I Stayed There: The Liberty Trust

Dr. Terika L. Haynes shares her experience staying this property.

Dr. Terika L. Haynes Published August 12, 2025

The Vibe

The Liberty Trust effortlessly blends historic charm with modern luxury. Transformed from a former bank building, the hotel has the kind of rich architectural detail that makes you want to slow down and take it all in, as it boasts marble columns and ornate ceiling work. The vibe is elevated and boutique, without feeling pretentious. It felt like it had an old-world sophistication with an urban edge. Because of the history of the building, the hotel tells a story and gives a strong sense of place to guests. This hotel is ideal for cultured travelers, foodies and professionals who appreciate design-forward spaces with soul.

How I Felt

Inspired.

The historic design, combined with Roanoke’s emerging creative scene, made me feel like I was discovering something fresh but also preserved. It was a reminder for me that I should also keep evolving while staying true to my roots.

The Digs

My room was a beautiful balance of historic architecture and modern amenities. The tall ceilings, luxe bedding and thoughtfully curated furniture gave it a high-end residential feel. Considering that there are restrictions for historical buildings, I felt like they did a great job updating the space while also adhering to rules that respect preservation. With the attention to detail, from the lighting to the nod to history with the rotary telephone, the space felt cozy and welcoming.

The Agenda

I explored downtown Roanoke by e-bike, visited the Taubman Museum of Art and made time for meetings with local business owners to better understand the city’s cultural and economic pulse. When the weather allowed, I hit the nearby trails for some scenic hiking and sweeping Blue Ridge views. It was the perfect mix of urban exploration and nature therapy.

The Eats

The Vault inside the hotel is a stylish and intimate dining venue with a great wine selection and inventive small plates. Off-site, I sampled a few gems like Bloom and Caribbica Soul, which served up serious flavor with a side of Southern hospitality.

Why I Would Go Back

The overall aesthetic and atmosphere at The Liberty Trust are hard to beat. It’s rare to find a hotel that honors its history so beautifully while still feeling fresh and elevated. I’d return in a heartbeat for the design alone. However, the location, comfort and service sealed the deal.

About the Author

Dr. Terika L. Haynes is the CEO and Founder of Dynamite Travel, an award-winning, five-star rated, luxury travel and media consultancy that has been providing travel planning service excellence to clients for 15 years. Dr. Haynes, a savvy business professional, sought out to create a company that would not only assist clients with curating customized vacations, but would also assist clients with creating unforgettable travel experiences.

Breaking glass ceilings and creating unique opportunities is a specialty of Dr. Haynes. She is the recent recipient of the 2023 ASTA Travel Advisor of the Year Award. In addition to superb travel planning execution, Dr. Haynes has utilized the opportunity to engage the masses of travel enthusiasts by extending her services as a travel expert and contributing to notable media outlets. As such, her knowledge and expertise have been featured in leading media publications such as: Travel+Leisure, The Washington Post, USA Today, TripSavvy, Fodor’s, BRIDES, CNN, Real Simple, BBC, Reader’s Digest, Travel Noire and more.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion is a strong passion for Dr. Haynes Under her leadership, Dynamite Travel is certified by the National LGBT Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC), the National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC), and U.S. Black Chamber of Commerce (USBC). Dr. Haynes serves as a Board Member and Treasurer of the Central Florida chapter of the American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA). Additionally, she is a member of IGLTA, The Pride Chamber (Central Florida’s local LGBT Chamber of Commerce), the ForbesBLK community.