River Inn of Harbor Town, Memphis
More photosThe 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.
The property is defined by its intentional, understated elegance. The architecture, which draws inspiration from the Old South, was crafted to harmonize with the riverfront surroundings. Inside, the 28 rooms are individually decorated with plush linens and dark wood furnishings. A highlight for many guests is the rooftop terrace, which provides stunning, sweeping views of the Mississippi River, especially beautiful at sunset.
For those who love to eat, the hotel is a destination in its own right. It is home to Paulette’s, a legendary local restaurant known for its refined Southern cuisine and waterfront views. Between the fine dining, the cozy Little Bar, and the laid-back rooftop terrace, there are plenty of spots to unwind without ever needing to leave the property.
Location-wise, it offers the perfect balance: quiet, riverside serenity paired with easy access to the city’s heart. You are only a short distance from iconic Memphis landmarks like Beale Street, the Stax Museum of American Soul Music, and the legendary Sun Studio, where rock-and-roll history was made.
Expert reviews
“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.
“The River Inn of Harbor Town is a new property that has the look and feel of an elegant European Inn, with antique fixtures, reclaimed wood floors, four-poster beds, flower boxes, and windows that actually open.”
“River Inn of Harbor Town is the anchor of a planned community along the Mississippi. It provides impeccable service, breathtaking views, Old World-style charm, Southern hospitality and a slow pace of life, just 10 minutes from the legendary blues on Beale Street.”
What guests liked
- Top location
- Comfortable beds
- Great food
- Boutique style
- Excellent Wifi
- Great views
Location
Recent guest reviews
21 February 2026
Exceptional
2 February 2026
Exceptional
23 September 2025
Fabulous
16 June 2025
Fabulous
19 May 2025
Exceptional
20 February 2025
Pleasant
20 August 2024
Passable
26 June 2024
Fabulous
25 June 2024
Exceptional
23 March 2024
Exceptional
23 February 2024
Very good
19 December 2023
Phucked up
Everything was great at first.
I didnt like getn charged a week before my stay at a cheaper rate, only to get charged full price again at check in and full price again at departure. Nor the xtra 100 dollar dwn fee for incidentals. Not once did u not ask me 2 pay, tell me u were charging repeatedly, or even bothered to check to see if i paid or if it went through. When i called to tell u your receptionist was short and hung up like whatever. So thanks for ruining a birthday getaway. I know if i come back where im not staying.
26 November 2023
Fabulous
22 November 2023
Pleasant
Beautiful elegant room, great and safe location and friendly staff.
Although the rooms were beautiful and the location great, booking.com told us this would be a 5-star hotel and our experience did not live up to that. Our shower was dripping quite heavily, the breakfast had dirty dishes and extremely long waiting time, and the facilities and service in general did not live up to a 5-star. Shame, as we had higher expectations.
19 November 2023
Exceptional
14 November 2023
Exceptional
27 October 2023
Exceptional
25 October 2023
Fabulous
25 October 2023
Fabulous
16 October 2023
Great place with minor problems.
Unfortunately hot water was out and they could not get it fixed for the 3 day stay. They did set up shower accommodations across the street. They are working at refunding me 2 nights through the 3rd party booking agent.
Charming Room 402 would be 4.5 stars if hot water and Teresa Restrant was available
Needs attention to detail in showers curtains and some hardware.
Some dish pulling from wall, drapes ripped in bedroom mirror frame detached across the street
All minor for this charming place but management needs to take a more active role.
30 September 2023
An excellent hotel with lovely, welcoming staff who couldn’t do enough to make our stay the best. Situation of the hotel
Everything! Where it was, the staff, facilities, food, drink.
No
29 September 2023
Exceptional
18 September 2023
We thoroughly enjoyed our stay.
Most everything.
Would have liked a walk-in shower.
11 September 2023
Exceptional
There is nowhere else I would stay in Memphis. This small European-style hotel was a relief to return to after visiting the sites in downtown Memphis. The room was not large, but very clean and comfortable. Parking was easy. The neighborhood was very pretty and calm. Breakfast is included so we ate breakfast there every morning. It's not a buffet, we chose off the menu and our server was delightful. Actually, all of the staff that we encountered were friendly and professional.
4 September 2023
Exceptional
That it was more of an experience than a stay.
15 August 2023
Exceptional
26 June 2023
Just beautiful, quiet and tranquil
Clean
Very pleasant and helpful people
Beautiful over looking the Mississippi River
Hotel facilities
Food & Drink
- - Restaurant
- - Bar
- - Special diet menus (on request)
General
- - Room service
- - Non-smoking rooms
- - Facilities for disabled guests
- - Lift
- - Safety deposit box
- - Heating
- - Non-smoking throughout
- - Air conditioning
Business facilities
- - Meeting/banquet facilities
- - Business centre
- - Fax/photocopying
Reception services
- - 24-hour front desk
- - Express check-in/check-out
- - Tour desk
- - Concierge service
- - Private check-in/check-out
Activities
- - Fitness centre
Outdoors
- - Terrace
Cleaning services
- - Laundry
- - Dry cleaning
- - Daily housekeeping
Miscellaneous
- - Key card access
- - Security alarm
- - Smoke alarms
- - Fire extinguishers
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3 April 2026
Exceptional