated the property in 2012.
It has since welcomed guests to its four distinctive accommodations, like a vintage 1947 train caboose in the property’s verdant garden. It’s also a popular wedding venue, so you might spot a bride getting ready in the elegant Westmoreland Bridal Suite. Room rates include a full Southern breakfast, so come hungry.
For guests who want to explore the area, the inn is within a few minutes’ drive of popular attractions like the Spartanburg Art Museum and the Chapman Cultural Center. Outdoor enthusiasts will also find plenty of hiking trails and parks nearby.
Rates at Clevedale Historic Inn and Gardens start at $179 per night.
Conclusion
Black History Month is a time to celebrate the immeasurable impact that African Americans have had upon the history and culture of not just the U.S. but the world. It’s an opportunity to reflect on the contributions and achievements of African Americans and to consciously support underrepresented groups, like Black-owned businesses in the tourism sector.
By choosing to stay at Black-owned hotels, you can help promote diversity and inclusivity in the hospitality industry. From boutique bed and breakfasts to luxury resorts, there are a variety of Black-owned hotels to choose from across the U.S. and beyond.
So, this Black History Month, consider supporting and celebrating Black-owned businesses in the tourism sector. Whether you’re looking for a unique and charming bed and breakfast or a luxurious resort, there are plenty of Black-owned hotels to choose from. By staying at these hotels, you can not only have a memorable and enjoyable experience but also contribute to a more inclusive and diverse travel industry.