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.
The hotel is world-famous for its whimsical daily ritual: the Peabody Duck March. Since the 1930s, a team of trained mallard ducks has marched from their rooftop palace to the lobby’s marble fountain at 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. to the tune of John Philip Sousa’s “King Cotton March.” This tradition started as a lighthearted prank by the hotel’s general manager after a hunting trip and has since become a beloved piece of American travel history.
Beyond the ducks, the hotel is steeped in cultural lore. It is famously where a young Elvis Presley signed his first RCA recording contract, solidifying its place in music history. With its vintage glamour, the property has also served as a backdrop for various films, including the adaptation of John Grisham’s The Firm.
Staying here puts you in the heart of downtown Memphis. You are within walking distance of the legendary blues clubs of Beale Street, the historic Sun Studio, and the moving exhibits at the National Civil Rights Museum. Whether you are there for the music heritage or the opulent architecture, it remains the ultimate base for experiencing the soul of the city.
Expert reviews
“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.
“The Peabody Hotel has long been a Memphis icon: it’s the most elegant hotel in town and it’s just up the way from Beale Street. After a major renovation that ended in late 2013, the rooms gained contemporary touches that include boldly patterned rugs, geometric mirrors, sculptural-looking headboards, keyless card systems, and soundproof, energy-efficient windows.”
Featured as Frommer’s Exceptional Choice in Memphis.
“The Peabody is a Memphis landmark. Perhaps best known for its signature ducks that march twice daily to splash in the hotel’s fountain, this grand hotel is also a shopping destination (it’s the home of Lansky’s, Elvis’ favorite clothing store).”
What guests liked
- Beautiful hotel
- Friendly staff
- Top location
- Comfortable beds
- Excellent Wifi
Location
Recent guest reviews
27 May 2026
Wonderful hotel
Beautiful hotel with period features. Asked for a kettle for the room as we are tea drinkers. It was supplied in next to no time.
No real problems
26 May 2026
Exceptional
The Peabody is an oasis of calm and elegance in a city that thrives on music
Not one thing!
26 May 2026
Exceptional
Staff were friendly. Hotel was beautiful. Location was perfect, in the heart of downtown.
Room was a little small.
26 May 2026
The Peabody is elegant, comfy, happy and tasty - just ducky
Loved the ducks. Duck master was very informative and friendly. Host at the Italian grill was very accommodating. Valets and staff at the desks, deli and gift shop were very nice, upbeat and helpful. One even helped me rise from sitting on the floor after watching the ducks. The lobby was so festive, beautiful and comfortable. Loved the live piano music. Everything smelled good. Shower pressure/temperature was good. Loved the duck soap and duck decor everywhere. Best sandwich I ever had! Loved the Peabody merchandise, but I wish the fountain motif on the tee shirt had been on the front instead of the back of the shirt. We enjoyed our stay so much, we stopped by again on the way back and have told several people about the hotel. We hope to visit again! Novel and beautiful - well-done!
I would have bought a terry Peabody robe, but $225 seemed a little excessive. I wish the Italian grill had had more Italian food like spumoni, gelato or chicken primavera. A small frig would have been nice.
24 May 2026
Wonderful!!
The Peabody is so dog friendly. I stay there frequently and my dog, Ollie, is treated like a king. Everyone even knows his name. Having Lansky’s in the lobby is wonderful. Hal and his staff are wonderful!
No complaints
24 May 2026
He had a wonderful day at the Peabody hotel. The staff was wonderful and we really enjoyed our time there. It was a quic
We loved the new renovations. The Peabody hotel is just beautiful inside. The gym is probably one of the nicest gyms we’ve ever been able to use in a hotel. The room was small but so well done! The bed was super comfortable and plenty of pillows. We definitely stay again.
Nothing
23 May 2026
The Peabody was a lovely place to stay in a great location.
Beautiful property, excellent staff.
Shower faucet needs a new washer.
22 May 2026
Very good
The hotel was lovely with lots of heritage including the famous ducks
The check in process was arduous, arrived a little early for a 4pm check in, didn’t get our room till near 7 pm
22 May 2026
Great stay nothing bad to say. Really enjoyed our stay at the Peabody
The duck master, had very smooth hands. This comment is from my Hazel. free wasabi nuts. Great location. Great gym. Staff attentive great all round stay
The letter T is not li up!!!
22 May 2026
More than the ducks, but the ducks are great.
Even for an overnight stay during a long road trip, The Peabody is totally entertaining and offers a unique view of the central South. The breakfast is expensive, but if you order judiciously, you will enjoy a taste of the South.
The Duck show at 5 makes it difficult for people checking in after 4 to get a drink. The design of sumptuous chairs and sofas leaves little space for guests.
20 May 2026
Central location
Central location, helpful staff. The ducks in the foyer were a novelty.
19 May 2026
Very pleasant and convenient.
Great location. Lots of history. Car park. Ducks.
19 May 2026
Great history and very nice, small issue but Kelsea at frt desk handled very professionally
Atmosphere
Has a issue with plumbing
18 May 2026
Great Holiday
Facility was fabulous Staff friendly and courteous
17 May 2026
Exceptional
DUCKS
16 May 2026
A great stay enhanced by the duck show.
Putting the duck show to oneside, the hotel has a lot of character that makes it move away from the crowd. The staff are very firendly and assisst whenever called upon.
The hotel needs to monitor the room general wear and tear. An example in our room the sink plug chrome was lifting. Also the night accommodation could be improved for the feathered stars.
15 May 2026
Was clean and comfortable but very crowded during duck walk. Also no fridge in room.
Beds were very comfortable
Too busy, couldn’t get a good view of the ducks. The stairs were also difficult to locate and no signs were put up to indicate where they were.
15 May 2026
Very good
This is a lovely, old grand hotel with some quaint features. Great bar area in reception, the ducks are a real feature.
Downtown Memphis doesn’t feel too safe when you are walking about, not the hotel’s fault but we ended up feeling we had to uber everywhere as there were a lot of beggars and homeless hanging about and approaching you everytime you stepped outside the hotel.
14 May 2026
Exceptional
Really beautiful iconic hotel. Lived up to it's reputation.
Check in was a bit chaotic but I hope that was a one off situation.
13 May 2026
It was an stay
Everything
Everything
13 May 2026
Exceptional
Whole party enjoyed the experience in this hotel!
12 May 2026
Great hotel with a lot of history that was fun to learn about.
The beds were super comfortable. We loved the ducks in the lobby. The rose French sparkling wine they serve by the glass at the bar was fantastic!
The bathroom was super small and difficult to navigate. It was long and narrow with a super tiny sink.
12 May 2026
Wonderful stay at the Peabody Hotel.
Beautiful place with very comfortable beds and the staff is amazing. I love the dog friendliness of this place too. Our dogs got a welcome package with bowls, toys and even leashes. The food is amazing as well. We felt very pampered while standing here.
It gets a little crazy during the duck walk parade at 11:00, making check-out somewhat difficult.
11 May 2026
Great historic hotel! Excellent staff and service!
The location is very close to Beale street and other attractions. The historic architecture made you feel like you were back in time. Oh and the ducks
Valet parking was clogged up due to lack of staff Saturday evening
11 May 2026
Exceptional
Location
NA
6 May 2026
If you’re going to Memphis, there is only one place to stay: The Peabody!
Whilst old worldly, it was well maintained and very comfortable. The staff were great and couldn’t do enough for you
Nothing
5 May 2026
Exceptional
The area was very convenient.
I didn't like that since I purchased two rooms I had to pay valet for two rooms but we rode in the same vehicle. Why not charge one fee
4 May 2026
loved it
all amenities were top drawer, staff rate 10/10
coffee maker in room did not function
3 May 2026
The ducks are magical
It was a lovely property
3 May 2026
Excellent
Excellent room and location, valet parking was a bonus after a long drive. The room was great, Coffee machine was great. Peabody duck show was worth the visit
Wish we had the option for a king size bed instead of two queen beds, seems like they cater more for groups or families, otherwise you have to pay a premium for one large bed.
2 May 2026
Excellent hotel, as to be expected
Everything. As expected for a hotel or this quality and cost.
28 April 2026
Exceptional
Quality and comfort
27 April 2026
Very good
Historic, elegant, great location.
Thin walls. We had to switch rooms at midnight on first night of our stay.
27 April 2026
The Peabody takes you back in time when the guest was treated like “royalty”.
You never have to leave the property for anything. You have access to shopping, restaurants, and a spa.
N/a
26 April 2026
We had the most memorable week being pampered by Dough’s team in a magical place
Everything! The history, character and tradition particularly, in combination with exceptional staff, made for the perfect stay.
Unfortunately the athletic club was still being renovated during our visit - without a doubt it will also be great once done though
26 April 2026
Exceptional
Everything
20 April 2026
Fabulous
Location
Had a couple problems but they were taken care of Supreme Court decision. Citizenship.
18 April 2026
Please refer above to my complaints.
Breakfast met my expectation.
At check-in, I specifically enquired of the female receptionist if the heated pool was operational as I was looking forward to it. I have stayed at this hotel at least six times, perhaps more. What she failed to mention is that the fitness centre was out of bounds due to renovation! I discovered this when I went down to swim. The room service was good but very expensive. I used to enjoy the lamb chops at the Capriccio Grill but it was no longer on the menu!
17 April 2026
Wow!
Where do I start? Amazing venue, fab bedrooms, very comfy bed n pillows. Great Sauvignon Blanc in lobby bar. Staff really helpful and welcoming. Ideal location for walking to Beale St and Civil Rights Museum.
Nothing
16 April 2026
Wonderful location and wonderful hotel!
Everything!
Nothing -
16 April 2026
Awesome!
Beautiful hotel and walkable to many sites. If you have kids, the duck walk is special. The bar is great with excellent mocktails. The dessert shop was nice to have in the evenings as well. Well-appointed rooms and staff are friendly.
Small bathroom to share with friends and no fan. The capriccio restaurant was just ok but the staff was great! Not much not to like at this hotel. It was fantastic.
15 April 2026
Fabulous
Parking and price
15 April 2026
An exceptional experience being immersed into history, fabulous tradition and being pampered by an absolutely great team
Excellent character and heartwarming history run by phenomenal people
Unfortunately the gym was being revamped
15 April 2026
Exceptional
Old world ambience with modern day facilities. Equisite service, friendly and professional but not too formal. The epitome of old world charm meets new world expectations. Book the club level, you won't regret it.
14 April 2026
Love love love…. Evens the fire drill😆❤️
Fabulous… everything… so much fun -and absolutely loved the ducks ❤️❤️❤️
Er…. There is nothing to dislike 😍
13 April 2026
A great hotel
A classic, old school hotel. Beautiful, good rooms, a comfy bed, attentive staff and our meal at Chez Philippe was superb.
The bathroom was quite tight. Rental fridges and microwaves: really?!
10 April 2026
A trip back in time with comfortable elegance. Tx
A beautiful iconic hotel near the river and Beale street. The room was lovely and very comfortable. The reception staff was very friendly.
The bar staff in the bar and the lobby. I expected them to be more efficient and friendly.
9 April 2026
Great base for sightseeing
The location was ideal for Beale street
We weren’t offered a breakfast option
8 April 2026
Beautiful hotel, very near Beale street.
Near to Beale street. Beautiful decor and building was very grand. Staff all so friendly.
There was no facility to get fresh water freely.
Hotel facilities
Food & Drink
- - Restaurant
- - Bar
- - Breakfast in the room
- - Snack bar
- - Special diet menus (on request)
- - Wine/champagne (additional charge)
- - Coffee house on site
General
- - Room service
- - Non-smoking rooms
- - Facilities for disabled guests
- - Lift
- - Safety deposit box
- - Packed lunches
- - Heating
- - Allergy-free room
- - Non-smoking throughout
- - Air conditioning
- - Designated smoking area
- - Vending machine (drinks)
- - Pet bowls
Business facilities
- - Meeting/banquet facilities (additional charge)
- - Business centre (additional charge)
- - Fax/photocopying (additional charge)
Reception services
- - 24-hour front desk
- - Express check-in/check-out
- - Luggage storage
- - ATM/cash machine on site
- - Concierge service
- - Invoice provided
Activities
- - Sauna
- - Fitness centre
- - Spa and wellness centre (additional charge)
- - Massage (additional charge)
- - Hot tub/Jacuzzi
- - Beauty services
- - Facial treatments
- - Body treatments
- - Body scrub
- - Body wrap
- - Spa facilities
- - Spa lounge/relaxation area
- - Back massage
- - Neck massage
- - Foot massage
- - Couples massage
- - Head massage
- - Hand massage
- - Full body massage
- - Massage chair
- - Fitness
- - Fitness/spa locker rooms
Cleaning services
- - Dry cleaning (additional charge)
- - Ironing service (additional charge)
- - Trouser press (additional charge)
- - Daily housekeeping
Parking
- - Parking garage
- - Electric vehicle charging station
- - Accessible parking
Miscellaneous
- - 24-hour security
- - Key card access
- - Smoke alarms
- - CCTV in common areas
- - CCTV outside property
- - Fire extinguishers
- - Breakfast takeaway containers
- - Delivered food is securely covered
- - Access to health care professionals

More photos

27 May 2026
The Peabody Made Our Trip to Memphis Special!