The 10 best hotels in Memphis

This famous Memphis hotel is probably best known for its resident ducks. The twack (yes, that’s the collective noun) of mallards make a twice-daily appearance to splash around in the lobby’s fountain, so make sure to catch them during your stay. The Peabody has a deserved reputation for elegance and has nearly 150 years of business under its belt. Sip on a mint julep in the Lobby Bar – dubbed ‘the living room of Memphis’ – and settle in for the ultimate people-watching experience. You could even follow in the footsteps of guests Oprah Winfrey and Stephen Fry, and act as Duckmaster for the day. They also host rooftop parties and have a gorgeous French restaruant. 

The mood? Fabulously over-the-top. 
Budget range? A worthwhile spend. 

The most surreal addition to the Memphis hotel landscape is this five-star great outdoors-themed resort set in a towering, shiny pyramid. It even has its very own swamp, complete with live alligators. Suites are quirky recreations of fishing cabins and treehouses, with luxurious touches like handcrafted furniture, roaring fireplaces, and lofty ceilings. The Big Cypress Lodge feels like a transplant from Orlando or the Vegas Strip, but the whole experience manages to stay just the right side of cheesy, thanks to a combination of excellent service and incredible attention to detail.

The mood? The boujiest cabin you've ever seen. 
Budget range? Even less than what you'd probably be willing to spend for this one-of-a-kind stay. 

The closest you’ll get to a sleepover in Elvis’ house without breaking any laws, the Guest House at Graceland has been taking care of business since 2016. Situated a few steps across Elvis Presley Boulevard from rock ’n’ roll’s own White House, the hotel’s design reflects The King’s unique personal style, and it’s nowhere near as gaudy an aesthetic as you might imagine; rooms are spacious and modern, with gleaming coffee machines and rain-head showers. Got plenty of Money Honey? Go for one of the 20 lavishly themed suites designed by Ms. Priscilla Presley herself.

The mood? Graciously grand. 
Budget range? Cheaper than you'd think. 

Situated in the heart and soul of Memphis, Hotel Indigo is the perfect place to rest your noggin and experience the city like a local. The hotel brings the city's heritage to life and the historic building uses local art, color, and memorabilia from rock, soul, and blues legends to make Memphis the center of the vibes. There are 118 rooms, all featuring spa-inspired showers and luxury amenities. 

The mood? Kitsch in a cool way. 
Budget range? Not a lot at all. 

Smack bang in the center of downtown, the Hu Hotel Memphis is the most rock ’n’ roll boutique option in Memphis. Sleek, contemporary decor nods to the city’s musical heritage – there are even guitars and a baby grand in the lobby, just in case you fancy a spontaneous jam session. Head up to the rooftop bar and ease into the evening with a sundowner – you’re as likely to be surrounded by uber-trendy locals as fellow travelers in one of the swingingest spots in town.

The mood? Chic and stylish. 
Budget range? A very fair price. 

The Hotel Napoleon is one of the latest in a wave of chic boutique hotels to open in Blues City. In fact, it’s found within the repurposed Winchester office building and the former home of the Evening Scimitar newspaper, so it’s packed with character. The 1902 stone-veneer facade is breathtaking, but this historic exterior is deceptive. Step inside and you’ll find techno on the lobby speakers, ultra-modern industrial interiors, and rooms stuffed full of tech, from 50 inch flatscreens to Bluetooth stereos. So go ahead, settle down with a craft beer in the farm-to-table restaurant and soak it all in.

The mood? High-tech and on-trend. 
Budget range? Very reasonable. 

Clean, well-maintained, and with cheerily efficient service, this lodging mostly bags a spot on our list for its unbeatable location in the beating heart of musical Memphis. Pick a room with a balcony and gaze on the spectacle of refreshed revelers weaving in and out of Beale Street’s countless neon-lit juke joints. Traveling with kids? You’ll find the complimentary cribs, highchairs and indoor pool come in pretty handy. Hot breakfast is included but you won’t have to travel far for other sustenance – you’ve got the cream of Memphis’ culinary scene on your doorstep.

The mood? Convenience is key. 
Budget range? One of the cheapest.