Best hotels in Memphis

River Inn of Harbor Town, Memphis

The River Inn of Harbor Town is a hidden gem tucked away on a scenic island in the Mississippi River, just minutes from downtown Memphis. This boutique hotel is a cornerstone of the Harbor Town community, an experiment in "New Urbanism" designed to feel like a walkable, European-style village. With its classic Southern charm, gas-lit lanterns, and wrought-iron balconies, it feels more like a private residence than a typical city hotel.

“It’s been around since 2007, but River Inn still manages to fly under the radar, and in fact, many Memphians don’t even know it’s there. On the banks of the river, in the yuppie waterfront community of Harbor Town, this boutique hotel feels very European: it’s perfect for an anniversary or other romantic occasion.”

Featured as Frommer’s Exceptional Choice in Memphis.

Hotel The Peabody, Memphis

Known as "The South’s Grand Hotel," The Peabody Memphis is an iconic landmark that has defined Southern hospitality since 1869. The current building, a masterpiece of Italian Renaissance Revival style, was designed by architect Walter W. Ahlschlager and opened its doors on Union Avenue in 1925.

“Even if you’re not staying here, it’s worth a stop to see this 12-story downtown landmark, built in 1925. The lobby has the original stained-glass skylights and the travertine-marble fountain that is home to the hotel’s resident ducks.”

Featured as Fodor’s Choice in Memphis.

ARRIVE Hotel, Memphis

ARRIVE Memphis is a stylish boutique hotel located in the historic South Main Arts District. Housed in a beautifully repurposed industrial building, the property perfectly captures the creative spirit of the neighborhood. Its design balances the raw beauty of original exposed brickwork and high ceilings with modern, eclectic touches like Victorian-inspired wallpaper, Turkish rugs, and vibrant, curated furnishings.

“This 62-room boutique hotel, located right in the middle of the South Main Arts District, is my favorite modern hotel downtown. Beds are wrapped in Egyptian cotton and the marble bathrooms offer Hudson Made bath amenities, but the best thing about the ARRIVE is the vibe. Staying there feels like visiting your hippest, most thoughtful buddy.”

The Memphian Hotel, Memphis

The Memphian, a Tribute Portfolio hotel, brings a polished, artistic energy to the historic Overton Square district in Midtown Memphis. Housed in a building that honors the area’s rich history, the hotel’s design leans into a playful, mid-century modern aesthetic that pays homage to the city’s deep-rooted connection to music and creative culture.

“A fun, centrally-located stay in a space that will leave you feeling refueled, recharged, and creatively inspired. The hotel sits in Overton Square, a neighborhood within Midtown Memphis that’s filled with restaurants, shops, and theaters. Tiger and Peacock, the hotel’s indoor/outdoor rooftop bar, looks out onto the heart of the Square.”

The Central Station Hotel, Memphis

The Central Station Hotel in Memphis is a stunning transformation of a 1914 rail hub into a chic boutique property. While it now offers modern comfort, it retains its historic soul, preserving original architectural elements like the grand 33-foot ceilings in the ballroom and the station's iconic arrival and departure board.

“Directly across from the FedEx Forum and the gateway to Beale St, this is one of Memphis’ flashiest hotels. Spacious rooms – each with bathtub and separate shower – have all the four-star trimmings and excellent service.”

The Westin Beale Street, Memphis

The Westin Memphis Beale Street, which opened in 2007, was designed as a modern landmark to complement the city’s historic fabric. Architects created its striking nine-story angled glass and metal tower to serve as a visual anchor while using brick and stone to harmonize with the surrounding downtown architecture.

“The rooms are classic Westin—bright, white, and sun-drenched—and in my opinion there’s nothing better than the Westin’s signature “Heavenly Bed,” with its plush, pillowtop mattresses and 250-thread-count sheets.”

Talbot Heirs Guesthouse, Memphis

The Talbot Heirs Guesthouse is a discreet, locally-owned sanctuary located on Second Street in downtown Memphis. Eschewing the traditional hotel lobby experience, it offers a private entrance that leads to just eight uniquely curated suites on the second floor. Established in 1996, it provides a quiet, apartment-style retreat within a building that holds deep roots in Memphis history.

“Inconspicuously located on the 2nd floor of a busy downtown street, this unique, cheerful guesthouse is one of Memphis’ best-kept secrets. Spacious suites, all with recently modernized bathrooms, are more like hip studio apartments than hotel rooms, with Asian rugs, funky local artwork and kitchens stocked with (included!) snacks.”

Big Cypress Lodge, Memphis

Big Cypress Lodge is an architectural marvel located inside the iconic Memphis Pyramid, a structure originally built in 1991 as a sports and entertainment arena. The hotel, which opened in 2015, was designed by Johnny Morris, the founder of Bass Pro Shops, who turned the massive space into an immersive wilderness retreat. Legend has it that the store-inside-a-pyramid concept was inspired by a successful fishing trip where Morris and his companions caught a 30-pound catfish on the Mississippi River.

“The Mississippi riverfront glass pyramid that last served as a basketball arena has been refashioned as an immersive Bass Pro Shop, complete with fish- and gator-filled ponds. Overlooking them and the indoor cypress swamp diorama is the rustic-themed, 103-room Big Cypress Lodge.”

Featured in New York Times’ 36 Hours in Memphis.

Hampton Inn & Suites Beale Street, Memphis

The Hampton Inn & Suites Memphis-Beale Street is perfectly positioned to immerse you in the heartbeat of the city. Opened in 2000 and refreshed with a 2019 renovation, the hotel’s aesthetic draws inspiration from the area's rich musical heritage. It’s a smart choice for travelers who want to be right in the mix without sacrificing comfort.

“Hampton Inns used to just be budget options, but in recent years they’ve become more boutiquey, but without the big price tag. Everything about this hotel is reliable (including the service) and convenient (particularly the location). You’ve gotta love a hotel that doesn’t try to nickel-and-dime you, and it’s hard to beat getting freebies like the Wi-Fi and the breakfast.”

Featured as Frommer’s Exceptional Choice in Memphis.

voco Hotel Napoleon, Memphis

The voco Hotel Napoleon in downtown Memphis is a beautiful example of adaptive reuse. Originally built in 1902 as the Scimitar Building, it was commissioned by Napoleon Hill, a wealthy merchant and newspaper owner. Over the decades, the historic structure served as a newspaper office and later as the headquarters for Memphis Light, Gas and Water, before being thoughtfully renovated into the boutique hotel that exists today.

“The 1902-vintage Winchester office building has recently been repurposed as the Hotel Napoleon Memphis with 58 crisp rooms. In addition to its pedestrian-friendly downtown location, the hotel houses a restaurant serving breakfast and dinner, and offers free coffee anytime in the lobby.”

Featured in New York Times’ 36 Hours in Memphis.