Discover the best Black-owned hotels and guesthouses in Manhattan, NYC. This curated 2026 guide highlights luxury Midtown stays, Financial District hotels, and intimate Harlem guesthouses—making it easy to find where to stay in Manhattan while supporting Black hospitality and culturally rich travel experiences.
8 Best Black-Owned Hotels & Guesthouses in Manhattan, NYC (2026 Guide)
Black-Owned & Black-Led Hotels in Manhattan
📱 Before you book—Check BlackHotelGuide.com First / Install the Black Hotel Guide app
1. The Knickerbocker — New York, NY
Iconic Midtown luxury with Black ownership ties
Overlooking Times Square, The Knickerbocker Hotel stands as one of Manhattan’s most iconic luxury hotels, celebrated for its rich history and refined modern revival. The property is connected to Black ownership through RLJ Lodging Trust, a Black-founded hospitality investment firm led by Robert L. Johnson, making it a meaningful choice for travelers seeking upscale accommodations while supporting diversity in hotel ownership.
Perfectly positioned at the intersection of 42nd Street and Broadway, this 5-star Beaux-Arts landmark first opened in 1906 under John Jacob Astor IV and was reimagined in 2015 following a $250 million renovation. Today, it blends timeless elegance with contemporary luxury, all in the heart of Midtown—ideal for theatergoers, business travelers, and first-time visitors to New York City. Adding to its allure, the hotel is famously rumored to be the birthplace of the martini, said to have been created here by a bartender in 1912.
Key Features & Amenities
- Accommodations: Features 330 contemporary guestrooms, including 31 suites, known for their spaciousness and soundproofing despite the central location.
- St. Cloud Rooftop: A 7,800-square-foot rooftop bar offering some of the closest views of the Times Square Ball Drop.
- Dining: Home to Charlie Palmer Steak IV, a signature restaurant by the Michelin-starred chef, and Jake’s @ The Knick, a grab-and-go café.
- Historic Touches: While modernized, the hotel retains its landmark exterior and a locked subway entrance on the 42nd Street Shuttle platform that still bears the “Knickerbocker” name.
- Wellness: Includes a state-of-the-art 24-hour fitness center with programs curated for modern travelers.
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2. DoubleTree by Hilton New York Downtown
Comfort and convenience in the Financial District
Located in the heart of Lower Manhattan, DoubleTree by Hilton New York Downtown offers a dependable, modern stay just steps from Wall Street, the Statue of Liberty ferry, and the One World Trade Center. With ties to Black-founded hospitality investment groups, the property is a strong option for travelers who value both convenience and supporting diversity in hotel ownership.
This upscale, 399-room high-rise sits on historic Stone Street in the Financial District, placing guests within easy reach of New York’s most important financial and waterfront landmarks. Popular with both business and leisure travelers, the hotel blends comfort and efficiency with a prime location ideal for exploring Lower Manhattan’s rich history and iconic attractions.
Key Features & Amenities
- Signature Welcome: Guests receive the traditional warm, freshly baked chocolate chip cookie upon check-in.
- Dining: Home to Antica Ristorante, an upscale on-site Italian restaurant and bar serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
- Accommodations: Rooms feature warm mahogany tones and many offer panoramic views of the Manhattan skyline, Brooklyn, and Ellis Island.
- Facilities: Includes a 24-hour fitness center, a 24-hour business center, and meeting facilities.
- Pet-Friendly: The hotel allows pets (typically up to 20 lbs).
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3. Courtyard by Marriott New York Downtown Manhattan / Financial District
A reliable Downtown stay with purpose
Courtyard by Marriott New York Downtown Manhattan / Financial District offers sleek, contemporary accommodations in the heart of Lower Manhattan. Backed by Black-led hospitality investment platforms, it provides travelers with a centrally located stay while supporting greater diversity in large-scale hotel ownership.
Located at 201 Pearl Street, this modern 25-story, 3-star hotel opened in 2020 and is designed for both efficiency and comfort. Its prime Financial District setting places guests near key historic sites, while easy access to major transit hubs makes it an excellent base for exploring all five boroughs.
Key Features & Amenities
- Accommodations: Features 317 “intelligently designed” guestrooms with soundproof windows, work desks, and ergonomic chairs. Many rooms offer views of the surrounding urban landscape.
- Dining: Home to Standard, by Butler, an on-site restaurant serving American classics for breakfast and dinner.A grab-and-go market also provides snacks and La Colombe coffee.
- Wellness & Productivity: Includes a complimentary 24-hour fitness center, a business area, and free high-speed Wi-Fi throughout the property.
- Pet Policy: The hotel does not allow pets, with the exception of service animals
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4. DoubleTree Hotel by Hilton Metropolitan — Midtown East
A business-friendly Midtown hotel with legacy ties
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Metropolitan – New York City is a long-standing Midtown East landmark, ideally located near Grand Central Terminal and the United Nations. Connected to Black-owned hotel investment leadership, this property offers travelers a chance to stay in a centrally located Manhattan hotel while supporting greater representation in the hospitality industry.
Situated at 569 Lexington Avenue at East 51st Street, the hotel features 764 guest rooms and is known for its distinctive “S-curve” architecture—a hallmark of 1960s modernism. Popular with business travelers, it strikes a balance between practicality and comfort, while providing easy access to Midtown’s iconic attractions, corporate offices, and transit hubs.
Key Features & Amenities
- Accommodations: Offered 764 guest rooms, including 22 suites, many featuring contemporary sleek décor and ergonomic workspaces.
- Dining: Historically featured the Met Grill (breakfast) and the Met Bar, a popular lounge in the lobby.
- Amenities: Included a 24-hour fitness center, a business center, a hair salon, and approximately 12,000 square feet of meeting space.
- Signature Perk: Guests were famously greeted with the warm DoubleTree chocolate chip cookie upon arrival.
Historical Significance
- Architectural Landmark: Designed by renowned architect Morris Lapidus and opened in 1961 as the Summit Hotel. It was the first new hotel built in Manhattan in 30 years at the time.
- Design Style: A prime example of Miami Modern (MiMo) style, featuring a serpentine shape, a blue-green glazed brick facade, and a vertical “S-U-M-M-I-T” sign (later modified for subsequent names).
- Landmark Status: The hotel was designated an official New York City Landmark in 2005 to preserve its distinctive mid-century aesthetic.
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5. Courtyard by Marriott New York Manhattan / Upper East Side
Residential comfort near Central Park and Museum Mile
Courtyard by Marriott New York Manhattan / Upper East Side offers a more relaxed stay in a quieter, residential pocket of Manhattan while remaining close to Central Park, world-class museums, and leading medical institutions. Associated with Black-owned hospitality investment groups, it’s a strong choice for travelers seeking both comfort and meaningful impact.
Located at 410 East 92nd Street, this 3-star, smoke-free hotel is especially popular with guests visiting nearby facilities such as Mount Sinai Hospital and Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. With its calm setting and convenient access to transit, the property provides a balanced experience—offering a peaceful retreat while keeping the best of Manhattan within easy reach.
Key Features & Amenities
- Accommodations: The hotel offers 226 rooms, including suites with balconies overlooking the city. All rooms are equipped with a refrigerator, microwave, and coffee maker.
- On-Site Dining: Facilities are streamlined; while there is a Grab & Go bistro and free coffee in the lobby, the hotel does not offer full-service dining on-site.
- Wellness: A 24-hour fitness center is available for guests.
- Pet Policy: Pets are not allowed, though service animals are welcome.
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6. Renaissance New York Harlem Hotel
A modern luxury hotel rooted in Harlem’s cultural heartbeat
Located just steps from the Apollo Theater, Renaissance New York Harlem Hotel stands as one of the most prominent new hotel developments in Harlem. Blending upscale, contemporary design with a deep respect for the neighborhood’s artistic and cultural legacy, the property delivers a refined stay in one of New York City’s most historic communities. Its rooftop lounge, The Victoria, offers sweeping skyline views and has quickly become a favorite gathering spot for both locals and visitors.
While not Black-owned, the hotel’s development was led by Exact Capital Group, a Black-owned real estate development firm under the leadership of Craig Livingston. Their work on this project highlights meaningful Black leadership in large-scale hospitality and urban development.
Opened in late 2023, this 4-star, full-service hotel rises 28 stories at 233 West 125th Street, making it the tallest building north of Central Park. As part of the revitalization of the historic Victoria Theater, the hotel represents a new era for Harlem—where modern luxury meets cultural heritage. Guests can enjoy a sophisticated, design-forward stay while being fully immersed in the energy, history, and creative spirit that define the neighborhood.
Key Features & Amenities
- Accommodations: 211 guestrooms and suites with soundproofing and views of Central Park, the Hudson, or the Harlem River.
- Dining:
- The Victoria: An on-site restaurant and lounge serving soul fusion cuisine.
- Rooftop Bar: Located on the 28th floor, offering expansive city views.
- Fitness & Events: Includes a 24-hour fitness center and over 9,000 square feet of event space.
Historical & Design Features
- Victoria Theater Legacy: The hotel preserves the theater’s original 1917 Beaux-Arts facade, marquee, ticket booth, and grand staircase.
- Cultural Homage: The interiors feature artwork of Harlem legends like Billie Holiday and Cab Calloway, while suites are decorated with quotes from poet Langston Hughes.
- Theater Co-location: The building also houses the Apollo Stages at the Victoria Theater, two new performance spaces managed by the Apollo Theater Foundation.
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Black-Owned Guesthouses & Bed & Breakfasts in Manhattan
While Manhattan is known for its full-service luxury hotels, travelers seeking a more intimate and culturally immersive stay will also find a select number of Black-owned guesthouses and bed & breakfasts.
Often located in historic Harlem brownstones, these smaller, independently owned properties offer personalized hospitality, distinctive character, and a deeper connection to the neighborhood—providing a more local, story-rich alternative to traditional hotel stays in Manhattan.
7. Harlem Grand Bed & Breakfast
A historic Harlem brownstone offering authentic community connection
For travelers seeking a more intimate and residential experience, Harlem Grand Bed & Breakfast delivers warmth, charm, and history. Housed in a beautifully restored brownstone, this Black-owned B&B offers a quiet retreat while keeping guests close to Harlem’s jazz clubs, soul food institutions, and cultural landmarks.
This is an ideal choice for visitors who want to experience Harlem beyond the tourist lens and enjoy genuine neighborhood hospitality.
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8. The Harlem Flophouse
A living piece of Harlem history
The Harlem Flophouse is more than a place to stay—it’s a cultural time capsule. This historic guesthouse preserves the look and feel of early 20th-century Harlem, offering rooms filled with original furnishings, vintage art, and deep character.
Black-owned and intentionally preserved, The Harlem Flophouse appeals to travelers who appreciate history, storytelling, and authenticity over modern uniformity.
📱 Before you book—Check BlackHotelGuide.com First / Install the Black Hotel Guide app
Where to Stay in Manhattan: Why Choose Black-Owned Hotels?
Choosing a Black-owned hotel or guesthouse in Manhattan allows travelers to experience the city while directly supporting diversity in hospitality ownership. Beyond location and amenities, these properties often reflect deeper cultural connections, personalized service, and a strong sense of place—especially in neighborhoods like Harlem, where Black history and entrepreneurship are deeply rooted.
✓ Check-out our Destination Guide to Manhattan, Harlem and Spanish Harlem for top black & Latino owned restaurants and cultural attractions.
