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Where to Stay in Memphis

Where to Stay in Memphis

Memphis Tennessee, USA Travel Guide

Full Spectrum of Lodging Options from Hostels to Luxury Hotels

Hotel Categories

  • Luxury Hotels

    For a premium experience, Memphis has several high-end hotels like The Peabody Memphis, Hotel Napoleon, Hu. Hotel, and The Memphian. These properties deliver all services, refined dining, and amenities like spas and swimming pools.

  • Mid-Range Hotels

    A wide selection of national chain hotels (e.g., Hilton, Marriott, Hyatt brands) stands ready across downtown, Midtown, and East Memphis. These units feature comfortable rooms, reliable service, and amenities like fitness centers and the morning meal.

  • Boutique Hotels

    Memphis includes several unique boutique hotels which feature character and personalized service. The Central Terminal Hotel and Arrive Memphis are remarkable examples, blending local history with current design.

  • Budget Hotels/Motels

    For cost-conscious travelers, various budget motels are prominentside the immediate downtown core, along major arteries leading into and out of the city. These units deliver basic, clean accommodations.

Other Lodging Styles

  • Hostels

    One or two independent hostels exist, mainly downtown (e.g., Downtown Memphis Hostel), featuring dormitory-style lodging for budget travelers and solo travelers seeking affordable rates and social opportunities. Get more at Hostelworld.

  • Historic Hotels

    The Peabody Memphis stands out for its profound past and tradition of the Peabody Ducks. The Central Station Hotel delivers a modern take on a historic railway building.

  • Boutique Apartments

    Some properties feature apartment-style stays with hotel amenities, combining the space of a rental with the convenience of hotel services. This caters to travelers seeking more independence.

  • Vacation Rentals

    Platforms like Vrbo list extensive selections of apartments, houses, and private rooms across Memphis. Vacation rentals are popular in Midtown and East Memphis, delivering a more local living experience.

Unique Local Accommodation Types

Memphis includes distinct local accommodation experiences, from historic stays to outdoor adventures.

Historic & Boutique Stays

Benefits
  • Immersive history at The Peabody Memphis.
  • Modern take on heritage at The Central Station Hotel.
  • Personalized service and unique character.
Things to Note
  • Can be higher priced.
  • Limited accessibility in peak seasons.

Vacation Rentals & Apartments

Benefits
  • Local living experience, especially in Midtown/East Memphis.
  • Kitchen facilities and more space.
  • Better value for longer stays or groups.
  • Immersive neighborhood experience.
Things to Note
  • Policies vary by property/platform.
  • Less direct host interaction than formal homestays.

Camping & Outdoor Lodging

Locations
  • Shelby Farms Park (glamping).
  • T.O. Fuller State Park (tent/RV sites).
  • Meeman-Shelby Forest State Park (rustic camping).
Things to Note
  • Requires own equipment for traditional camping.
  • Further from downtown attractions.
  • Seasonal factors (weather).

Homestay & Community-Based Tourism

Opportunities

Homestay and formal community-based tourism initiatives are not widely developed markets in Memphis.

Alternative

Vacation rentals through Airbnb or Vrbo present a similar experience of staying in a local neighborhood and interacting with local hosts, offering a glimpse into daily life.

Neighborhood Guide

Memphis neighborhoods each hold distinct character, delivering different experiences for visitors.

Area Overview

  • Downtown: The heart of Memphis tourism, home to Beale Street, Mississippi Riverfront, FedExForum, and the National Civil Rights Museum.
  • Midtown: Eclectic, artsy, and residential. Houses Overton Park (Zoo, Brooks Museum), Overton Square (dining/theater), and Cooper-Young (boutiques, restaurants, bars).
  • East Memphis: An affluent, largely suburban, and business-oriented district. Features upscale shopping, corporate offices, and various dining options.
  • Graceland/Whitehaven: South of the central business district, this area centers around Graceland. It holds hotels catering to Graceland visitors and has a residential feel.

Safety Considerations by Area

  • Downtown: Major tourist areas present increased police presence. Practice typical urban awareness; avoid walking alone late at night in deserted areas, and secure valuables.
  • Midtown: Generally safe, specifically around main retail areas like Overton Plaza and Cooper-Young. Residential roads are typically quiet.
  • East Memphis: Regarded as very safe due to its suburban nature and affluence.
  • Graceland/Whitehaven: The immediate area around Graceland is well-patrolled, but some surrounding residential areas might demand more caution.

Proximity to Attractions and Transportation Hubs

Downtown
  • Closest to Beale Street, Mississippi Riverfront, National Liberties Museum, FedExForum.
  • Served by MATA trolleys and multiple bus lines.
Midtown
  • Proximity to Overton Park (Zoo, Brooks Museum), Cooper-Young, and Overton Square.
  • Accessible by MATA bus.
East Memphis
  • Requires a car for most tourist attractions.
  • Further from main sightseeing areas.
Graceland/Whitehaven
  • Directly adjacent to Graceland.
  • Requires a car or rideshare to reach downtown and Midtown attractions.

Noise Levels and Ambiance

Downtown

Can be lively and noisy, specifically around Beale Street, notably on weekend evenings. For quieter stays, select hotels a few blocks from the main entertainment strip.

Midtown

Generally quieter and more residential, with pockets of activity around commercial hubs like Overton Square plus Cooper-Young.

East Memphis

Quiet and suburban, presenting a peaceful retreat from the city's hustle.

Booking Strategies

Smart booking strategies secure the best accommodation for your trip to Memphis.

Advance Booking Recommendations

High Season Spring/Fall

Book 3-6 months in advance, specifically for popular hotels or if your visit corresponds with major festivals (e.g., Memphis in May). Demand is high, and prices climb closer to the date.

Shoulder/Low Season

1-3 months in advance is generally adequate. You might find more flexibility and better last-minute deals during these periods, specifically in late summertime or winter (excluding holidays).

Trusted Booking Platforms & Policies

Major Online Travel Agencies OTAs

Booking.com, Agoda, Expedia, Hotels.com, and TripAdvisor are reliable platforms for comparing prices and options.

Direct Booking & Vacation Rentals

Sometimes, booking directly with the hotel's website presents better rates or loyalty points. Check both options. Use Airbnb and Vrbo for rental apartments, houses, and unique stays. See what others say carefully.

Deposit & Cancellation Policies

  • Vary by Property

    Deposit and cancellation policies vary significantly by property and booking platform. Always check these details before confirming your reservation.

  • Flexibility

    Most hotels present flexible cancellation options up to 24-48 hours before check-in. Non-refundable rates are often cheaper but offer no flexibility.

Seasonal Price Fluctuations

  • High Demand Periods

    Accommodation prices are highest during peak tourist seasons (spring, early fall, major events, and holidays).

  • Lower Rates

    Prices are generally lowest during winter (excluding Christmas/New Year's) and late summer (due to extreme heat), presenting opportunities for budget travelers.

Walk-in Rates

Negotiation Customs

Negotiating walk-in rates is not common practice in the U.S. For established hotels. Prices are generally fixed.

Finding Deals

You might find last-minute deals online, but direct negotiation is rare.

Accommodation Recommendations

Budget Picks

Downtown Memphis Hostel, Low-cost Motels along interstates (I-40) or in Southaven, MS.

Mid-Range Picks

Hotel Indigo Memphis Downtown, Moxy Memphis Downtown, Holiday Inn Express.

Luxury Picks

The Peabody Memphis, The Central Station Hotel (Curio Collection by Hilton), Hotel Napoleon (Ascend Hotel Collection Member).