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Afrocentric
Hospitality |
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The
large majority of affluent traveling African Americans stay at full service
hotels. But a growing number have rediscovered what generations before
learned: Nothing quite beats a very nice small inn. Most are located off the
beaten path in quiet neighborhoods or historic districts. Most of the time,
the innkeepers live on the property and are immediately available to make
sure your stay is perfect. Plus, they generally reflect the owners taste so
look for generations-old recipes for some sort of treat. To
be sure, many more Afrocentric owned or operated inns have come on line. But
just because they are Afrocentric doesn’t mean they are good. Here are the
AfroTrek favorites for a pleasant stay. FOLEY HOUSE (Savannah, GA) You probably should expect this
superb B&B located in the across from Chippewa Square which is in the
heart of the historic district of Savannah to be one of the best B&Bs in
the country. Rift with Southern charm, class and taste, innkeepers Allisen
and Grant Rogers keep this old house incredible. Stay in the Stafford
Suite, which was the original
masters bedroom. |
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As
with most of the inns 19 rooms if you stay in the Carriage house, you'll
find the Bennington very
relaxing with a view overlooking a quaint fountain. Of all the B&Bs Foley
has by far the best food when Chef Quita Ancrum dazzles guests throughout the
day. An afternoon selection of sweets, savories and tea greet you after a day
of sightseeing. |
Foley’s goodies! |
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Gather
in the parlor for complimentary wine and hors d'oeuvres just before
dinner. Evening port served fireside in the Inns handsome double
parlors cap the day. 14 West Hull
St, Savannah GA (800) 647-3708 (E-MAIL
THE INN) |
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Akwaaba Mansion (Brooklyn, NY) Monique Greenwood and Glenn Pogue
are the two best African American innkeepers...period! They started out to
create a comfortable atmosphere that could compete with other hospitality
products and that is what they accomplished. The circa 1860s Brooklyn mansion
was their first endeavor with four extremely comfortable guest rooms, each
with different decor of African nature. The fact that it is Brooklyn is of
now concern as the quiet neighborhood is loaded with the classic New York
upscale brownstone that are so recognizable. Women will love the Jumping
the Broom Suite and businessmen
will prefer the Black Memorabilia Suite. A fabulous Southern-style breakfast is served every morning and the
innkeepers will provide concierge services for area tours and restaurant
reservations. 347 McDougal Street,
Brooklyn, NY 11233 (718) 455-5958 (E-MAIL THE INN) |
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Akwaaba Mansion in Brooklyn, New
York |
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MOREHEAD MANOR (Durham, NC) Not far from Duke University is the
former home of a Ligget & Meyers tobacco baron. Lovingly restored and
decorated by Monica and Dan Edwards, Morehead is the epitome of Southeastern
hospitality. Make no mistakes Morehead is tastefully and professionally
managed by a couple that has nailed hospitality. 194 Vickers Avenue, Durham, NC 27701 (919) 437-6333
(E-MAIL THE INN) OAK BLUFFS INN (Oak Bluffs, MA) Martha's Vineyard has a very
distinguished African American history centering on the whaling and fishing
industry. So it is no surprised you'll find a few Afrocentric small inns on
this fabulous island. Of those, this century old mansion is situated a short
stroll from everything. Rhonda and Erik Albert serve a nice little
continental breakfast every morning and each of the nine rooms have air-conditioning
and wi-fi. Circuit Avenue & Pequot Oak Bluffs MA 02557 (508) 693-7171 (E-MAIL THE INN) AKWAABA BY THE SEA (Cape May, NJ) Monique Greenwood says that the
minute she saw this place she this place she had to have it. And, like she
did with her Brooklyn property, she has created a wonderful hospitality
experience. Once again each of the five rooms has a different but tasteful
decor with Dolly's Boudoir geared toward women and the William Moore Suite with a more masculine flavor (though couples will
love all). Enjoy the scenic vistas afforded in Cape May. 116 Broadway West Cape May, NJ 08209 (609)
455-5958 (E-MAIL THE INN) HUBBARD MANSION (New Orleans, LA) Talk about detail! On historic
St Charles Street in the beautiful garden District of New Orleans is a
fabulous reproduction of a Mississippi Plantation. No this is not 150 years
old; it's new, with all the amenities of new. Don and Rose Hubbard have
created a tasteful piece of heaven not far from the Quarter. No detail has
been overlooked, as the furnishings are exquisite. The Dookie (Named after Dookie Chase) is perfect with a
gorgeous half tester bed and classic claw footbath tub! 3535
St Charles Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70115 (504) 897-3535 (E-MAIL THE INN) |
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Go for an evening dip in Carrington's
inviting pool |
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CARRINGTON INN (St Croix, USVI) Innkeeper Claudia Carrington has
prepared five really nice Caribbean rooms for the most discerning tourist.
Breezy and comfortable all reflect the carefree mode of the island. The
Flamboyant is the biggest and most
posh room but all are comfy and afford you either a harbor or poolside view.
Includes a full breakfast. 4001
Estate Hermon Hill, St Croix, USVI 00820 (340) 713-0508 (E-MAIL THE INN) GLENDALE GASLIGHT INN (Glendale AZ) In this suburb of Phoenix in the
shadow of the new football stadium is this comfortable 10 room inn smack dab
in the middle of the downtown-shopping district. Fresh pastries, gourmet
coffee and jazz are the key features here. Yes, that's live jazz most Friday
and Saturday's. You are also only steps from Haus Murphy's German restaurant with
their HUGE portions of award winning grub. 5747 West
Glendale Avenue, Glendale AZ, 85301 (632) 934-9119 ASTOR HOUSE (Green Bay WI) In the heart of cheese head region
is this charming five-room inn with all the comforts and modern amenities
needed for anyone. Innkeepers Barbara and Greg Robinson let you pick your
place in the world as each room is decorated to reflect British, French,
Chinese, US and Austrian culture.
Perfect place to stay for Packer Backers! 637 South Monroe Avenue, Green Bay WI 54301 (920) 432-3585
TOLL FREE (800) 303-6370 (E-MAIL
THE INN) |
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BONNEVUE MANOR (Toronto ON) If you find yourself in Toronto
looking for a wonderful and affordable place to stay look no further than this nifty inn located in the
Roncesvalles neighborhood. So, you are steps away from the lake. Moreover,
they have the best rates in town for such comfort. 33 Beaty Avenue, Toronto ON, M6K 3B3 (416) 536-1455 (E-MAIL THE
INN) AKWAABA DC (Washington DC) One more installment of Monique
Greenwoods wonderful hospitality. Located in Dupont Circle in a classic
townhouse. Once again each of the eight rooms has a different decor and most
are named after African-American authors! The Langston Hughes is the biggest and most elegant in deep dark hues
of brown and rich woods. A private balcony has a perfect view of the
Washington Monument. You will not find better accommodations in DC unless you
stay at the Four Seasons or Mandarin Oriental. 1708 16th Street N.W. (877) 893-3233 (E-MAIL
THE INN) LUNA VISTA B&B (Sedona AZ) Nestled in Lake Montezuma (about midway
between Sedona and Camp Verde is this sprawling B&B with the largest
variety of services and packages available. Kala Pearson and Frank Greene
have teamed to give guest the total Sedona experience. If you can check into
the Don Diego Suite (from
Zorro) you’ll be lavished in the type of luxury you can only find in Arizona.
You are only a short distance from Montezuma's Castle and everything that
makes Afrotrek Favorite Sedona - one of the best destinations in the world. 1062 East Reay Road, Lake Montezuma, AZ
86335 (800) 611-4788 (E-MAIL
THE INN) LOUSAN (Castro Valley, CA) About 15 miles south of Oakland
you’ll find this charming California style B&B presented by innkeepers
Louis and Sandra Langston (thus Lou-San). Their three rooms are tastefully
decorated and the baths include luxurious European soaps by New Hampshire
based Baudelaire! If
you need plenty of room and pampering check into the Venetian Suite which includes lots of stocked juice! 21500 Gary
Drive, Castro Valley, CA 94546 (510) 582-3440 (E-MAIL THE INN) AUNT NEAS (St Georges, Bermuda) With 14 Rooms, this is one of
the bigger inns, which happens to be conveniently located within steps of all
the best beaches on this small island nation. The two suites are elaborately
decorated but very comfortable with that great Bermuda breeze constantly
wafting through. You'll be rapt by the views of the harbor from the inns huge
veranda. 1 Neas Alley, St Georges,
Bermuda (441) 297-1630 (E-MAIL
THE INN) SUGAR HILL INN (New York City, NY) Located in the Sugar Hill
neighborhood of Harlem is the fabulous century old townhouse with 6 lovely
rooms. If you need lots of room they have a 2 bedroom Renaissance Suite available.
But my favorite is the Miles Davis Room with its dark hues and rich woods. Women will love the prissy Lena
Horne Room with its frilliness. 460 West 141st Street, New York City NY
(917) 464-3528 (E-MAIL
THE INN) NEGRIL TREEHOUSE (Negril, Jamaica) easily the largest property of
our choicest with about 70 rooms and suites. Located on Seven Mile Beach,
Treehouse is starting to show its wear and tear and is probably due for an
overhaul. But it is nevertheless one of the most Jamaican of any property in
Jamaica. The restaurant is fabulous with the best conch around. Start it of
with perfectly prepared twice-fried plantain and finish off with the rum rich
fruitcake. (But stay away from the pizza!) As with any oceanfront property,
Treehouse has plenty of water sports available for guest to participate in. Norman Manley Blvd, Negril Jamaica (876)
957-4287 Toll Free (800) NEGRIL-1 |
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There
are quite a few other Afrocentric small inns and B&Bs, however we either
haven't visited them yet or the property left Afrotrek unimpressed. For a
listing of Afrocentric inns contact The African American Innkeepers
Association. |
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