Photo credit: The Pierside Santa Monica
California is one of the most diverse and culturally rich travel destinations in the world. From the Pacific coastline to the Mojave Desert, the state offers something extraordinary for every kind of traveler. For those who want to support Black-owned businesses while enjoying exceptional hospitality, California delivers. The best Black-owned hotels here include beachfront stays, stylish urban properties and boutique wellness escapes. Here is a guide to the properties worth knowing about and booking on your next trip.
The Pierside Santa Monica: beachfront Black-owned luxury
The Pierside Santa Monica is a luxury Black-owned boutique hotel. It sits on Colorado Avenue at Ocean Avenue, making it the closest hotel to the Santa Monica Pier. Following a 2022 renovation, the property features a modern beach-inspired aesthetic. It also offers an on-site Californian restaurant and numerous guest amenities.
The hotel includes 132 guestrooms and suites with a coastal, modern rustic design. Many rooms offer ocean views. The signature restaurant, The Surfing Fox, serves California-sourced spirits, beers, wines and coastal-inspired cuisine. Additionally, the property features a heated outdoor saltwater pool, a 24-hour gym and a lobby with a floating fireplace.
For travelers wanting a luxurious base to explore Santa Monica’s beaches and dining scene, The Pierside is the standout choice. Its combination of prime location, thoughtful design and Black ownership makes it one of the most significant hospitality properties in Southern California.
The Good House Hotel and Spa: Desert Hot Springs wellness retreat
Brian Edson co-founded The Good House Hotel and Spa in Desert Hot Springs. He is making waves in the Southern California hospitality scene. The property stands out not only for its luxurious offerings but also for its deep commitment to community.
The vision behind the hotel goes beyond traditional hospitality. Edson’s original idea was to create a creative space for artists, writers and musicians to gather, create and collaborate. That founding spirit infuses every aspect of the guest experience. Consequently, The Good House feels like more than a place to sleep. It feels like a destination with genuine purpose.
California’s Black-owned luxury properties frequently focus on wellness. They often combine spa services, healthy cuisine and mindfulness programming with luxury accommodations. Many feature organic gardens, farm-to-table dining and yoga programs. Together, those elements create holistic travel experiences rooted in both cultural connection and physical rejuvenation. The Good House embodies all of that beautifully. For travelers seeking desert healing, creative inspiration and culturally connected luxury, it belongs at the top of any California travel list.
Hilton Garden Inn Hollywood: culture at the heart of Los Angeles
The Black-owned Hilton Garden Inn Hollywood sits steps from the Hollywood Bowl and Walk of Fame. It offers sleek rooms, a restaurant, a fitness center and a pool. Therefore, it is ideal for culture seekers who want comfort and walkable access to iconic LA landmarks.
Los Angeles is one of the world’s great cultural cities. Having a Black-owned hotel at the heart of Hollywood gives travelers a meaningful way to engage with the city. It also offers a purposeful way to support Black entrepreneurship in the hospitality industry. The property’s proximity to LA’s most famous landmarks makes it a practical and powerful choice for both first-time visitors and returning travelers.
Sheraton San Gabriel: full-service Black ownership in the Valley
The Black-owned Sheraton San Gabriel sits in the vibrant San Gabriel Valley. It blends multicultural Southern California sophistication with easy access to East LA’s diverse restaurant scene. Features include an on-site restaurant, a pool and a family-friendly lobby.
The San Gabriel Valley is one of the most culturally diverse regions in all of California. A Black-owned full-service Sheraton in that corridor represents a powerful statement. It demonstrates what Black entrepreneurship can achieve within major global hotel brands. Furthermore, this is not a small boutique operation. It is a full-service hotel operating at the highest brand standard under Black ownership.
DoubleTree by Hilton Berkeley Marina: Bay Area views and Black pride
The Black-owned DoubleTree by Hilton Berkeley Marina overlooks both the Berkeley Marina and San Francisco Bay. It features an indoor lap pool, a fitness center and an on-site restaurant with scenic views. Additionally, it offers meeting space and the brand’s signature warm cookie welcome. A shuttle service to BART makes it ideal for both couples and business travelers.
Berkeley is one of the Bay Area’s most intellectually vibrant cities. A Black-owned hotel overlooking the marina delivers one of the most scenic stays in all of Northern California. Moreover, the BART shuttle connection makes it practical for travelers heading into San Francisco without the cost and congestion of staying in the city itself.
Why choosing Black-owned hotels in California matters
Black-owned hotels provide something most mainstream properties simply cannot match. They offer a unique sense of pride, history and comfort woven into every aspect of the guest experience. Each property carries its own story, its own founder and its own style.
What makes the best Black-owned hotels exceptional goes beyond amenities. It includes personalized service that understands cultural nuances often overlooked by mainstream hospitality. That combination of exceptional service and genuine cultural connection is what makes these properties worth seeking out deliberately.
Supporting Black-owned hotels in California is also a meaningful economic act. Every booking contributes to communities that have historically faced significant barriers to entry in the hospitality industry. Ultimately, every stay counts and every dollar matters.
Travelers are encouraged to verify current ownership status and booking availability directly with each property before planning a visit, as ownership details can change.
Sources: Black Hotel Guide, Travel Noire, Black Girls in Wanderlust
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