Black Americans are spending more money than ever before on travel. A 2019 study from MMGY Global found Black Americans spend more than $100 billion a year on travel alone.
According to its research, Black leisure travelers, representing a little over 13% of the U.S. leisure travel, generated over 450 million leisure stays in 2019.
Unfortunately, very few dollars Black travelers invest in the hospitality industry go to Black-owned hotels. The reason for this is because there aren’t many in the industry. According to Davonne Reaves, Hospitality Strategist at The Vonne Group, less than 2% of hotels across the country are currently owned by Black entrepreneurs. In a popular destination city like Miami, be sure to give Black hotels a fair shot at surviving by supporting them. Referencing data collected from the Blackout Coalition, here’s Travel Noire’s guide to supporting Black-owned hotels.
Dunns Josephine Hotel
Kristin Kitchen launched the Sojourn Heritage Hotel Brand in 2014 as a hospitality brand focused on African American history and culture in urban areas. In her world in the Heritage Tourism sector, she has made it her mission to transform boutique hotels and the bed and breakfast experience. She’s doing that by providing a first-class experience that encourages people from various races, genders, and cultures to come together for a transformational accommodation experience.
Dunns Josephine Hotel pays homage to Miami and the Harlem Renaissance periods of glitz and glamour. The 15 rooms are dedicated to African American icons, including Josephine Baker, Langston Hughes, Zora Neale Hurston, and more.
- Location: Overtown
- Owner: Kristin Kitchen
- Before you go: The hotel hosts a speakeasy and wine down Wednesday event every first Wednesday of the month.
RELATED: How To Spend A Day In Black-Owned Miami
The Gabriel Hotel
Downtown Miami is The Gabriel Miami, a luxury lifestyle hotel in the heart of Miami’s Art District. The hotel is a hub for travelers, entrepreneurs, and creatives. In the morning, guests can start their day with breathtaking sunrises over Biscayne Bay in one of its stylish rooms or suites, which are decorated with chic décor and innovative technology.
Custom-curated art, creative workspaces, soothing spa services, and one-of-a-kind dining surround the hotel. What’s also great about The Gabriel Miami is that guests are within minutes of some of the most sophisticated downtown Miami attractions, such as cultural experiences, culinary tours, shopping, and Art Deco sightseeing. There’s no better home base for exploring the Magic City. Even if you’re a solo traveler or need help with plans for a group, the team of Miami insiders inside the hotel is there to help.
- Location: Downtown Miami
- Owner: The hotel is managed by CGI Merchant Group, of which Rauol Thomas is the CEO and founder.
- Before you go: This hotel has a destination charge. The charge covers a complimentary shuttle transfer to Gabriel South Beach, including beach access and two chairs on Fridays and Saturdays. Bella’s Rooftop Bar is located inside the hotel.
Hilton Cabana Miami
One of the best hotel options in Miami gives guests the opportunity to choose what they want. The hotel offers stunning ocean-view balconies overlooking the Atlantic Ocean for guests who wish to start and end their day looking at the water. For snowbirds who want to soak up every bit of Florida sun, the hotel offers rooms with a terrace view, which provides guests with optimal sunlight.
Hilton Cabana Miami has it all. Guests will have direct access to the beach and the nine-mile Miami Beachwalk. Lincoln Road’s shopping, dining, and Miami Beach Convention Center are within four miles. Other fantastic amenities include two ocean-view outdoor pools, poolside cabanas, and a private beach.
- Location: Miami Beach – North Beach
- Owner: RLJ Lodging Trust manages the hotel. Robert L. Johnson is the founder and chairman of RLJ Companies, LLC.
- Before you go: Enjoy complimentary bike rentals and the bar with beach service.
The Copper Door B&B
The Copper Door B&B was created in the heart of Historic Overtown, Miami. The brand focuses on an intimate guest experience featuring chef-driven amenities and local goods. It’s a unique lodging experience that immerses people in Miami’s diverse culture.
Guests are in close proximity to The Ward Rooming House Art Gallery, Freedom Tower, the Black Police Precinct, Bayfront Park, and Brickell City Centre. Historic tours that people can experience include Overtown, Lummus Park, and Calle Ocho-Little Havana.
There’s no shortage of fun in the area.
- Location: Overtown
- Owners: Jamila Ross and Akino West
- Before you go: The hotel is closed until further notice.
When most people think of Miami, they think of warm weather, sunny days, South Beach, and endless day parties. Miami is all these things and more. Black history and culture can be seen and experienced through Magic City. The best way to find it is to be open and curious, and to start your journey by booking a stay at a Black-owned hotel, where the staff members will help you embark on an incredible journey of witnessing Black culture and history up close.
