Best Memphis Luxury Hotels

The Peabody is Memphis' most famous hotel -- it's where Elvis Presley had his senior prom and the site of a twice-daily duck parade that has been a spectacle that goes back to the 1930s. The 464 tastefully decorated rooms include 15 suites, some of which have loft bedrooms and parlors with a fireplace or wet bar. Rooms in the Peabody Club, a private-access concierge level, come with free drinks and snacks. Hotel features are on par with the hotel's grand reputation: the indoor pool is large and luxe and the fine-dining restaurant Chez Philippe is considered one of the most romantic in the country. Staying here is not easy on the wallet, but some may consider the price worth the charm.

River Inn of Harbor Town is an intimate and elegant boutique hotel located in a new development on Mud Island. The 28 classically styled rooms come with flat-screen TVs and bathrobes; some have four-poster beds, large bathtubs, and Mississippi River views. A gourmet breakfast served at the well-regarded Paulette’s Restaurant is included in the room rate, and other welcome touches include a glass of port along with chocolate truffles as part of the nightly turndown service. Parking is also free, which is a big plus. It’s a bit removed from downtown, however, so travelers wanting to be near the attractions might prefer the other three hotels on this list.

Housed in the historic former Tennessee Trust Bank building, this boutique is one of Memphis’ most stylish properties. There are breathtaking views of the Mississippi River from the venue’s Twilight Sky Terrace and Southern-inspired cuisine is offered at eighty3 restaurant. The Madison’s 110 rooms and suites have sophisticated decor, plush beds, and amenities that include flat-screen TVs, wireless speakers, minibars, bathrobes, and free Wi-Fi. Turndown is performed nightly and room service is available 24 hours a day. The only downsides here are expensive parking and occasionally slow housekeeping.

For travelers looking to be in the heart of the action in Memphis, it’s hard to beat this Westin, which sits half a block away from the famous Beale Street and across from the Gibson guitar factory. As the only chain hotel on this list, so decor is predictably corporate, but still sleek. Contemporary rooms and suites have downtown views and perks like coffeemakers with Starbucks coffee. The fees for parking and Wi-Fi are a drawback, but overall, it’s a decent value for a solid property with a desirable downtown location.