Best Places to Stay in Memphis: Neighborhoods & Lodging Guide

The city of Memphis is located on a bend of the Mississippi River in the southwestern region of Tennessee. Renowned for its deep connections to blues music, Memphis boasts a rich tapestry of modern history and cultural experiences. It is the birthplace of legendary artists such as B.B. King, Elvis Presley, and Johnny Cash, who all significantly influenced the music scene. Consequently, Sun Studio has achieved an iconic status, and a visit to this historic venue on Union Avenue is essential for any traveler in Memphis.

While Memphis draws many music enthusiasts, the city has much more to offer beyond the smooth melodies of blues music. It has played a pivotal role in the Civil Rights Movement, and visitors can gain insights into the struggles and successes of figures like Martin Luther King Jr. at the National Civil Rights Museum. Notably, this museum is situated on the site of King’s assassination in 1968.

From music to civil rights and beyond, Memphis offers a plethora of attractions to explore. Although it is relatively compact, the city’s neighborhoods provide diverse atmospheres and amenities.

Let us delve into the various accommodation options in Memphis.

Downtown

Downtown Memphis represents the dynamic core of the city. The heart of this area, and of Memphis as a whole, is undoubtedly the Beale Street Entertainment District. For fleeting visitors eager to capture the essence of Memphis, Beale Street is the primary destination.

This famed street is filled with numerous music venues and blues bars, making it a haven for blues enthusiasts. Extending 1.8 miles from East Street to the Mississippi River, Beale Street is a locale where unforgettable experiences are created.

In the center of Beale Street, one can find a statue honoring the king of rock and roll himself, Elvis Presley.

An additional key destination in Downtown Memphis is the National Civil Rights Museum, which not only marks the location of Martin Luther King Jr.’s assassination but also chronicles the long-standing struggle for black liberation dating back to the 17th Century.

Suitable For: Active Travelers, Art Enthusiasts, Historians, Urban Explorers, Couples, Cultural Enthusiasts, First-Time Visitors, Families, Food Aficionados, Music Lovers, Sightseers, Shopaholics, Quick Travelers

Neighborhood Highlights: Beale Street Entertainment District, National Civil Rights Museum, Sun Studio, Statue of Elvis Presley, Memphis Rock’n’Soul Museum, Orpheum Theater, Woodruff-Fontaine House Museum, Mallory-Neely House, Morris Park, Withers Collection Museum & Gallery, W C Handy House Museum, Robert R. Church Park

Hotel Recommendations:

• La Quinta Inn & Suites – A commendable hotel in Downtown Memphis featuring a fitness center and an indoor swimming pool available for guests. Amenities include free parking and complimentary WiFi, with spacious rooms.
• Residence Inn – An excellent hotel located on Monroe Avenue in the heart of Downtown Memphis. Each spacious room includes a kitchen, living area, and private ensuite bathroom with a shower. Guests can enjoy the billiards room.
• SpringHill Suites – This hotel features an outdoor swimming pool and sun terrace. The studio-sized rooms include refrigerators and microwaves for preparing simple meals. Furthermore, tea and coffee-making facilities are available in each room, alongside access to the gym and business center.

Midtown

Located a short distance from the Mississippi River and the lively Downtown area, Midtown provides a more peaceful atmosphere. This district, which includes the latter part of the iconic Beale Street and extends up to Brooks Museum and beyond, encompasses numerous attractions.

The Brooks Museum, often overshadowed by the National Civil Rights Museum or Beale Street, features a diverse collection of European and American art at Poplar Avenue. Its extensive collection includes various forms of art, such as sculptures and paintings, with some pieces dating back to the 18th Century.

Adjacent to the Brooks Museum lies Overton Park, a substantial urban park that serves as a tranquil retreat. Overton Park features two adventure playgrounds for children, a nine-hole golf course, and a 126-acre forest, creating an ideal space for leisurely strolls and immersive nature experiences.

Suitable For: Active Travelers, Art Lovers, Historians, Urban Explorers, Couples, Cultural Enthusiasts, First-Time Visitors, Families, Foodies, Music Lovers, Sightseers, Shopaholics, Quick Travelers

Neighborhood Highlights: Beale Street, Brooks Museum, Sun Studio, Overton Park, Overton Park Golf Course, Memphis Zoo, Overton Square Shopping Mall, Huey’s Midtown Hamburger Restaurant, Crosstown Concourse, High Cotton Brewing Company

Hotel Recommendations:

• Holiday Inn Express Memphis Medical Center – Midtown – A commendable hotel in Midtown, conveniently located near Downtown and Overton Park. Guests benefit from free WiFi and parking.
• Best Western Plus Gen X Inn – A highly regarded hotel offering spacious rooms with essential amenities. Each room is equipped with a refrigerator and tea/coffee-making facilities, with a 24-hour front desk service.
• Midtown Garden Cottage – This studio apartment offers a cozy atmoshere, complete with a kitchen and private bathroom. Guests enjoy their own entrance and street parking.

Graceland

For enthusiasts of Elvis Presley and the rock and roll genre, Graceland is the quintessential place to stay in Memphis. This neighborhood is named after the musician’s iconic mansion located on what is now known as Elvis Presley Boulevard.

Graceland showcases a neighborhood wholly dedicated to Elvis Presley. Visitors can take guided tours of his renowned estate, allowing them to explore the life of this legendary performer, including a view of his private chambers. The estate features a car museum and two private jets, enhancing the experience.

Beyond the mansion, guests can pay their respects at Elvis Presley’s grave, situated to the south along Elvis Presley Boulevard.

The Graceland neighborhood is dotted with diners that display memorabilia from Elvis Presley’s life. For an authentic taste of Southern cooking, a visit to Dodge’s Memphis for classic fried chicken is highly recommended.

Suitable For: Active Travelers, Historians, Couples, Cultural Enthusiasts, First-Time Visitors, Families, Foodies, Music Lovers, Sightseers, Shopaholics, Quick Travelers

Neighborhood Highlights: Elvis Presley’s Graceland Estate, Elvis Presley’s Grave, Elvis Presley Automobile Museum, Dodge’s Memphis Fried Chicken Store, Picadilly Diner, Best Wings of Memphis, Rock N Roll Cafe, Williams Park, Raines-Finely Park

Hotel Recommendations:

• The Guest House at Graceland – A distinguished hotel located just a five-minute walk from the Graceland Estate entrance. The hotel boasts two in-house restaurants and an outdoor swimming pool, alongside a complimentary peanut butter and jelly bar every evening.
• Days Inn by Wyndham – Situated within a short distance from Graceland, this notable hotel features a uniquely designed outdoor swimming pool shaped like a guitar. All room rates include complimentary breakfast and free WiFi, along with a collection of Elvis memorabilia throughout the hotel.
• Holiday Inn Express & Suites – This wonderful hotel on Elvis Presley Boulevard provides excellent accommodations just 15 minutes from the Downtown area. Each room includes a work desk, free WiFi, and continental breakfast.

East Memphis

For visitors aiming to experience a more genuine aspect of Memphis, the East Memphis district serves as an excellent base. It is conveniently located near both Downtown Memphis and Graceland, offering a balance between residential charm and access to thrilling activities for the adventurous traveler.

Families will find East Memphis particularly appealing, as it is home to The Children’s Museum of Memphis. Operating daily from 9 AM, this interactive museum offers a range of engaging activities for children and parents alike. Guests can learn about various topics such as aviation, banking, geological phenomena, and firefighting. Every visit exposes inquisitive children to new and exciting experiences.

The Memphis Botanic Garden is a beautiful area characterized by Asian-inspired landscaping that adds to the city’s charm.

Suitable For: Active Travelers, Art Lovers, Historians, Urban Explorers, Couples, Cultural Enthusiasts, Families, Foodies, Music Lovers, Sightseers, Shopaholics, Local Travelers

Neighborhood Highlights: The Children’s Museum of Memphis, Memphis Botanic Garden, Audubon Park Golf Course, Oak Court Mall, Dixon Gallery & Garden, Pink Palace Museum, Galloway Golf Course, Eastgate Shopping Centre, Malco Paradiso Cinema Grill and IMAX, Shelby Farm Park, Wolf River Refuge Trailhead, Laurelwood Shopping Center

Hotel Recommendations:

• Hampton Inn Memphis – Poplar – A budget-friendly and comfortable hotel in East Memphis within walking distance to Downtown. Rooms include flat-screen TVs with cable channels and pay-per-view options, while an outdoor swimming pool and basic fitness center are also available.
• DoubleTree by Hilton – Boasting an outdoor swimming pool and a well-equipped fitness center, DoubleTree by Hilton is an ideal accommodation in East Memphis. Rooms feature modern design and ample space, along with a complimentary airport transportation service for all guests.
• Holiday Inn Memphis – University of Memphis – This hotel provides convenient access to Downtown and local attractions. Rooms are adequately equipped, including ensuite bathrooms, flat-screen TVs, and free WiFi.

Cooper-Young

Cooper-Young is an ideal destination for lively, youthful travelers eager to immerse themselves in Memphis’ vibrant culture. As one of the city’s most eclectic neighborhoods, it is rich with trendy coffee shops, diverse eateries, and vintage boutiques.

The culinary offerings in Cooper-Young are vibrant, encouraging travelers to arrive with an appetite. The area is home to several award-winning restaurants worth visiting, with Imagine Vegan Cafe leading the way in the plant-based dining movement with an appealing menu at reasonable prices.

In Cooper-Young, guests can find a historic marker commemorating the location of Johnny Cash’s inaugural performance. The neighborhood also hosts numerous picturesque sites, including the unique and colorful wooden houses scattered along Young Avenue.

Travelers can pay their respects at the Spanish War Memorial, located to the northwest of Cooper-Young, which honors the lives of veterans from the Spanish-American War (1898-1902).

Suitable For: Active Travelers, Art Lovers, Budget Travelers, Historians, Urban Explorers, Couples, Cultural Enthusiasts, Foodies, Music Lovers, Sightseers, Shopaholics, Local Travelers, Young Travelers

Neighborhood Highlights: Johnny Cash First Performance Marker, Spanish War Memorial, Imagine Vegan Cafe, Peabody Park, Divine Temple Church of God, Churchill Studio, Alchemy Memphis, Stine Soup Cafe & Market

Hotel Recommendations:

• Captain Harris House – A unique lodging option in Cooper-Young, featuring free on-site parking, WiFi, and a covered deck. Guests have access to the entire house, providing a home-like atmosphere for up to two guests.
• Crescent Cottage – A lovely vacation rental in the heart of Cooper-Young, ideal for families, accommodating up to four guests. It features a fully equipped kitchen and complimentary breakfast, along with a modest garden.
• Good Vibrations – This well-appointed townhouse vacation rental in Cooper-Young offers modern decor with a warm ambiance. It includes free on-site parking and outdoor seating on the porch, along with a complete kitchen and spacious lounge area.