Top 7 Best Places to Stay in Memphis

As Tennessee’s second-largest city, Memphis boasts a vibrant vibe unique to this city. The city is on the southwest end of the state, bordering the states of Arkansas and Mississippi. Memphis is known for two things: music and culture. Memphis is considered the birthplace of rock and roll, as this city is where Elvis Presley first recorded.

Memphis was also the birthplace of several famous blues and rock n roll artists, meaning that music is a big part of this city. Memphis culture is the second most prominent aspect of this city, as the city combines southern vibes with art, food, and history. So for those who want to visit Memphis, the focus shifts to where to stay. That’s what we’ll answer in this blog post, as we cover seven of the best places to stay in Memphis.

1. Hu. Hotel

Courtesy of Hu. Hotel

The Hu. Hotel is a perfect blend of historic and modern. The building was originally built in 1905 but was renovated and turned into the Hu. Hotel in 2018. The building was formerly the Tennessee Trust Building and was one of the first buildings in Memphis. Staying at this hotel centers you in the middle of downtown, walking distance from restaurants, shops, and the Mississippi River.

The hotel features a rooftop pool with 360-degree Memphis views, a fitness center, and a business center to fulfill all your needs. Similar to the Bisha Hotel Toronto, The Hu. Hotel has a rooftop bar with crazy views and the Hu. Diner where you can find a buffet breakfast, brunch, and lunch. The Hu. Hotel is a sleek, modern, and historic place in the perfect location so that you can enjoy all the fun.

2. The Westin Memphis Downtown

Courtesy of The Westin Memphis Downtown

The Westin Memphis Downtown is Marriott’s best hotel in downtown Memphis. This 4-star hotel is right on Beale Street, the center of Memphis’ music and historic scene. The hotel is also right across from FedEx Forum, where you can catch basketball games, live music concerts, and so much more. The hotel is as modern as it gets, with the structure being built in 2007 but renovated in 2020.

The rooms are spacious with floor-to-ceiling windows, marble bathrooms, and views of Beale Street and downtown Memphis. The Westin Memphis Downtown has delicious food all day with Penny’s Nitty Gritty serving southern delights and a Starbucks open every day. Outside of the hotel’s spacious lobby area, there is a fitness center as well as conference rooms. As Westin is a Marriott brand, you can get rewards for staying here as part of Marriott’s loyalty program.

3. ARRIVE Memphis

Courtesy of ARRIVE Memphis

Staying at the ARRIVE Memphis means you’re staying at a piece of history. The structure was originally built as a plumbing warehouse in 1907 and after over a century of use was converted to a hotel. The hotel does a fantastic job of preserving the old structure, as you can find old bricks, exposed beams, and reused materials throughout the hotel. The ARRIVE Memphis is right across the street from the Blues Hall of Fame Museum and under a mile from downtown Memphis.

Staying here puts you at the center of Memphis’ South Main Arts District, full of museums, restaurants, and near the Memphis Central Station. The ARRIVE Memphis has several eating spots inside the hotel. You can enjoy pastries and light snacks at Hustle & Dough, a freshly roasted coffee at Vice and Virtue Coffee, or a host of American flavors at Longshot. The guest rooms vary in size, but each room gets an Apple TV, a Bluetooth speaker, and a work desk.

4. The Guest House at Graceland

Courtesy of The Guest House at Graceland

The Guest House at Graceland sits around seven miles outside Memphis, making it the furthest hotel on this list. The hotel sits as a rural oasis while also being close enough to Memphis to experience the city. You’ll stay steps from where Elvis lived, and get to visit Elvis Presley’s Museum to learn more about the life of this famed musician and actor. Although the architecture and interior hold great charm, the hotel was built in just 2016, making it a new addition to the Graceland area.

The amenities are what make this hotel, as the hotel revolves around a large outdoor pool. You can find event areas, conference rooms, lounges, restaurants, and even a 464-seat theater inside this hotel. The rooms are fitted with a southern colonial style and a modern touch, making that perfect blend. If you want to stay near Elvis in a resort-style hotel and still be close enough to experience Memphis, this hotel might be the one.

5. The Memphian Hotel

Courtesy of The Memphian, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel

As one of Memphis’ newest hotels, The Memphian is far from standard, as the hotel showcases its art deco theme at every turn. Located in Midtown Memphis, the hotel gives you a break from downtown and an opportunity to explore a new area. The hotel hosts two restaurants, the lobby level Complicated Pilgrim and the rooftop level Tiger and Peacock. The art deco theme continues into the rooms too, with a tasteful mix between art and modern. If you want an interesting hotel that isn’t cookie-cutter, The Memphian might be your pick.

6. Big Cypress Lodge

This is one of the most unique hotels in the world, staying in one of the largest pyramids in the world. This former sports arena was built in 1991 and turned into a Bass Pro Shop in 2015. As part of this transformation, the Big Cypress Lodge was formed. The hotel features a rustic outdoor style to fit with the Bass Pro Shops. As this building is massive, you can get to so much without even leaving the building.

There are five restaurants inside the building, a Bass Pro Shops, an observation deck, a bowling alley, the list goes on. Speaking of the observation deck, take the country’s longest free-standing elevator up 300 feet to get unparalleled views of the Memphis skyline. You can also enjoy The Lookout, a rooftop restaurant serving American classics with a view. If you want to explore outside the pyramid, you’re right on the Mississippi River and just over a mile from downtown Memphis. The Big Cypress Lodge isn’t just a stay, it’s an experience.

7. Canopy by Hilton Memphis Downtown

Courtesy of Canopy by Hilton Memphis Downtown

One of Hilton’s newest brands opened its doors to Memphis in 2020. The Canopy by Hilton is a modern oasis right in downtown Memphis. You are near Autozone Park, Memphis Music Hall of Fame, and Beale Street’s Entertainment District. The hotel features one restaurant named Curfew, serving breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner. Other amenities include a fitness center and meeting rooms. The rooms are filled with modernness giving a fresh new look. As this hotel is connected to Hilton, it’s ideal for people on the Hilton Loyalty Program. Overall, the Canopy by Hilton Hotel is a solid option if you want to stay downtown and get a clean modern hotel.

Conclusion

That’s a wrap, seven of the best places to stay in Memphis. I hope at least one hotel on this list spoke to you and your decision on where to stay got that much easier. Seven hotels showcasing a unique perspective of Memphis, I hope to see you in one of them!