In honor of Black History Month, we’re spotlighting three fabulous Black-run hotels in the U.S. worth checking into any time of the year.
The Ivy Hotel (@theivyhotel)
Known as “The Belle of Baltimore,” The Ivy brings unabashed classic luxury to the Maryland capital. The historic Mount Vernon-based mansion-turned-five-star hotel has just under 20 rooms and suites, all individually-designed with ample amenities and Frette linen-covered beds (many of which are four-poster canopies). Its “highly inclusive” service makes it one of the best values for money: the nightly rate includes breakfast, afternoon tea, chauffeured service, on-site activities and even craft cocktails. Other top draws include a full-service spa and its award-winning European brasserie Magdalena.
Hotel Bennett (@hotelbennett)
There’s a new grande dame in town with Charleston’s Hotel Bennett, a five-star hotel managed by BET co-founder-cum-hotelier Sheila Johnson along the famed King Street. Housed in a former local library, Hotel Bennett exudes Old World European opulence with a dash of Southern charm in its 179 rooms/suites and spate of fine dining and bar venues, with limestone, copper and marble used throughout. Don’t miss Fiat Lux, a swish rooftop bar destination boasting Charleston’s largest pool, and their pretty-in-pink Champagne bar Camellias.
La Maison in Midtown
Shelter yourself from Houston’s hustle and bustle at this intimate urban B&B in the Midtown neighborhood. Owned by local attorney Genora Boykins and business partner Sharon Owens, the cozy French-inspired hideaway has seven individually decorated rooms and en-suite bathrooms—some which come with jetted tubs or couples’ rain showers—a parlor and living/dining space. Its enviable location makes it a great springboard for the city’s cultural attractions, including the Houston Museum of African-American Culture and Buffalo Soldiers National Museum.
