World City Guide

Hotels

Most hotels in Memphis are in three major areas – Downtown, Midtown or East Memphis business district. They range from well-known landmarks, new boutique hotels and charming B&Bs to major convention properties and nationally known chains.

Price categories for a standard double room are as follows:
$$$$ (over US$300)
$$$ (US$200 to US$299)
$$ (US$100 to US$199)
$ (under US$100)

Tax of 15.95% is extra. Check hotel websites for online specials. Breakfast is not included unless specified.

Business

Hilton Memphis
In the heart of the fashionable East Memphis business district, the landmark 27-storey reflective glass tower offers awesome views of Memphis from virtually every room. The 405-room hotel underwent a $12 million total renovation and opened as the Hilton Memphis in April 2004. Retro décor rooms have plush easy chairs, spacious work desk, data ports and high-speed Internet access. Guests on the Executive Level are pampered with breakfast and evening hors d’oeuvres and desserts. Over 30,000 square ft of meeting and event facilities are on one level for business conventions. The hotel has outdoor heated pool and whirlpool, 24-hour fitness room and atrium lobby bar overlooking landscaped grounds. The hotel’s modern American bistro, Rook’s Corner, is a classy spot for lunch or dinner. The free shuttle for guests to visit area attractions or restaurants in a five-mile radius is a nice touch.

939 Ridge Lake Boulevard
Tel: (901) 684 6664 or (800) 371 8065 (HILTONS).
Website: www.hiltonmemphis.com
Price: $$-$$$$

Memphis Marriott Downtown
Primarily a convention hotel located on the Main Street trolley line at the north end of Downtown. The city’s largest hotel, with 600 rooms including 10 luxury suites often occupied by celebrities. The lobby is vast, with soaring ceilings, marble floors, glass elevators and traditional furnishings. Many rooms have city or river views, and corner rooms are the choice pick. Full amenities for business travellers and three Concierge Levels for VIP service. State of the art fitness centre, glass-enclosed pool and spa overlook a rooftop sunbathing terrace with spectacular views of the city. A video arcade game room for the kids is a hotspot while parents attend events at the adjoining Memphis Cook Convention Centre. Various accommodation packages available.

250 North Main Street
Tel: (901) 527 7300 or (888) 557 8740.
Website: www.marriott.com
Price: $$-$$$$

Luxury

The Peabody
The South’s Grand Hotel is the epitome of luxury, elegance and Southern hospitality, and the social hub of Downtown Memphis. This 1869 historic landmark was restored to its original splendour in 1981 by local developer Jack Belz. Don’t miss the famous Peabody Ducks’ twice daily march at 1100 and 1700 to and from the ornate marble lobby fountain. The 449 spacious guestrooms and 15 suites exude simple elegance and class, with upscale toiletries, pillow top mattresses, down pillows and comforters. Located near the pool and fitness centre, Gould’s Day Spa & Salon offers the ultimate pampering packages. The hotel provides a 24-hour business centre, exclusive shopping arcade, Sunday brunch on the Skyway and Thursday night rooftop parties for dancing under the stars to live bands. Chez Philippe is the ultimate dining experience for an elegant night out.

149 Union Avenue
Tel: (901) 529 4000 or (800) PEABODY.
Website: www.peabodymemphis.com
Price: $$$-$$$$

Madison Hotel
One of the small luxury boutique hotels of the world, the upscale Madison overlooks the mighty Mississippi River with the best view in town. Transformed from an original bank building, the hotel reflects sophisticated hospitality and style. Guestrooms pamper with European linen, down comforters and duvets, luxurious furnishings, stocked mini bar, coffee maker and high-speed Internet access. Thursday night rooftop parties feature live jazz or blues, and afford a spectacular view of Fourth of July fireworks. Special packages include in-room massages, a night out at the theatre, or a romantic rooftop dinner overlooking the Mississippi River. The fitness centre occupies the original bank vault, and includes an indoor heated lap pool. Continental breakfast is complimentary. The adjacent chic and sophisticated Grill 83 New York-style bistro comes highly recommended.

79 Madison Avenue
Tel: (901) 333 1200.
Website: www.madisonhotelmemphis.com
Price: $$$-$$$$

Moderate

Comfort Inn Downtown
Overlooking the Mississippi River and Mud Island, this hotel is located in the heart of historic Downtown, close to all amenities and within walking distance of Beale Street. Rooms are spacious and comfortable, with all the standard amenities, including high speed Internet, coffee makers, and free continental breakfast. A lobby computer is also available for guest use. Two seasonal pools on the rooftop deck afford spectacular views of the bridge and Mississippi River. The Downtown trolley stops close to the hotel entrance. Meeting facilities are perfect for family reunions or business presentations.

100 North Front Street
Tel: (901) 526 0583 or (877) 424 6423.
Website: www.comfortinn.com/hotel/tn235
Price: $

Talbot Heirs Guesthouse
Contemporary downtown B&B with eight uniquely individual suites. Each decorated in bold colours, with plantation shutters on the windows, cool tile floors and throw rugs. Both studios and one-bedroom suites are spacious, almost apartment-size, and simply, but comfortably furnished. All have full kitchens, stocked with extras such as cereal and yoghurt, biscotti to go with the coffee, and popcorn by the microwave. Owners Tom and Sandy Franck are gracious hosts, and will even stock a kitchen with groceries prior to a guest’s arrival. The perfect home-away-from-home for long or short-term stays. Talbot Heirs is conveniently located opposite The Peabody hotel and just minutes from Beale Street.

99 South Second Street
Tel: (901) 527 9772 or (800) 955 3956.
Website: www.talbotheirs.com
Price: $$

Residence Inn by Marriott
This extended stay hotel in the East Memphis business district offers 80 spacious studio suites and 22 penthouse suites. The two-bedroom penthouse suites have intriguing loft sleeping with separate bathrooms. All suites have a living room, full kitchen, fireplace and high-speed Internet access. Many rooms have outside garden access suitable for pets. The hotel offers complimentary grocery shopping and free shuttle to restaurants and attractions within a five-mile radius. Add to that an outside pool, 24-hour exercise room, a lobby computer for guest use, and complimentary full breakfast buffet. Excellent value for money.

6141 Old Poplar Pike
Tel: (901) 685 9595 or (800) 331 3131.
Website: www.marriott.com/MEMPP
Price: $$

Other Recommendations

Bonne Terre Country Inn & Restaurant
A true gem nestled on 25 acres in beautiful rolling countryside, the Bonne Terre Country Inn is just 20 minutes’ drive south of Memphis. Fifteen enchanting guestrooms in the two-storey Greek revival inn are decorated with fine art and French and English antiques. Luxurious whirlpool tubs, in-room fireplaces, four-poster beds and private balconies overlooking the lake and swimming pool provide a perfect retreat. The wedding chapel and large reception facilities make it a popular choice for weddings. Special packages are available for off-site business retreats, family reunions and romantic getaways. French country cuisine from award-winning chefs is served in the adjacent restaurant. Sunday Jazz brunch once a month is not to be missed. Full country breakfast included with overnight stays.

4715 Church Road West, Nesbit, Mississippi
Tel: (662) 781 5100.
Website: www.bonneterre.com
Price: $$-$$$

Elvis Presley’s Heartbreak Hotel
The only place to stay for the dedicated Elvis fan on a Graceland pilgrimage. A fashionable boutique hotel in retro 50’s style. A short walkway opens into the parking lot of Graceland. The heartbeat of Elvis throbs from the moment you enter the lobby furnished in bold harlequin patterns, and his voice croons over the airwaves. There are 128 rooms and four lavish themed suites which each celebrate a different aspect of Elvis’ life. The Burning Love Suite is a must for romantics, after taking a dip in the heart-shaped pool. Elvis music and videos play 24 hours. All rooms have kitchenettes and photos of the King on the walls.

3677 Elvis Presley Boulevard
Tel: (901) 332 1000 or (877) 777 0606.
Website: www.elvis.com
Price: $-$$