Black Families Building Legacy in Hospitality

Building a legacy often starts with a single spark of an idea. In the world of hospitality, where representation has historically been a challenge, Black families are stepping up and carving out their own unique spaces. Despite Black-owned hotels making up less than 3% of all hotels in the U.S., these families are creating welcoming environments and securing futures for generations to come through hotels, guesthouses, and inns.

Preserving Heritage and Building Community

These family-run establishments are more than just places to stay; they are living testaments to love, kindness, perseverance, and faith. Each property tells a story, blending historical charm with modern comfort and a deep sense of family heritage. They offer a unique opportunity for travelers to connect with authentic experiences and support businesses that are actively shaping a more inclusive future for the industry.

Featured Black-Owned Lodging Destinations

• **The Celestine Bed and Breakfast – Pensacola, Florida:** This charming B&B is named after the great-grandmother of its current owners, Byron and Cornelia Edwards. Preserving the historic 1888 building, each guest room is thoughtfully named and styled after Celestine’s children, filled with family heirlooms and stories.
• **The Ivy Hotel – Baltimore, Maryland:** Created by Eddie and Sylvia Brown, this luxurious hotel is housed in a restored 19th-century mansion. It offers a serene escape with personalized hospitality, art, and history, perfect for guests seeking to disconnect and indulge.
• **The Ode Hotel – Toronto, Ontario:** As Toronto’s first and only Black-owned, family-operated hotel, Ode offers a warm, familial welcome in the Little Portugal neighborhood. The owners are dedicated to creating beautiful spaces that serve as a love letter to their community and possibilities.
• **Spice Island Beach Resort – Grand Anse Beach, Grenada:** The Hopkin family has proudly kept this celebrated Caribbean resort within the family since 2000. Led by Sir Royston Hopkin’s daughter, Janelle, they are committed to providing the ultimate luxury experience with a range of suites and amenities.
• **Stonefield Villa Resort – Soufriere, St. Lucia:** Once a colonial plantation, this resort is now a Black and family-owned haven. Owners Wayne and Anista Brown have transformed the property into a relaxing escape, raising their five children there and infusing the resort with a homey feel.
• **The Osprey – Great Harbor Cay, The Bahamas:** Owned by Daphne and John Delaney, whose family history in The Bahamas spans over 300 years, The Osprey is a boutique resort celebrating the vibrant culture of the islands. It offers an authentic Bahamian experience filled with music, food, and art.

These establishments are not just businesses; they are pillars of their communities, offering authentic experiences and demonstrating the power of family legacy in the travel industry. By choosing to stay at these locations, travelers not only enjoy a unique getaway but also contribute to the growth and visibility of Black entrepreneurship in hospitality.