Perched on the banks of the Mississippi River, Memphis is a soulful city that’s unlike anywhere else in the US. Located just three hours from Nashville, Memphis is well worth visiting if you’re Tennessee bound.
No trip to the city is complete without spending a day and night exploring everything the iconic Beale Street has to offer. There’s a good reason why Beale Street is Tennessee’s most visited attraction! You can learn all about the city’s musical roots at the Memphis Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum, sip beer with the resident goats at the legendary Silky O’Sullivan’s, or catch a live show at the Orpheum Theatre, to name a few.
But there is much more to Memphis than Beale Street. The city played a crucial role in the country’s civil rights movement. To learn about the history of the civil rights movement, a visit to the National Civil Rights Museum is a must.
History and music aside, it goes without saying that Memphis is a mecca for foodies. Be sure to sample the world-famous fried chicken at Gus’s, chow down on Southern comfort food at Alcenia’s, and sample Memphis-style barbecue at the legendary Charlie Vergos’ Rendezvous.
There’s no doubt that Memphis is brimming with stylish boutique hotels, charming B&Bs, and luxurious historic hotels. So many, in fact, that you might have a hard time choosing the perfect one. So we’ve created a list of the 12 best hotels in Memphis to help you plan your perfect getaway!
Don’t forget to check out our web story: The 12 Best Boutique Hotels In Memphis, Tennessee
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Where to Stay in Memphis, Tennessee
Most of the best hotels in Memphis are clustered around the downtown area. Home to iconic attractions like Beale Street, the Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum, and all sorts of excellent bars and eateries, downtown is the perfect place to base yourself if this is your first (or your fifth!) visit to the city. Plus, the area is easily walkable so getting around is a breeze.
If you’re looking to stay in one of the hippest artsy neighborhoods in Memphis, Cooper-Young is a great place to stay. Not only will you find plenty of cool boutique hotels in this neck of the woods, but you’ll be surrounded by tons of artisanal coffee shops, vintage boutiques, and craft beer bars. This part of town is definitely geared toward the younger crowd.
Harbor Town is the perfect pick if you want to be a bit removed from the action but just five minutes from downtown. Located on Mud Island, you can enjoy lovely views of the Mississippi River, catch live music shows at the outdoor amphitheater, and get your nature fix along its scenic greenbelt.
It’s no secret that many visitors flock to Memphis solely to visit Elvis Presley’s Graceland Mansion. Luckily, you can stay in the Graceland area for easy access to the King’s lavish estate and Elvis-themed restaurants and shops! Plus, Beale Street is a mere 15-minute drive away.
But no matter where you stay in Memphis, you’ll find plenty of great hotels to choose from!
The 12 Best Boutique Hotels in Memphis
1. ARRIVE Memphis
ARRIVE opened its doors in late 2019 and has rapidly emerged as the coolest boutique hotel in Memphis. Located in the South Main Arts District, you’re just steps away from some of the city’s best shops, restaurants, and bars. Plus, the Orpheum Theatre, the Memphis Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum, and Beale Street are just blocks away.
Each of the 62 industrial-chic rooms features comfy beds with 100% Egyptian cotton bedding, polished concrete floors, and exposed brick walls. The vintage rugs, flat-screens with Apple TV, Marshall Bluetooth speakers, and mini-fridges are nice added touches. Upgraded studios and lofts offer more space and plush leather couches.
Unlike traditional hotels, you’ll “check-in” at the coffee shop and be handed a complimentary cold beverage. In the mornings, you can get your coffee fix at Vice & Virtue Coffee or head over to Hustle & Dough for fresh pastries and creative breakfast fare.
The hotel restaurant, Longshot, is a local favorite and serves up elevated internationally inspired pub dishes from sticky Moroccan short ribs to Korean fried chicken sandwiches. This is also a popular spot to grab a cocktail or local brew and play a friendly game of shuffleboard in the evenings!
2. The Central Station Memphis
Memphis Central Station debuted as a train station in 1914. In 2019, the entire station was given a massive renovation and is now home to a working Amtrak station and a luxury hotel. With its storied history, original architectural details, and one-of-a-kind location, Central Station Hotel is definitely one of the most unique boutique hotels in Memphis.
The hotel is home to a ballroom (with the original arrival and departure signs), a stylish lobby boasting an artsy wall of speakers, and a lounge with a collection of 500 albums, which pay tribute to the city’s music culture. You can also grab cocktails and listen to blues at Eight & Sand or dine on French and Southern fusion food at Bishop.
Rooms and suites all boast high ceilings, massive windows, and spacious ensuites with rain showers. You’ll love the extra amenities including Keurig coffeemakers, mini-fridges, writing desks, and designer chocolates from local favorite Phillip Ashley!
Not only is Central Station Hotel convenient if you’re arriving to the city by train. But Orpheum Theatre and FedExForum are less than a mile away if you want to catch a show or basketball game!
3. Peabody Memphis
If you want to stay in the most iconic hotel in Memphis, look no further than The Peabody. Easily recognizable by its classic red sign perched on the rooftop, this landmark has been an institution in the city since 1869. Perhaps one of the most famous (and cutest) things about this hotel are its resident ducks, which can be seen splashing around in the lobby fountain from 11am to 5pm each day!
Known as the “South’s Grand Hotel,” expect excellent customer service and luxurious touches around every corner. All rooms feature the perfect blend of traditional furniture, modern amenities, and art that pays homage to the city’s heritage.
One of the best features of The Peabody is its rooftop. Head up here on Thursday nights (in the summer) for their festive and music-filled rooftop parties! If you’re feeling fancy, be sure to try the Peabody Afternoon Tea or if you want to dine at the hotel, Capriccio Grill has some of the best steaks in Memphis.
Whether you want breakfast in bed or dinner and a movie in your room, the in-room dining menu will not disappoint. You can even preorder meals and have them waiting for you in your room if you’ve had a long day or late night on the town!
4. River Inn of Harbor Town
Nestled on the banks of the Mississippi River – on Mud Island – River Inn of Harbor Town is renowned as one of the best boutique hotels in Memphis. From the decor to the customer service, expect the perfect mix of Southern hospitality and European elegance.
Right from the start, the staff goes out of their way to make you feel welcome. You’ll love the complimentary glass of champagne at check-in and the free wine and truffles at turndown each evening!
The 28 rooms all boast four-poster beds, wood armoires, and elegant drapery and carpeting. Each floor also has a library sitting area where you can read the paper and sip your morning coffee.
Although it’s a small luxury boutique hotel, this place features three bars and restaurants. Don’t miss out on a meal at Paulette’s, which is a local institution. From blueberry pancakes to confit chicken sandwiches and shrimp and grits, this is a great spot for breakfast, lunch, and dinner!
At sunset, head up to the rooftop lounge where you can sip locally inspired handcrafted cocktails, watch the sun sink over the Mississippi, and see the Memphis Bridge light up during the nightly Mighty Lights Show! You can also dine on creative Southern fare on the rooftop terrace or enjoy a casual pub-style meal downstairs at Tug’s.
And if you want to explore downtown Memphis, it’s a quick 5-minute drive to the south!
5. Moxy Memphis Downtown
Located right in the heart of downtown, Moxy is at the top of the list when it comes to the coolest hotel in Memphis.
Like all Moxy hotels, the Memphis branch is designed with millennial travelers in mind, so expect to find all sorts of Instagrammable nooks and crannies around this hip hotel! Plus, it’s right next to the Main Street Trolley line so all of the city’s major attractions are a cinch to reach.
You can check-in at the hip hotel bar, where you can redeem your drink token for a free craft cocktail anytime during your stay. Bar Moxy also happens to be a super popular spot for late-night drinks. You’ll love socializing with friends on the porch on Main Street where you can sip drinks around the fire pit, play a game of bocce ball or ping-pong, and mingle with your fellow travelers.
Each of the 118 guest rooms is super efficient without sacrificing style. They feature plush beds, pegs where you can hang your clothes, and foldable furniture. The vintage telephones, funky banjos, and rainfall showers with subway tiles are stylish touches. Upgraded rooms come with unique features from mega double-sized beds to kitschy kitchenettes and spacious living areas.
6. Hu. Hotel
If you haven’t noticed already, Memphis is brimming with ultra-cool, forward-thinking hotels, and Hu. is no exception! Everything about Hu. is a celebration of the city’s artistic culture, historic roots, and Southern hospitality. Plus, it opened in 2018 so everything is relatively new and top-of-the-line.
There’s a lot to love out Hu. but its year-round rooftop bar takes the cake. This stylish lounge area offers sweeping views of the Mississippi River and the Hernando DeSoto Bridge, which you can enjoy over a glass of wine or two.
For breakfast, grab a specialty coffee and a freshly baked pastry at Hu. Cafe. If you want to have dinner onsite you can order addictive Southern diner-style fare at Hu. Diner. Or Charlie Vergos’ Rendezvous and Gus’s World Famous Fried Chicken are right down the street and just happen to be some of the best restaurants in town!
Unwind in your dreamy room at the end of a long day. You’ll love watching movies from the comfy bed, grabbing drinks from the locally curated minibar, and luxuriating in the modern ensuite. We highly recommend booking a room with a river view!
7. Hotel Indigo
Hotel Indigo is one of the best hotels in Memphis if you want to be right in the heart of the Beale Street Historic District. This historic building was originally built as the first Holiday Inn in Memphis in 1963. But in 2019, the hotel was reimagined as a forward-thinking boutique hotel.
Located on North B.B. King Boulevard, step inside and you’ll be in awe of the local artwork, colorful mid-century furniture, and one-of-a-kind memorabilia from the city’s legendary musicians. There’s even a limited edition Rock-Ola Elvis Presley Jukebox where you can play as many Memphis-related tunes as you want. It’s totally free!
One of the coolest amenities of this boutique hotel is the courtyard, which has an outdoor pool, a sundeck, cornhole, and a giant Jenga.
Each of the 119 ultra-hip rooms boast music-themed murals, hardwood floors, and spa-like baths with Aveda toiletries. You’ll love getting cozy on the plush bed with Frette linens and having a movie night with the HDTV.
8. Hotel Napoleon
Yet another architectural gem in the heart of Memphis, Hotel Napoleon is housed in the 1902 Press Scimitar Building. This beautiful building is even listed on the National Register of Historic Places so you’ll be staying in a piece of history! Plus, you’ll find all sorts of original architectural details around this boutique hotel including exposed brick, 12-foot-high ceilings, and picturesque bay windows.
The 56 rooms and two suites all boast plush beds with luxe Egyptian linens and Simmons Choice Beautyrest mattresses, original artwork, and Bluetooth speakers. The upgraded suites feature private entrances, sitting parlors, and luxurious European-style baths.
Located in the heart of town, you’ll be spoiled for choice when it comes to restaurants. But be sure to fill up on traditional breakfast fare at the onsite Luna Bar and Restaurant before heading out for the day. If you feel like dining out, the world-famous burgers at Huey’s Downtown and the legendary brisket at The Rendezvous are both just steps away!
9. The Guest House at Graceland
Elvis fans will definitely want to stay at The Guest House at Graceland. Not only is the entire hotel Elvis-themed, but Elvis Presley’s Graceland Mansion is a mere 5-minute walk away. You honestly can’t get any closer to Graceland than this!
You’ll love all of the resort-like amenities. Grab a pint at the pub, watch an Elvis movie in the theater, or soak up the sun in the outdoor pool during the summer months. Before heading to Graceland for the day, you can fill up on seriously delicious Southern-style biscuits (they have three types!) at Delta’s Kitchen.
This hotel may be Elvis-themed but the rooms are tasteful, contemporary, and all have a splash of rock ‘n’ roll glam. If you’re a diehard fan definitely book one of the 20 extravagant themed King’s Suites. The suites on the top floor were actually designed by Elvis’s ex-wife Priscilla and outfitted with decor inspired by the King’s former estates!
If you want to explore Memphis’s main attractions downtown is just a 15-minute drive away!
10. James Lee House
If history is your thing, you might consider staying in the historic James Lee House. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places and set in the city’s Victorian Village Historic District, this charming B&B is one of the most unique hotels in Memphis.
The home was built in 1848 and after a $2 million renovation, it reopened as a luxury bed and breakfast in 2014. Expect to find all sorts of amazing antiques, art, and literature around this spectacular Victorian home.
You can have your pick of five incredible suites. The Lee Suite is touted as the most luxurious of the bunch and features European-style furnishings, an antique collection of books, and an enormous marble bath with a standalone Victoria + Albert tub.
You might feel like you’re worlds away but this gem is located in the heart of town. Before heading out for the day, be sure to take advantage of the lavish gourmet breakfast, which includes homemade breads, pastries, and made-to-order egg and pancake dishes. The breakfast spread is reason enough to book a night at The James Lee House!
11. Big Cypress Lodge
Located in Memphis’s iconic pyramid-shaped building, it’s hard to miss the Big Cypress Lodge. As the name implies, this unique luxury hotel is completely wilderness-themed so expect all sorts of modern amenities and rustic touches.
All of the rooms are inspired by hunting lodges and feature handmade wood furniture, cozy fireplaces, and comfy pillowtop mattresses. With over 100 rooms, you can choose from unique “treehouses,” private “log cabins,” and spacious suites.
This family-friendly hotel features three totally unique restaurants. You can dine on classic American fare at the nautically-themed Fishbowl or take a ride up the country’s tallest free-standing elevator and enjoy a meal with a view at The Lookout. For more outstanding views of the city, grab a cocktail at the Mississippi Terrace and gather around the fire pit in the evenings with your family and friends.
The hotel also boasts a state-of-the-art fitness center so you can keep up with your routine and an onsite spa if you feel like pampering yourself!
12. Canopy By Hilton
Canopy is located right downtown, just a couple blocks from the Orpheum Theatre, the Memphis Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum, and the world-famous barbecue restaurant, Charlie Vergos’ Rendezvous. It’s the perfect pick if this is your first time in Memphis and want to tick off all of the city’s major attractions!
The hotel opened its doors in late 2020 so everything is new and modern. The entire hotel was designed to pay homage to the heart and soul of Memphis. Rooms boast cool features like mattresses with Serta cool gel technology, headboards inspired by the backseats of vintage Thunderbirds, and canopies over the beds made from old speakers.
If you want to dine in, the hotel features its very own restaurant. Curfew is helmed by celebrity chef Fabio Viviani and serves up excellent American fare with a Spanish and Italian twist. If you want to get out and explore, just borrow one of the hotel’s complimentary bikes and get cruising!
Canopy also happens to be pet-friendly if you want to bring your furry friends along. Rest assured the ultra-friendly staff will go above and beyond to spoil your pups!
That’s it – 12 of the best Memphis hotels! Did we miss any cool boutique hotels in Memphis? Comment below so we can add them to the list!
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Frequently Asked Questions
An architectural gem located in the heart of Memphis, Hotel Napoleon is housed in the 1902 Press Scimitar Building. This beautiful building is even listed on the National Register of Historic Places so you’ll be staying in a piece of history! Plus, you’ll find all sorts of original architectural details around this boutique hotel including exposed brick, 12-foot-high ceilings, and picturesque bay windows.
Elvis fans will definitely want to stay at The Guest House at Graceland. Not only is the entire hotel Elvis-themed, but Elvis Presley’s Graceland Mansion is a mere 5-minute walk away. You honestly can’t get any closer to Graceland than this!
Located in Memphis’s iconic pyramid-shaped building, it’s hard to miss the Big Cypress Lodge. As the name implies, this unique luxury hotel is completely wilderness-themed so expect all sorts of modern amenities and rustic touches.
Big Cypress Lodge features three totally unique restaurants. You can dine on classic American fare at the nautically-themed Fishbowl or take a ride up the country’s tallest free-standing elevator and enjoy a meal with a view at The Lookout. For more outstanding views of the city, grab a cocktail at the Mississippi Terrace and gather around the fire pit in the evenings with your family and friends.
