America’s first Black female billionaire, Sheila Johnson, is reportedly preparing for another major business move. The founder and CEO of Salamander Collection is said to be in discussions to rebrand her flagship Washington hotel as a Marriott property.
According to reports, the potential deal would mark a new chapter for Salamander Washington DC, one of the most important properties in Johnson’s luxury hospitality portfolio. Although the discussions have not been publicly confirmed, the move could further strengthen Johnson’s position in the global luxury hotel industry.
Sheila Johnson’s Washington Hotel Could Join Marriott’s Luxury Portfolio
Salamander Washington DC sits on the city’s Southwest waterfront near the National Mall and Tidal Basin. The 373-room property has carried the Salamander name since September 2022.
Johnson acquired the former Mandarin Oriental Washington, D.C., alongside London-based private equity real estate firm Henderson Park for $139 million. They later relaunched the hotel as the flagship property of the Salamander Collection. If the deal goes through, the hotel would become part of one of Marriott International’s luxury brands while remaining open to guests.
However, financial details and a timeline for the possible transition have not been disclosed.
Salamander Collection Has Expanded Into a Luxury Hospitality Brand
The reported rebranding comes after years of growth for Johnson’s hospitality company. Founded in 2005, Salamander Collection has steadily built a reputation in the luxury travel market.
Today, the company operates high-end hotels and resorts across Virginia, South Carolina, Florida, Colorado, Jamaica, and Anguilla. The Washington property represented Salamander’s first entry into the nation’s capital and became one of its most visible investments.
The potential Marriott partnership would therefore represent another strategic shift in Johnson’s efforts to expand her influence in luxury hospitality.
Extensive Renovations Transformed Salamander Washington DC
Following the acquisition, Johnson invested heavily in transforming the Washington hotel. The property underwent an extensive renovation that redesigned guest rooms and public areas.
The improvements also included an expanded spa and the opening of Dōgon, the restaurant created by acclaimed chef Kwame Onwuachi. Since opening in 2024, the restaurant has earned national recognition and attracted significant attention to the property.
If the rebranding is finalized, it would end the Salamander name’s presence in Washington less than four years after Johnson introduced the brand to the city.
Sheila Johnson Continues to Build an Extraordinary Business Legacy
Johnson first made history after co-founding Black Entertainment Television, widely known as BET, with her former husband, Bob Johnson. She became America’s first Black female billionaire after BET was sold to Viacom in a multibillion-dollar deal.
Since then, she has built a diverse business empire spanning hospitality, sports, entertainment, and real estate. Her net worth is estimated at around $850 million, according to Billionaires Africa.
Johnson also holds another unique distinction. She is the only Black woman to simultaneously own stakes in three professional sports franchises: the Washington Wizards of the NBA, the Washington Capitals of the NHL, and the Washington Mystics of the WNBA.
Even as the hospitality industry continues to evolve, Johnson’s willingness to adapt and pursue new opportunities demonstrates why she remains one of the most influential Black business leaders in America.
