Hilton Memphis

The lobby of this hotel is certainly striking -- but decor leans toward garish. The wall behind the receptions desk has inset geometric blocks that alternate between green and red neon, and the stainless steel-column fountain is a prime example of generic, corporate artwork. Still, the space is airy and bright, with soaring floor-to-ceiling windows, and there's plenty of seating the the bar and at the business center, though the lobby can get crowded during peak registration times and when meetings in the hotel's conference center end. The hotel mostly draws business travelers, in addition to a handful of couples and families.

The Hilton is located just off Interstate 240 in East Memphis, roughly a 20-minute drive to downtown, the city's convention center, and the popular Beale Street entertainment district. Other hotels, several major businesses, and St. Francis Hospital are nearby, but there are few dining options within walking distance. Dixon Gallery and Gardens, Memphis Botanic Garden, and Audubon Park Golf Course are all roughly a 12-minute drive from the hotel, and Graceland is a 17-minute drive. Memphis International Airport is about 10 minutes away by car.

Guest rooms are contemporary, spacious, and have a touch of style. The neutral palette ranges from soft beige to chocolate-brown, and although rooms lack accent colors, there's an eye-catching mix of texture and pattern. Sheer white curtains hang in front of opaque drapes and there's light-wood furniture, plus tufted headboards and two-tone wallpaper behind beds in a modern, geometric print.

Units are comfortable but not overly spacious. Doubles have large desks and office chairs, and Kings add armchairs and ottomans. Standard amenities include flat-screen TVs, coffeemakers with free coffee, and safes, but in-room Wi-Fi is free only to Hilton Honors members. Bathrooms contain shower/tub combos framed by standard tan tiling, a generous stock of upmarket Peter Thomas Roth products, and dark-granite vanities placed outside help them from being uncomfortably cramped. Executive rooms are on higher floors and come with additional perks, and Suites with wet bars and other enhanced amenities are available as well.

This business hotel does a top-notch job catering to its business traveler clientele. Its 30,000-square-foot conference center has 19 separate spaces and can accommodate groups of up to 1,600 people. There's also a business center in the lobby that's open 24/7 and includes both Mac and PC computers, as well as printers.

Dining is a highlight, with multiple options on-site. Provisions Market serves casual food for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, including Starbucks coffee and brick oven pizza. There's a hot buffet and a la carte menu for breakfast at Rooks Corner and American Bistro, and American classics for dinner. Room service is available. The Lobby Bar opens in the afternoon, and it offers a full range of drinks plus a lite bites menu. Guest staying in Executive rooms have access to a lounge with a free weekday continental breakfast and refreshments during the day. 

For wellness, the spacious fitness center has an excellent selection of cardio and strength-training equipment, including three LifeFitness treadmills, and there's a sizable outdoor pool and a whirlpool. Valet dry cleaning and laundry are among the concierge services. Self-parking is free, and valet is available for a modest fee. The hotel operates free shuttles to and from Memphis Airport and also within a two-mile radius of the property. Free Wi-Fi is available in the hotel’s public spaces, and pets are welcome with a surcharge.