Where to Stay in Memphis: 20 Best Hotels by Neighborhood From a Local

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The best area to stay in Memphis for most visitors is Downtown, within walking distance of Beale Street, the National Civil Rights Museum, and the Mississippi River.

Choose Midtown for local restaurants and boutique hotels near Overton Square, East Memphis if you’re traveling with kids and want quiet streets and easy parking, and the Graceland area only if Elvis is the reason for your trip.

I lived in Memphis for 45 years, grew up on barbecue joints and summer nights on Beale Street, and my mom still lives here, so I’m back about six times a year.

These are the hotels I book for myself and the ones I send friends to, plus the areas I tell people to skip if you don’t want to end up in a bad situation.

Memphis Neighborhoods at a Glance

Safety in one sentence: stay in Downtown’s core (Beale Street, Main Street, South Main, and the riverfront), Midtown around Overton Square and Cooper-Young, or East Memphis along Poplar Avenue, park in hotel garages, and use rideshare instead of walking long distances at night.

I cover this in detail in the safety section below.

Best Hotels in Memphis at a Glance (2027)

• Hyatt Centric Beale Street: My top Downtown pick, steps from Beale Street
• Canopy by Hilton Memphis Downtown: My go-to Downtown hotel for Sunday brunch and craft cocktails
• ARRIVE Memphis: Best boutique stay in South Main
• Hotel Napoleon: The boutique hotel people overlook, with exposed brick rooms I love
• The Memphian: Best Midtown hotel, with a rooftop bar in Overton Square
• Central Station Hotel: Close to Beale Street but away from the drama, my New Year’s Eve pick
• Hu. Hotel: Best rooftop sunset views
• The Westin Memphis Beale Street: Across from FedExForum for Grizzlies games (a little dated)
• Hilton Memphis: Best for families in East Memphis
• The Guest House at Graceland: Best for Elvis fans
• The Peabody Memphis: Skip the outdated rooms, but go for a cocktail at the lobby bar and the duck march

Memphis Hotel Comparison Table

Here’s how all 20 hotels in this guide compare at a glance. On your phone, each hotel shows as its own card.

Price guide: $ = budget, $$ = mid-range, $$$ = splurge. Rates change by season and event weekends.

Map of Memphis Hotels

Use the map to compare hotel locations and live prices for your dates.

The links in this post may be affiliate links.  That means that if you click them and make a purchase, this site makes a commission.  It will have no impact on the price you pay or the experience of your purchase.

Best Areas to Stay in Memphis

Where you stay shapes your whole Memphis trip. Downtown puts you on foot near the major sights, Midtown feels like a local neighborhood, East Memphis trades walkability for space and quiet, and Graceland makes sense for Elvis fans.

Here are the hotels I recommend in each area, starting with Downtown.

Where to Stay in Downtown Memphis: Beale Street, South Main and the Riverfront

Downtown is where live music spills out onto Beale Street, barbecue smoke drifts down the alleys, and the Mississippi River sets up some of the best sunsets in the South.

Stay here if you want to walk to the National Civil Rights Museum, FedExForum, and the Peabody ducks. Slave Haven Underground Railroad Museum is a short drive away.

If you’re planning a heritage-focused trip, my guide to Black history sites in Memphis pairs well with a Downtown stay.

The area is walkable, and the hotels range from historic luxury to design-forward boutiques.

For a splurge, I book Hyatt Centric Beale Street. Canopy by Hilton is the hotel I stay at most, ARRIVE Memphis is my boutique pick, and The Peabody is where I go for a cocktail.

If you’re sensitive to noise, ask for a higher floor or a room facing away from Beale Street, especially on weekends.

Hyatt Centric Beale Street Memphis

If you want a front-row seat to the action, this is my top pick. Hyatt Centric Beale Street sits at the foot of Beale Street with a rooftop bar overlooking the Mississippi River.

It works best for couples, girls’ weekends, and anyone who wants to walk home from Beale. Its sister hotel next door, Caption by Hyatt Beale Street, is a lower-priced option in the same complex.

📍 Address: 33 Beale St, Memphis, TN 38103
📞 Phone: (901) 444-3232

The Peabody Memphis (Go for the Bar, Stay Elsewhere)

Here’s my unpopular opinion: The Peabody is a Memphis icon, but the rooms are extremely outdated and overpriced for the decor.

If you want to stay just to say you did, go for it. Otherwise, book one of the hotels below and come here for a cocktail.

The lobby bar is one of my favorite spots in the city. Time your drink for the duck march at 11 a.m. or 5 p.m., when the Peabody ducks parade across the grand lobby to the fountain.

📍 Address: 149 Union Ave, Memphis, TN 38103
📞 Phone: (901) 529-4000

Canopy by Hilton Memphis Downtown (My Go-To Hotel)

Canopy by Hilton is my go-to Downtown hotel. I’ve stayed here four or five times in the last two years, and I keep coming back.

Rooms are bright and airy, you’re a few blocks from Beale Street and the riverfront, and the staff makes you feel like a regular.

Don’t miss the Sunday brunch, and save room for a craft cocktail at the bar before dinner. It’s some of the best hotel food and drink downtown.

📍 Address: 164 Union Ave, Memphis, TN 38103
📞 Phone: (901) 701-1220

ARRIVE Memphis

ARRIVE Memphis is built for creatives: mid-century furniture, exposed brick, and a lobby that doubles as a cafe and cocktail bar.

It sits in the South Main Arts District, surrounded by galleries, coffee shops, and boutiques, and it’s a 10 to 15 minute walk to the National Civil Rights Museum.

This is where I stay when I want something intimate and unapologetically Memphis.

📍 Address: 477 S Main St, Memphis, TN 38103
📞 Phone: (901) 245-3742

Hu. Hotel

Hu. Hotel sits in a renovated 1920s building on Madison Avenue, and its rooftop bar, Hu. Roof, has some of the best sunset views of the Mississippi River in the city.

It’s a short walk to Beale Street and a good fit for couples who want something sleek at a better value than the big-name downtown hotels.

📍 Address: 79 Madison Ave, Memphis, TN 38103
📞 Phone: (901) 333-1200

Central Station Hotel Memphis (Where I Spent New Year’s Eve)

Central Station is another hotel I love, and it’s where I spent New Year’s Eve.

It’s close enough to walk to Beale Street but far enough away from the drama, which is exactly what you want on a big night out.

The hotel, part of Hilton’s Curio Collection, sits inside the restored 1914 Central Station, and Amtrak trains still stop here (see my Memphis to New Orleans Amtrak guide).

It leans into Memphis music with DJ-curated playlists and a lobby lounge locals actually use, and you’re a short walk to the National Civil Rights Museum.

📍 Address: 545 S Main St, Memphis, TN 38103
📞 Phone: (901) 524-5247

The Westin Memphis Beale Street (Best for Grizzlies Games)

The Westin used to be my go-to Memphis hotel, and I’ve stayed here several times over the years.

It has slipped since then and needs updating, so I don’t book it the way I used to.

But if you’re going to a Grizzlies game or a concert at FedExForum and want to be right across the street from the action, it’s not a bad choice.

You can walk to your seat, then walk to Beale Street after the game.

📍 Address: 170 Lt George W Lee Ave, Memphis, TN 38103
📞 Phone: (901) 334-5900

Hotel Napoleon, Ascend Hotel Collection (The One People Overlook)

Hotel Napoleon is the downtown hotel people bypass for some reason, and I don’t understand why.

I’ve stayed here about four times. It’s a small boutique hotel in a restored 1902 building, and the rooms have exposed brick, which is exactly what I love.

You’re steps from The Peabody and Canopy by Hilton, so you can grab a cocktail at either one, and it’s a short walk to Beale Street, the Orpheum Theatre, and the National Civil Rights Museum.

It usually costs less than the bigger names around it.

📍 Address: 179 Madison Ave, Memphis, TN 38103
📞 Phone: (901) 522-8171

Aloft Memphis Downtown

Aloft Memphis Downtown opened in late 2024 on B.B. King Boulevard, so it’s one of the newest hotels downtown.

I’ve stayed here once. It was nice, but it didn’t make me want to come back, and with about six trips home a year, I’m picky.

It has the brand’s social energy, a rooftop bar, the WXYZ bar in the lobby, and it’s pet friendly.

You can walk to Beale Street and FedExForum in minutes. Book it if the price is right, but I’d choose Canopy or Hotel Napoleon first.

📍 Address: 63 N B.B. King Blvd, Memphis, TN 38103
📞 Phone: (901) 522-8555

Hotel Indigo Memphis Downtown

Hotel Indigo sits on B.B. King Boulevard at the edge of downtown, with music-inspired design and record-themed details throughout.

The outdoor pool and easy drive to Midtown make it a good fit if you want Beale Street access and plan to eat in Overton Square or Cooper-Young.

📍 Address: 22 N B.B. King Blvd, Memphis, TN 38103
📞 Phone: (901) 527-2211

Moxy Memphis Downtown

Moxy Memphis Downtown is playful and social. You check in at the bar, rooms are compact but comfortable, and the lobby stays lively at night.

It’s on Front Street near the riverfront, a short walk to Beale Street, and best for solo travelers or couples who want fun over formality.

📍 Address: 40 N Front St, Memphis, TN 38103
📞 Phone: (901) 522-9700

Hampton Inn & Suites Memphis-Beale Street

If you want a reliable, mid-range room one block from Beale Street, this is it. You get free breakfast, a pool, and suite options with more space for families or girls’ trips. It won’t win design awards, but the location is hard to beat for the price. Parking is extra, so factor that in.

📍 Address: 175 Peabody Pl, Memphis, TN 38103

💡 Local Tip: Park in a well-lit hotel garage and walk to nearby attractions instead of leaving your car on the street overnight.

Downtown is busy and walkable, and the same big-city awareness you use anywhere applies here.

Where to Stay in Midtown Memphis and Victorian Village

Midtown is what Memphis locals love: craft coffee in the morning, the Memphis Zoo or Brooks Museum by day, and live music or a rooftop cocktail at night.

Stay here if you want a laid-back, local feel away from the tourist crowds.

You’ll be near Overton Park, Overton Square, and Cooper-Young, which are packed with independent restaurants, vintage shops, and murals.

Midtown has fewer hotels than Downtown, so book early.

The Memphian, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel

I adore The Memphian for its bold design and neighborhood feel. It sits in Overton Square with colorful local art and a rooftop bar that’s a favorite at sunset.

Rooms are cozy but elevated, and you can walk to live music, coffee shops, and some of the best restaurants in Memphis.

📍 Address: 21 S Cooper St, Memphis, TN 38104
📞 Phone: (901) 276-9311

The James Lee House

If you love history, The James Lee House is a restored 19th-century mansion in Victorian Village, just outside downtown, with only a handful of suites.

Breakfast is made in-house and served in the formal dining room. It feels like a private home with the service of a high-end boutique inn.

📍 Address: 690 Adams Ave, Memphis, TN 38105
📞 Phone: (901) 359-6750

Where to Stay in East Memphis for Families

East Memphis is quieter and more suburban, which makes it ideal for families or travelers who want space and a slower pace.

You’ll find leafy neighborhoods, upscale shopping, and some of the city’s best local restaurants, along with familiar brands like Hilton and Hyatt Place.

If you’re bringing kids, my list of 50 things to do in Memphis with kids will fill your itinerary.

This is also home to Shelby Farms Park, one of the largest urban parks in the country, great for morning walks or bike rides.

Quick highway access makes East Memphis an easy base for Graceland, Downtown, and day trips.

Hilton Memphis

The Hilton Memphis is the round tower you see from I-240, and it’s my top pick for families in East Memphis.

Rooms are spacious, there’s an outdoor pool, and Rook’s Corner serves Southern comfort food. You’re about 20 minutes from Beale Street by car.

📍 Address: 939 Ridge Lake Blvd, Memphis, TN 38120
📞 Phone: (901) 684-6664

Hyatt Place Memphis Primacy Parkway

Hyatt Place Primacy Parkway is a value pick with a separate sitting area in every room, free breakfast, and plenty of parking.

You’re close to shopping at Oak Court Mall and The Shops of Saddle Creek in Germantown.

📍 Address: 1220 Primacy Pkwy, Memphis, TN 38119
📞 Phone: (901) 680-9700

Four Points by Sheraton East Memphis

Four Points by Sheraton Memphis East is a solid mid-range choice with clean rooms, a pool, and a lobby bar.

It sits on Poplar Avenue, close to East Memphis restaurants and shopping.

📍 Address: 5877 Poplar Ave, Memphis, TN 38119
📞 Phone: (901) 767-6300

Hampton Inn & Suites Memphis-Shady Grove

Hampton Inn & Suites Memphis-Shady Grove is clean, comfortable, and family friendly, with free breakfast and a quiet residential setting.

It’s minutes from Shelby Farms Park, one of the largest urban parks in the country.

📍 Address: 962 S Shady Grove Rd, Memphis, TN 38120
📞 Phone: (901) 762-0056

💡 Local Tip: East Memphis around Poplar Avenue and the Ridgeway Loop is one of the calmest areas for visitors.

It’s ideal if you’re traveling with kids and want an easy night’s sleep after a day downtown.

Where to Stay in Harbor Town (Mud Island)

Harbor Town is a quiet residential neighborhood on Mud Island, about 10 blocks northwest of Downtown.

It’s a five-minute drive to Beale Street, but it feels like a small river town, with walking paths along the Mississippi and some of the best sunset views in Memphis.

River Inn of Harbor Town

River Inn is a 28-room boutique hotel with the feel of a private inn.

Head up to the Terrace rooftop lounge for small plates and river sunsets, or book dinner at Paulette’s, a longtime Memphis fine dining spot downstairs.

It’s a good pick for couples and anyone who wants Downtown access without the Beale Street noise. Pets up to 50 pounds are allowed for a fee.

Where to Stay Near Graceland

Graceland sits in Whitehaven, about 20 minutes south of Downtown and close to Memphis International Airport.

I only recommend staying here if Elvis is the main reason for your trip or you have an early flight. Outside the Graceland campus, stick to main roads at night.

The Guest House at Graceland

The Guest House at Graceland is the official Elvis Presley Enterprises hotel, right across from the Graceland campus.

Expect Elvis-inspired suites, a large pool, and live music in the lobby. It’s family friendly, and the hotel runs a shuttle to Graceland.

If you’re visiting during Elvis Week in August, book months ahead.

📍 Address: 3600 Elvis Presley Blvd, Memphis, TN 38116

New Memphis Hotels Opening in 2026 and 2027

Memphis has a lot of hotel news right now.

Here’s what’s new, what’s changing, and what’s coming, based on announcements as of November 2026.

Opening dates for projects still under construction can slip, so check before you plan around them.

Memphis Riverline Hotel (Formerly Sheraton Memphis Downtown)

The 600-room convention hotel at 250 N Main St, connected to the Renasant Convention Center, was bought by the City of Memphis in 2025 and renamed Memphis Riverline Hotel in February 2026.

It’s still bookable through Marriott Bonvoy while a phased renovation and future Marriott rebrand move forward.

Book it for convention access, but read recent reviews about room condition until the renovation is done.

Home2 Suites by Hilton Memphis Downtown

An all-suite hotel near Beale Street on Vance Avenue, opened in 2025. The kitchenettes make it a smart pick for families and longer stays.

Hampton Inn at Liberty Park (Projected Early 2027)

A 152-room Hampton Inn with a restaurant and rooftop bar is planned for Liberty Park, the redevelopment around the Mid-South Fairgrounds and Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium.

Developers projected an opening by early 2027, which would make it the go-to hotel for Memphis Tigers football games.

Projects to Watch

A $63 million renovation is planned to reopen the vacant 280-room hotel at 185 Union Ave downtown, a boutique hotel called The Stallion is approved for 436 S Front St in South Main, and the 100 N Main tower redevelopment includes a hotel.

None has an announced opening date yet, and I’ll update this guide when they do.

Memphis Hotel Booking Tips From a Local

A few things I tell every friend before they book:

1. Book early for big weekends. Memphis in May (including the World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest), Elvis Week in August, the St. Jude Memphis Marathon in December, and Grizzlies home games fill Downtown hotels fast.

2. Budget for parking. Most Downtown hotels charge for valet or garage parking. East Memphis hotels usually offer free parking, which can offset a lower room rate Downtown.

3. Look at packages. Hotel and flight packages can save money, and some hotels bundle attraction tickets.

4. Read recent reviews for location notes. Look for mentions of secure parking, a well-lit entrance, and noise from Beale Street.

Best Time to Visit Memphis

The best times to visit Memphis are April through May and late September through November, when highs usually sit in the 70s and 80s °F (21 to 29 °C).

Summers are hot and humid, with July highs in the 90s °F (32 to 37 °C), and winters are short but gray.

Spring brings Memphis in May and the World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest on the riverfront, and fall is packed with music and food festivals.

See my guide to Memphis fall festivals and the 16 Memphis barbecue restaurants I always go back to.

Memphis Tours Worth Booking From Your Hotel

Memphis is a driving city, so a guided tour saves you from parking at every stop. These are the tours I point visitors to on Viator, which offers free cancellation on most bookings:

• Taste of Downtown Memphis Food Tour: barbecue, soul food, and local stories in one walk
• Memphis City Tour with Sun Studio: the best overview for first-timers
• See all Memphis tours and experiences, including Graceland and Mississippi River cruises

Is Memphis Safe for Tourists? What I Tell My Friends

Yes, Memphis is safe for tourists who stay in the right neighborhoods and use the same awareness they would in any big city.

Like every major city, some areas feel great and others I wouldn’t hang out in after dark.

Don’t let the headlines scare you off. I lived in Memphis for 45 years, and my mom and most of my family are still here, so I see firsthand how the city keeps growing while holding on to its soul.

Areas I Recommend

If you want to experience Memphis safely while soaking in everything that makes it special, here are the neighborhoods I always recommend:

• Downtown Memphis: Stay near Beale Street, Main Street, or the South Main Arts District. It’s lively, walkable, and full of live music, restaurants, and river views.
• Midtown Memphis: Great for food lovers and art fans. Overton Square, Cooper-Young, and the area around the Memphis Zoo are fun and full of personality.
• East Memphis: My top pick for families who want quiet and comfort, close to Shelby Farms Park and great restaurants.

💡 Local Tip: Memphis is a driving city, so rent a car or use rideshare. Park in well-lit areas or hotel garages and keep valuables out of sight.

Areas to Avoid (From a Local’s Perspective)

I love my hometown, but there are areas I tell visitors to avoid, especially at night:

• North Memphis and Frayser: Strong community pride but higher crime rates, and nothing a first-time visitor needs to see.
• South Memphis outside the tourist area: The National Civil Rights Museum and Stax Museum of American Soul Music are worth your time, but don’t wander into residential streets after dark.
• Parts of Parkway Village and Whitehaven: Graceland itself is secure, but stick to the main tourist areas and avoid side streets at night.

Memphis can change block by block. If something feels off, trust your instincts and head back toward Downtown or Midtown.

Where to Stay in Memphis FAQ

More Memphis and Tennessee Travel Guides

Planning the rest of your trip? These guides will help:

• 50 Fun Things to Do in Memphis With Kids
• 16 Must-Try Barbecue Restaurants in Memphis
• Things to Do in Memphis for Black History Month
• Slave Haven Underground Railroad Museum in Memphis
• Ultimate Guide to Memphis Fall Festivals
• Amtrak Getaway: Memphis to New Orleans
• Tennessee Travel Guide for Adventure Lovers
• Where to Stay in Nashville: Best Hotels
• Waterfalls Near Nashville
• Smoky Mountain Fall Colors
• Best Water Parks in Tennessee

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