5 Boutique Hotels Owned and Operated By Black Women

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La Maison in Midtown, Houston, TX

There’s nothing we can’t do when we decide to work together. That’s exactly what happened when two friends, Genora Boykins and Sharon Owens, came together to open an urban bed and breakfast in the heart of Houston. Offering a slice of worldly flavor in the heart of Houston, La Maison in Midtown is a peaceful, relaxing environment within walking distance of Houston’s finest restaurants and lively entertainment venues. The next time you’re in this city, skip the typical hotel chains and support these two sistas and their three-story haven, which offers seven luxurious guest rooms, each with its own unique décor and amenities. You’ll get a personalized touch with breakfast cooked fresh each morning.

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The Ivy Hotel, Baltimore, MD

The Ivy is a luxury boutique hotel in the heart of historic Mount Vernon, Baltimore. This spot features 18 guest rooms and suites, charming public spaces, a small luxury spa, and their renowned Magdalena eatery. Guests are also fans of their afternoon tea service. Opened by Sylvia Brown and her husband Eddie, they are not only active philanthropists but also the visionaries behind this magnificent 19th-century mansion in the heart of the Baltimore. True to its history, visiting The Ivy feels like staying at the home of a generous friend and as a guest, the property is yours to enjoy. Together, Sylvia and Eddie Brown also launched a youth initiative called Turning the Corner on Achievement Program to help inner-city middle school students get a rigorous academic education.

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NOPSI Hotel, New Orleans, LA

Most people would be thrilled to succeed with just one successful hotel property, but Sheila Johnson has triumphed with multiple ventures. Her NOPSI Hotel opened in New Orleans last summer, and it’s safe to say it’s already a gem. The 217-room luxury property is housed in the landmarked New Orleans Public Service Incorporated building, a former utility and transit facility built in 1927 that had been out of use since the '80s. As you walk through the property's grand lobby, you’ll be nothing short of stunned.

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Villa La Maison Michelle, Barbados

Situated on the famed Platinum Coast of Barbados' western shores, a quaint, yet luxurious spa resort, La Maison Michelle, awaits. Villa La Maison Michelle ushers in a new era of elegance in villa vacation leisure for those who want to skip the traditional hotel resort, and experience redefined luxury. Equipped with a butler and a private chef, prepare to have all your needs met as soon as you step through the villa doors. Developed by husband and wife team, and named appropriately after the wife, Michelle Jenkins, (because, happy wife, happy life) Villa La Maison Michelle is a must-visit escape when spending time in Barbados.

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Salamander Hotel, Middleburg, VA

Less than an hour from downtown Washington D.C. you’ll find Sheila Johnson’s luxury spa retreat, the Salamander Resort & Spa resting on a 340-acre estate in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Taking the scenic drive through the heart of Virginia's wine country, you will arrive in the historic village of Middleburg for a home away from home escape. Perfect for romantic retreats, weekend staycations or wine getaways, there are plenty of reasons why this makes for a visit - besides the obviousness of wanting to “root for everybody black.” As CEO of Salamander Hotels and Resorts, a hospitality company she founded in 2005, Sheila Johnson oversees this property, in addition to a growing portfolio of luxury properties.