Where to Stay

Memphis, despite its geographic location in the center of the United States, has never been a conventional city. As a result, Memphis lacks the typical concentration of high-rise buildings, and high-end hotels in its downtown area. On the positive side, the dearth of expense-account business has kept the price of hotel rooms, on average, considerably lower than what is typical for a city of this size. Moderately priced hotels cluster near Graceland, while hotels on the east side of town cater to business visitors. Intimate bed-and-breakfasts are rare; the two best choices are the Talbot Heirs Guest House downtown and the Lowenstein-Long House in Midtown.

Downtown

With the recent opening of a downtown baseball park accompanied by new entertainment complexes and the resurgence of Beale Street, both the scarcity of hotel rooms and their reliable low prices are starting to change. Still, a room in the historic Peabody Hotel remains one of the best values for the elegance you will receive. With Beale Street and most other attractions in the downtown area just a short walk or trolley-ride away, the Peabody combines elegance with convenience. This hotel is the heart of social life in Memphis: visitors in the lobby often watch socialites, debutantes, prom kids and wedding parties flow in and out of the spectacular ballrooms. During the day, the ducks in the fountain draw crowds of curious children and amateur photographers. For the same location at a lower price, check out the Doubletree next door. Bring a bathing suit so you can enjoy the hot tub on the roof deck.

On the North side of downtown by the Memphis Cook Convention Center and The Pyramid sits the Memphis Marriott Downtown, a luxurious hotel. On the trolley line between the Convention Center and Beale Street is the Sleep Inn at Court Square. For something a little cozier, try the nine-suite Talbot Heirs Guest House, where celebrities such as Claudia Schiffer have stayed.

Beale Street

The new Hampton Inn is the only choice for those who want to fall out of the hotel rooms onto the celebrated street of blues and jazz.

Midtown/Central

Midtown hotels are designed for the leisure traveler who plans to take advantage of the entertainment opportunities in and around Overton Square. Honeymoon couples love the romantic atmosphere of the French Quarter Suites, where every room has a Jacuzzi tub, and where champagne brunch is served in the New Orleans-style lobby restaurant. Others like to relax in the historic luxury of the Lowenstein-Long House, a restored turn-of-the-century mansion. Less luxurious, but convenient for those who are in town in connection with Memphis' large medical community, is the Hampton Inn-Medical Center. La Quinta Inn is a good choice for families with children, who will enjoy the outdoor swimming pool.

University of Memphis

The University maintains a small hotel in conjunction with the Fogelman Business Center, but it is only available to conference attendees or guests of the University; others stay either in Midtown or East Memphis. With only limited public transportation available, visitors to the campus will probably want to arrange for a rental car.

East Memphis

Some of the upscale hotels you might expect to find downtown are actually located in East Memphis. Both the East Memphis Doubletree and the Memphis Hilton are popular choices with visitors in town for a sports event at The Pyramid arena or one of the international tennis and golf tournaments held nearby. Just down the street is the Embassy Suites. The garden interior of this all-suite hotel, complete with a meandering stream and live ducks, make this hotel feel like a bit of the country in the city. The buffet breakfast and happy-hour reception included in the room price make this an unbeatable value. The Marriott, adjacent to St. Francis Hospital and the nearby office parks, has become a good choice for vacationers, with its outdoor pool and fireplace in the lobby. The Ridgeway Inn, at the busy intersection of Poplar Avenue and I-240, has a branch of the popular Cafe Expresso, with the same extravagant desserts served in its Peabody Hotel location.

Graceland/Airport Area

For the all-out Elvis experience, stay at Elvis Presley's Heartbreak Hotel, where you can watch Elvis movies in your room 24 hours a day. Other choices for quick access to Graceland are the Days Inn at Graceland and the Comfort Inn on East Brooks Road.

Germantown, Bartlett and Cordova

The Eastern suburbs offer several all-suite hotel choices, perfect for family groups. The most luxurious and the best value is the Amerisuites at Wolfchase, adjacent to the Wolfchase Galleria Mall. With a buffet breakfast included, plus an outdoor swimming pool and shuttle service to major attractions, vacationers will find this a particularly good option. Best Suites in Cordova has many of the same amenities and a location convenient to I-40—ideal for those crossing the country by car and stopping for the night. Other options in the same area include the Fairfield Inn, Best Western Suites and Days Inn, all located on Macon Cover Road, near the State Technical Institute of Memphis and the interstate highway.