I want to take a fun and somewhat luxe special occasion long weekend in Memphis, but I can't think of a great place to stay. I've heard that the Peabody is past its prime, and all I'm finding is the usual assortment of chain hotels (Marriot etc).Are they any great hotels or inns in Memphis or surrounding areas?

We liked the Peabody--if you are used to modern hotels, it's a little old-fashioned (the rooms and bathrooms are pretty small), but the decor is very nice, and the staff is old-school service-oriented. They do have a modernized fitness center, a small but nice pool/hot tub, and a spa. The location can't be beat IMO.

While I do like old, classic hotels (probably more so than new slick ones)I really don't want to shell out $$ for small rooms and bathrooms

The Madison Hotel has a variety of rooms - if you get a suite you will probably be very happy, perhaps thrilled! It was renovated a few years ago and while the rooms we've stayed in were very nice, the bathrooms we got were TINY with no tub I might add that those were last-minute reservations when nothing else was available, so we were pleased to get in at all!

The Madison has a small bar, a good restaurant, and during the spring and summer the roof (bar) is open - you'll have to check the days/times for that.

In my opinion, the best place for a cocktail in Memphis is the lobby/bar at the Peabody - we've seen as many as 5 wedding parties there in one night! However when we've stayed there we weren't wildly impressed with the rooms, which were cramped.

I hope you have fun! Memphis is close to us, so we run away from home there on occasion...a little gambling in Tunica and a night in Memphis and we're renewed! Not to mention broke....

topping

Okay, this is my last idea with one big caveat. This place looks beautiful on the website, but that's because it at night. The area surrounding it is not good, and the inn itself is surrounded by a very tall chain-link fence. However, I've heard the restaurant there is absolutely fabulous and the rooms look nice too. While it's on Beale Street, it's definitely NOT a place you'd want to walk to. huntphelan.com (I'm still advocating the Madison!)

We stayed at the Hampton Inn & Suites near Beale Street in a room with a balcony. Actually, we had a suite because we were with friends, and the booking person agreed to babysit for us so the grown-ups could go out. It's not the fanciest hotel, but I think it's the flagship, and when we were there it seemed new and clean. The location was wonderful. But...it was very loud. I loved Memphis. I hope you have a great time. (We did have a drink in the lobby of the Peabody, and watched the ducks. I wouldn't miss that no matter where you stayed!)

If you can wait just a short time Westin will be opening a brand new hotel near Beale St. on March 29th....



http://specialoffers.starwoodhotels....e_21207_NAD_FM

The Madison is OK but nothing to write home about. I would stay at Peabody before Madison. Now I would stay at Westin before Peabody.

http://specialoffers.starwoodhotels....e_21207_NAD_FM

Thanks all for your suggestions. Right now the Westin appeals to me most, but the Madison is something I'm looking into also.

SusanCS, thanks for the heads up about
Inn at Hunt Phelam. I hadn't come across this, but I might have! It certainly does look nice, but as you mentioned, a little suspicious that they only show the building at night so that you can't see the area.

I'm also still considering staying outside the city and coming in to Beale etc for the evening. Any place wonderful to stay within about 20 miles?

Any thoughts on where to stay if visiting Rhodes for a college visit over Easter week?

Nyer I toured The Inn at Hunt Phelen. I have stayed in over 30 Relais and Chateaux properties in the U. S. and Canada that were all small outstanding resorts. I don't plan visiting the Inn at Hunt Phelen for the night. I was not impressed. If you don't stay at the Westin then stay at the Madison just reserve a deluxe room or stay at Bonne Terre which is 20 minutes from downtown just off I55 S on Church Rd. I have stayed there 15/20 times. I really enjoy it very much. It's small, very quiet, very nice and has a nice restaurant. I usually stay there and have dinner then go into town the next morning to spend the day shopping and having lunch before driving back to my home in MS. Have a great trip.

http://www.bonneterre.com/