genamarie

Don't know where to stay, would appreciate any advice. Was checking the B&B route, but they are really pricey. Getting away without the kids for a weekend, want to do Graceland, Beale St, Civil Rights Museum and have some awesome bbq. Would love to get the scoop from a native or those wiser than i. thanks.

Gardyloo

Check the rates, splurge if you must, but the Peabody is it. We actually got a suite for under $125 the week after Thanksgiving the year before last. If you're interested, I did a wordy trip report here: http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...1&tid=34460759

SusanCS

I'd definitely advise you to stay downtown even if it's not at the Peabody. Across the street from the Peabody is the Radisson, and there's a Hampton Inn at Peabody Place that's very nice (and expensive). There's a Marriott Residence Inn just a couple of blocks away and a Holiday Inn Express across from the Peabody. Any of those places will put you within close proximity of the Civil Rights Museum, Beale Street and BBQ. Graceland is in another part of town.

SusanC

I'm going to top another thread which discusses hotels. I think my last posting may be a bit jumbled but bottom line, I would try to get Peabody. Peabody for, say, $160 is definitely better deal than somewhere else for $100!

wsoxrebel

I grew up staying at the Peabody. It is a magnificent property for its unique style and heritage. But the Hampton Inn has modern rooms and better beds. Plus free breakfast.

genamarie

Thank you to everyone, really appreciate the help. Everyone I talk to says the Peabody, but what makes it better than everything else? I mean, it looks gorgeous and all, but it seems kinda spendy. Maybe I'm just out of touch with reality cause I don't travel much. Somebody clue me in!

Clifton

I live here, so of course, we don't need to stay at the hotels.

But the reason that everyone says the Peabody is that it's the landmark hotel here. Actually kind of famous and not comparable to your Marriotts and Hampton Inns, which are just generally nice hotels.

If nothing else, where else would you have a squadron of ducks led by a man in top hat and tails every morning, down the elevator and across the lobby to the fountain in the middle of the room? Then back again every night. And where (for better or worse) the Sons of the Confederacy right on horseback through the lobby during their (annual - ? - can't recall for sure) events? It's the difference between a hotel and an institution (no, not that kind of institution, but it does sound like it, doesn't it?).

Rendezvous for BBQ. Don't forget Sun Studios, where so much music came from; Stax music museum. Rum Boogie is my personal fav place on Beale St unless the bar called This Is It has one of the more traditional delta blues singers playing.

Welcome to Memphis.

wsoxrebel

Clifton gave good descriptions. I'll add another comparison. You could probably feel comfortable going down to breakfast with your hair still wet at the Hampton Inn but I doubt you would at the Peabody.
If you want to see a peak of the Peabody, check out 'The Firm' with Tom Cruise for the elegant hotel and rooftop party scenes.

SusanCS

I can't resist adding a few more words about the Peabody. We've stayed there several times, and while the hotel itself is the landmark hotel of Memphis, the rooms aren't anything special. And unless you eat at Chez Philippe, the food isn't inspiring either. The last time we ate breakfast there, we had to ask for new silverware because ours wasn't clean

When we stay in Memphis, we always head to the Peabody bar for a cocktail(s) and the best people-watching in town. There's a wedding reception there virtually every weekend...one Saturday we saw 5 brides!!

But in our experience, Gardyloo got an exceptional rate. Normally when we're checking prices, the Peabody rooms are closer to $200 a night and we've paid over $300 there in a pinch.

In a nutshell, genamarie, I think you can enjoy the best of the Peabody whether you stay there or not! Have fun...I love Memphis!!!

jasper

here's a vote for the raddison across the street from the peabody. the peabody is WONDERFUL! a must, but you can stay at the radisson, and still eat, shop, and see the ducks at the peabody. both are walking distance from everywhere. only 2-3 blocks from beale.

Elizabeth

When I researched Memphis pretty recently: the Hampton Inn right across the street from the Peabody had very good reviews.

Peabody not in my budget but I went to see the ducks come down on the elevator which was delightful, also visited Lansky's, which is the ultra-famous source of the clothes of Elvis Presley and is now in the Peabody.

I stayed at the Sleep Inn which was in walking distance of Beale Street - there is also a free or cheap trolly right out front. I liked it fine.

Along with Graceland if you like American vernacular music at all - don't miss the Museum of Rock and Soul, very convenient to the Beale Street area - it's newly set up and wonderful.

And ditto Sun Studio, which was a high point of my trip. Climax of the tour - you're allowed to stand at the mike where Elvis and Jerry Lee recorded their great first hits.

Go to NYTimes site, travel section, and you'lll find a useful Memphis article.

Click on my name and you can find a good discussion of Graceland, on the thread where I looked for advice sometime last year.

More advice wanted? rent the dvd "Good Rockin Tonight," about Sun. I've watched it maybe 40 times, though one would probably do!!!