After writing guides for countless publications about Memphis, including the best places to stay around the city, it became time for our own guide to accommodations. There is a large diversity in the types and prices of properties spanning every loyalty program.
We’ve denoted which ones are our picks and which ones come highly recommended on travel websites so that you can be sure that you’re staying in the best place.
We occasionally accept complimentary accommodations in exchange for a review to offset costs but write honestly about our experiences.
This post contains affiliate links but won’t cost you anything extra.
Accommodation Type
Don’t limit yourself to just one type of accommodation!
Hotels
Looking for a Memphis hotel? Look no further. In this city, you’ll find a little bit of everything, from the chains in all corners of the city to stylish boutique brands.
Hotels are the preferred type of accommodation for visitors to the city due to the abundance of options and relatively cheap prices. Shop around on multiple websites, but we prefer Booking.com and Hotels.com.
Inns and B&Bs
Memphis is also home to guesthouses, inns, and bed and breakfasts. The River Inn of Harbor Town is the best example, set on Mud Island in the Mississippi River. The AAA Four-Diamond property has daily breakfast, champagne at check-in, and free parking and WiFi.
The James Lee House is in an incredible historic home in the Medical District with luxurious accommodations and the finest Southern meals. The Talbot Heirs Guesthouse is near Beale Street and has eight apartment-style suites, inspired by the music of the city.
Airbnbs and Rentals
Airbnb has a large presence in the greater Memphis area with a wide range of accommodations. Expect to find everything from bungalows to cabins to treehouses. For a discount on your first stay, use our link.
Stay in a cute cottage bungalow in the historic Cooper-Young district or a midcentury-inspired townhouse in the Crosstown neighborhood.
Hostels
Believe it or not, Memphis also has budget-friendly accommodations. The city’s only hostel, Hostel Memphis, is in the trendy Cooper-Young neighborhood and supports a local homeless charity with its proceeds. There are dorm and private rooms as well as daily breakfast, free WiFi, and parking.
Camping
Believe it or not, you can also camp in Memphis. Meeman-Shelby Forest State Park is 20 minutes north of the city and has tent and RV sites as well as cabins. T.O. Fuller State Park is also nearby and has similar amenities.
Located next to the entrance to Graceland, Graceland RV Park and Campground is convenient for visitors to the home with tent and RV sites and cabins.
Neighborhoods
Most visitors stay downtown or near Beale Street, which is where the majority of the hotels are located. But there are plenty of other areas to explore.
Downtown
The majority of the city’s attractions are located in Downtown Memphis. This includes the iconic music venues of Beale Street, the Memphis Rock n Soul Museum, and the Memphis Music Hall of Fame.
Chow down at the best restaurants in Memphis, including Charlie Vergos’ Rendezvous, a famous spot for ribs. Flight Restaurant and Wine Bar offers upscale dining with an emphasis on wine, while Huey’s Downtown is a local hangout for burgers.
Midtown
Midtown is home to important landmarks like Sun Studio, which fostered the careers of names like Elvis Presley and Johnny Cash at this humble recording studio. It’s also home to the over 120-acre Overton Park, which has the Levitt Shell venue, the Memphis Zoo, and the Brooks Museum.
Head to the Crosstown Concourse, a former Sears building turned mix-use space. It’s home to Global Cafe at Crosstown Concourse, a mini food hall run by refugees from around the world. The Liquor Store is a hip restaurant popular for brunch.
South Main
The historic South Main restaurant is home to some of Memphis’ historic buildings, including the Lorraine Motel, now the National Civil Rights Museum, where Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated. The Blues Hall of Fame is also along this stretch.
The Arcade Restaurant is said to be a favorite of Elvis, Memphis’ oldest restaurant opened in 1919 by a Greek immigrant. Earnestine and Hazel’s is a dive bar and former brothel known for its sole menu item, the Soul Burger. Central BBQ, Bishop, and Rizzo’s by Michael Patrick are also favorites.
Our Picks
After a number of visits to Memphis, we have a lot of suggestions in terms of the best hotels and properties around town. We have personally stayed in each of the below-mentioned properties.
Crowne Plaza Memphis Downtown
I stayed at the convenient Crowne Plaza on my first trip to Memphis, long before the trendy boutique hotels popped up. It’s close to Beale Street and the streetcar, St. Jude’s, and the path to Mud Island.
The hotel boasts an onsite restaurant, fitness center, and a local shuttle to take you to nearby attractions. Rooms have been renovated and include coffee makers and televisions.
If You Like: free WiFi, IHG points
Other Features: paid parking, affordable rates
The Guest House at Graceland
Inspired by the lavish costumes and decor at Elvis Presley‘s home, the Guest House at Graceland is the best place to stay in Memphis for music fans. The resort was the biggest addition to Graceland since it opened in 1982 and is one of the largest hotels in Memphis.
The Guest House has family-friendly amenities like a swimming pool, nightly Elvis movies in the theater, live performances, and a convenient shuttle to the airport, Graceland, and Beale Street.
If You Like: in-room coffee makers, three restaurants
Other Features: free shuttle to Graceland and the airport
Read our review and click here to book your stay.
The Peabody Hotel
The famed Peabody Hotel first opened in 1869 a few blocks away, but the current location has been around since 1925. It fell into disrepair for years, but the local community brought it back to life.
It’s known for the daily parade of the Peabody ducks and was also where Elvis signed his first record deal. The hotel has a small museum of artifacts from its history, along with three restaurants and shops.
If You Like: historic hotels, free WiFi, convenient location
Other Features: summer rooftop parties, valet parking with self-parking nearby
Read our review and click here to book your stay.
Other Recommended Properties
We haven’t had the chance to stay at these properties yet, but they are highly rated on TripAdvisor and other hotel review websites.
Arrive Hotel Memphis
- Hip coffee shop and bakery, shuffleboard bar
- Sister locations in Wilmington and more
- 62 stylish guest rooms
- Book here
Big Cypress Lodge
- Rustic-inspired family-friendly rooms
- Fitness center, bar, spa, three restaurants
- Lookout with views of the city
- Book here
Central Station Hotel
Hotel Indigo Memphis Downtown
- Central courtyard with pool
- Inspired by 1960s building
- Restaurant, fitness center, and lobby jukebox
- Book here
Hotel Napoleon
- 1902 Beaux-Arts style Scimitar Building
- Complimentary coffee, WiFi, and newspaper
- Fitness center, restaurant, valet parking
- Book here
Hu Hotel
- Design-focused minimalist rooms
- Cafe and rooftop bar
- Historic building in the heart of downtown
- Book here
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