Most hotels in Memphis are in three major areas - Downtown, Midtown or East Memphis business district. They range from well-known landmarks, new boutique hotels and charming B&Bs to major convention properties and nationally known chains.

Price categories for a standard double room are as follows:
$$$$ (over US$300)
$$$ (US$200 to US$299)
$$ (US$100 to US$199)
$ (under US$100)

Tax of 15.95% is extra. Check hotel websites for online specials. Breakfast is not included unless specified.

Hilton Memphis
In the heart of the fashionable East Memphis business district, the landmark 27-storey, reflective glass tower offers awesome views of Memphis from virtually every room. The 405-room hotel underwent a US$12 million renovation and opened as the Hilton Memphis in April 2004. Retro décor rooms have plush easy chairs, spacious work desks, data ports and high-speed Internet access. Guests on the Executive Level are pampered with breakfast and evening hors d'oeuvres and desserts. Over 2,787 sq m (30,000 sq ft) of meeting and event facilities are on one level for business conventions. The hotel has an outdoor heated pool and whirlpool, 24-hour fitness room and atrium lobby bar overlooking landscaped grounds. The hotel's modern American bistro, Rook's Corner, is a classy spot for lunch or dinner. The free shuttle for guests to visit area attractions or restaurants in a five-mile radius is a nice touch.

939 Ridge Lake Boulevard
Tel: (901) 684 6664 or 1 800 371 8065/HILTONS.
Website: www.hiltonmemphis.com
Price: $$-$$$$

The Westin Memphis Beale Street
Memphis' newest landmark hotel sits opposite the FedEx Forum - home to the Memphis Grizzlies NBA team and one short block from all the live action on Beale Street. Understated elegance, modern contemporary design, 203 spacious rooms and suites with pillowtop mattresses, work desks, Wi-Fi, flat screen TVs and all the luxurious amenities. Great views of the city. The lobby bar is open till 2300 and the on-site Daily Grill restaurant features alfresco dining and an elegant bar. Twenty-four hour business centre, concierge, and fitness centre.

170 Little George West Lee Avenue
Tel: (901) 334 5900.
Website: www.westin.com/bealestreet
Price: $$$-$$$$

Madison Hotel
One of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World, the upscale Madison overlooks the mighty Mississippi River and has the best view in town. Transformed from an original bank building, the hotel reflects sophisticated hospitality and style. Guestrooms pamper with European linen, down comforters and duvets, luxurious furnishings, stocked mini-bar, coffee maker and high-speed Internet access. Thursday-night rooftop parties feature live jazz or blues and afford a spectacular view of Fourth of July fireworks. Special packages include in-room massages, a night out at the theatre, or a romantic rooftop dinner overlooking the Mississippi River. The fitness centre occupies the original bank vault and includes an indoor heated lap pool. Continental breakfast is complimentary. The adjacent chic and sophisticated Grill 83 New York-style bistro comes highly recommended.

79 Madison Avenue
Tel: (901) 333 1200.
Website: www.madisonhotelmemphis.com
Price: $$$-$$$$

The Peabody
The South's Grand Hotel is the epitome of luxury, elegance and Southern hospitality, and the social hub of Downtown Memphis. This 1869 historic landmark was restored to its original splendour in 1981 by local developer Jack Belz. Don't miss the famous Peabody Ducks' twice daily march at 1100 and 1700 to and from the ornate marble lobby fountain. The 464 spacious rooms and 16 suites exude simple elegance and class, with upscale toiletries, pillow top mattresses, down pillows and comforters. Located near the pool and fitness centre, Gould's Day Spa & Salon offers the ultimate pampering packages. The hotel provides a 24-hour business centre, exclusive shopping arcade, Sunday brunch on the Skyway and Thursday-night rooftop parties for dancing under the stars to live bands. Chez Philippe is the ultimate dining experience for an elegant night out.

149 Union Avenue
Tel: (901) 529 4000.
Website: www.peabodymemphis.com
Price: $$$-$$$$

Elvis Presley's Heartbreak Hotel
The only place to stay for the dedicated Elvis fan on a Graceland pilgrimage. A fashionable boutique hotel in retro 1950s style, the heartbeat of Elvis throbs from the moment you enter the lobby furnished in bold harlequin patterns and his voice croons over the airwaves. There are 128 rooms and four lavish themed suites which each celebrate a different aspect of Elvis' life. Examples include the slushy Burning Love Suite. There's also a heart-shaped pool and Elvis' music and videos play 24 hours. All rooms have kitchenettes and photos of the King on the walls. A short walkway opens into the car park of Graceland.

3677 Elvis Presley Boulevard
Tel: (901) 332 1000 or 1 877 777 0606.
Website: www.elvis.com
Price: $$

Gen X inn
Chic new boutique hotel in Midtown, in the heart of the Medical Center district and less than one block from Interstate 240. Ideally located on the trolley line, only two miles from downtown. Contemporary décor, king and queen rooms feature complimentary broadband, cable TV and DVD players. Breakfast included. Exercise room and free parking.

1177 Madison Avenue
Tel: (901) 692 9136.
Website: www.genxinnhotel.com
Price: $$

Talbot Heirs Guesthouse
Contemporary downtown B&B with eight uniquely individual suites. Each decorated in bold colours with plantation shutters on the windows, cool tile floors and throw rugs. Both studios and one-bedroom suites are spacious, almost apartment-size, and simply, but comfortably furnished. All have full kitchens, stocked with extras such as cereal and yoghurt, biscotti to go with the coffee, and popcorn by the microwave. Owners Tom and Sandy Franck are gracious hosts and will even stock a kitchen with groceries prior to a guest's arrival. The perfect home-away-from-home for long- or short-term stays. Talbot Heirs is conveniently located opposite The Peabody Hotel and just minutes from Beale Street.

99 South Second Street
Tel: (901) 527 9772 or 1 800 955 3956.  
Website: www.talbotheirs.com
Price: $$

Hampton Inn & Suites @ Beale Street
In the heart of the entertainment district and just half a block from Beale Street, the Hampton Inn offers every amenity in a warm and intimate setting, with extra friendly service. Full buffet breakfast or 'On the Run breakfast bags', 24-hour coffee bar, in-room broadband and lobby Wi-Fi. Corner rooms have balconies overlooking the action from Beale Street. There's also a pool, Jacuzzi and exercise room.

175 Peabody Place
Tel: (901) 260 4000.
Website: www.bealestreetsuites.hamptoninn.com
Price: $$-$$$

The Inn at Hunt Phelan
Built between 1828 and 1832, the Hunt-Phelan mansion was designed by Robert Miller, architect of the Washington Monument and US Treasury Building. Commandeered by General Ulysses S Grant as his headquarters during the Civil War, the home was also visited by US Presidents Andrew Jackson, Andrew Johnson, and Jefferson Davis. The historic home is now a lavish B&B, filled with family antiques dating back to the 1600s. Stay in one of eleven distinctive rooms, wander through beautiful gardens, or relax on the patio and hear tales of bygone days of Southern splendour. The inn's restaurant offers fine dining from Wednesday to Saturday and Sunday Brunch, or more relaxed meals in The Verandah Grill. Banquet rooms available for wedding receptions.

533 Beale Street
Tel: (901) 525 8225.
Website: www.huntphelan.com
Price: $$-$$$