Memphis Hotels

The South's 464-room Grand Hotel is the epitome of elegant Southern hospitality, and the social hub of Downtown Memphis. This 1869 historic landmark was restored to its original splendour in 1981. See once, but only once, the famous Peabody Ducks' twice daily march at 1100 and 1700 to and from the marble lobby fountain. Sunday brunch and Thursday-night rooftop parties for dancing under the stars are the social highlights.

Transformed from an original bank building, this Memphis hotel now boasts Beaux Arts architecture and 110 well-appointed rooms. The interior has been transformed: for example, the fitness centre occupies the original bank vault and includes an indoor heated lap pool. One of the hotel’s best features is its rooftop terrace. In the summer on Wednesday to Saturday nights, parties there feature live DJs and afford sunset views over the Mississippi.

This 28-room boutique bolthole opened in 2007, one of the few properties on the well-to-do island of Harbor Town. For dramatic views of the city skyline and the Mississippi, you could do worse than their rooftop terrace. This Memphis hotel is a mix of European and Old South chic, with lavish sitting rooms to lounge in. A chocolate and glass of port wine await you as you retire to your room at night.

Centrally located just three blocks from legendary Beale Street, this hotel has 280 rooms with free WiFi. Guests can burn off BBQ calories at the fitness centre and outdoor pool and make an exception for the signature chocolate chip cookie - a welcoming gift on arrival.

In the renovated five-storey Winchester building, this 58-room boutique hotel was opened in September 2016. Designed with modern touches to complement the historic 1902 building, it’s conveniently located Downtown near to several Memphis sights including Beale Street. Part of the Ascend Hotel Collection, it includes the farm-to-table Luna Restaurant and bathrooms that feature wooden sliding barn doors and luxurious marble showers.

A chic boutique-style hotel in Midtown from the Best Western chain. It’s in the heart of the Medical District and less than one block from Interstate 240, ideally located on the trolley line and only two miles from downtown. The décor in the 32 rooms is knowingly contemporary, and the king and queen rooms feature complimentary WiFi and cable TV. Breakfast is included and there’s an exercise room and free parking.

As part of the Graceland complex’s renovations, the somewhat dated Heartbreak Hotel closed down but instead Elvis fans can opt for more luxurious accommodation with a stay at The Guest House, opened in October 2016. This 450-room resort was built to feel like an extension of the Graceland mansion itself with a touch of Southern colonial style to its exterior and décor and furnishings inspired by retro opulence from Presley’s homes in Memphis and Palm Springs.

On the doorstep of barbecue and blues in central Memphis, this 230-room hotel has a free shuttle service covering a three-mile radius, dropping guests off at Beale Street, Sun Studio, the National Civil Rights Museum and other nearby sights. Fees include breakfast, WiFi, parking and use of the patio and outdoor pool.

A none-more-central Downtown location is the draw for this higher-end motel, squatting between Court Square and the mighty Mississippi. There are 116 rooms on six floors, the place is clean and modern, and includes breakfast and free WiFi. Book early for big events.

Elvis fans on a budget should take a look at the Days Inn for an adequate alternative to the expensive Guest House at Graceland. With 60 rooms not far from the airport and a short walk to Graceland, the hotel has a guitar-shaped outdoor pool and inclusive WiFi, breakfast and parking.