Sheraton Memphis Downtown Hotel

Like many Sheratons, this is a massive hotel and it can feel that way in almost every way, from its towering office-like building set back from the road to the spacious public areas inside. The bright lobby offers plenty of seating and has contemporary, earth-toned decor, brown-and-beige chevron-striped carpets, dark-wooden furniture, and the occasional pop of color from an electric-blue sofa. Its highly polished white marble floor gives off a sleek sheen near the reception area. The hotel's on-site restaurant and bar, Crossroads, is a handsome space, but it feels a bit like an airport lounge. Connected to the Memphis Cook Convention Center by a skyway bridge, the hotel attracts a large number of business travelers, particularly when there's an event happening.

Most convenient for business travelers attending conferences or trade shows at the attached Memphis Cook Convention Center, the hotel is also within a short walk of many government buildings and office blocks. It’s easy to reach by car, as it’s located almost immediately off of I-40. The hotel is a 20-minute walk to the bars, clubs, and restaurants along Beale Street, though the Memphis Main Street Trolley line stops out front and runs every 15-minutes. Trips to Beale Street take 10 minutes once aboard. The city’s Cotton Museum is a 15-minute walk from the hotel, and Graceland is a 15-minute drive or taxi ride. Memphis International Airport is a 15-minute drive from the hotel as well, depending on traffic.

The hotel’s sharp rooms are light and spacious, and decorated in warm earth tones with pops of teal. All rooms come with 32-inch flat screen TVs, irons and ironing boards, mini-fridges, and free Wi-Fi. Most rooms have views of either the Mississippi River or the city's skyline. Connecting rooms can be reserved, and Family Rooms and Suites are also available. Despite room categories, all have similar decor, with warm wood furniture, white duvets on Sheraton's excellent Sweet Sleeper beds, and music-themed abstract art on the tan walls. Suites are large, with separate living rooms, wet bars, and full size refrigerators. Bathrooms have granite countertops, shower/tub combos, hairdryers, and toiletries. Suite bathrooms are larger, and come with robes. Guests have complained that noise from the interstate, and from neighboring rooms and hallways, reaches some rooms. 

The hotel offers several services for business travelers, including 16 meeting rooms in a range of sizes with up-to-date audiovisual equipment, and a 24-hour business center. The property also has an indoor heated swimming pool, an outdoor sundeck with plenty of lounge chairs, and a large fitness center with treadmills, exercise bikes, and weights, plus free bottled water and fruit. Breakfast is not included in most room rates, but the on-site Crossroads Tavern and Grille is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, serving American cuisine, and has an excellent cocktail and wine list. There’s also a small bar for evening drinks, and room service is available. Those staying in Club Level Rooms can use the Club Lounge, which serves free breakfast, all-day snacks and drinks, and Starbucks coffee. A coin-operated laundry is available, along with a small convenience store. Wi-Fi is only free in the hotel's lobby, or to SPG Members, otherwise there are fees for use anywhere else in the hotel, including in guest rooms.