5 Inspiring Female Hoteliers Paving the Way in the US

By Lourdes Martin | 3-29-23: Celebrate Women’s History Month by recognizing the incredible female entrepreneurs who are behind some of the world’s most iconic hotels. From cosmopolitan cities to beachside retreats, these women-owned businesses exemplify sheer excellence! These female hoteliers are paving their own way and making waves in this traditionally male-dominated industry. Get inspired by these 20 extraordinary women, each with unique stories behind some amazing hotels!

The Surfrider Hotel — Malibu, California

Emma Goodwin and her husband Matthew have turned their dreams into reality, breathing new life into a 1950s surf motel on the California coast to create an idyllic bi-coastal paradise. Their modern Malibu dream house offers a sanctuary for adventurers seeking out inspiration while allowing them both to enjoy the time between coasts.

The Roundtree — Amagansett, New York

After gaining her legal training at New York University, Sylvia Wong entered the corporate world as a lawyer working on mergers and acquisitions in NYC. But this was just the beginning of an incredible journey that would take her places literally – with 15 years spent overseeing all emerging markets at IBM; Wong traveled across Latin America, Africa, and Asia. In 2020 she found an opportunity to purchase an inn in the Hamptons; the rest is history! If there’s one thing to learn here is that it’s always possible to make your dreams come true.

The Carpenter Hotel — Austin, Texas

In 2018, Turner and Jack Barron made their dream a reality by transforming the 1948 Modernist building that was once home to Austin’s carpenters’ trade union into an oasis of hospitality – The Carpenter Hotel. Guests are welcomed with 93 guest rooms in both the single-story landmark structure and its four-story annex; here, they can bask in peaceful and inspiring space while enjoying all the Zilker neighborhood offers.

Eaton – Washington D.C.

Kat Lo, an Asian-American born in Hong Kong and now the founder and president of Eaton Workshop located in Washington D.C., has a unique story that reflects today’s rapidly changing world. Through her journey of studying anthropology, film-making, and exploring design, music, spirituality, and community building – her vision for Eaton Workshop is to foster doing good in the world. It is an ideal space to unite people for collective thriving.

The Downtown Clifton – Tucson, Arizona

Moniqua Lane, a Tucson local with big aspirations, made her dream come true in 2012 when she purchased The Downtown Clifton hotel. With an eye for detail and respect for the city’s rich history, Monique assembled a team of fellow natives to revamp the original 1948 structure into something extraordinary.

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(Note: Lourdes Martin is a blogger, writer, and influencer with expertise in Hospitality, Travel, and International Affairs. Martin has been featured on Shoutout Miami and various other publications. Martin’s blog: Please, Do Tell & Recuerdos. Martin is a contributing writer to aavgo.com.)