We're thinking about a five day trip to Memphis in the Spring, how is the Marriott Downtown (250 N. Main St), is it walking distance-realistic- to Beale Street? is it a nice place to stay. i notice everyone recommend the Peabody, this is a little pricey for us. Thanks for the help!

Unless I'm mistaken, the Marriot used to be a Holiday Inn. The location is great, but I haven't stayed there since they sold. The Radisson is across the street from the Peabody, and there's a Holiday Inn (Express, I think) across the street from the Peabody, too. It's a great location and you won't go wrong with any of those places.

Don't know much about the Marriott. The Radisson next door to the Peabody is very nice and reasonably priced.

Not sure if the Marriott is walking distance to Beale or not, but you should know that downtown Memphis can be a little dicey at night. Stick to the pedestrian mall area and to well-light streets with other people.

One more thought -- the Radisson, Peabody and the Holiday Inn across the street are definitely walking distance to Beale.

Even thro you'll not be staying at the Peabody, be sure to stop in for a drink and see the "ducks" You can call for the schedule as to when they arrive each morning and when they leave.

Those three are all within walking distance of Beale Street. Have fun!

There is also a new Hampton Inn that backs up to Beale Street- it is the ideal location, in the center of everything, and very nice. Address is on Peabody Place (not the one on Union). Also, there is the Talbot Heirs Guesthouse, directly across the street from the Peabody- it is upscale, but very private and small- only 8 rooms I think. And some rooms have kitchenettes. Web site is www.talbothouse.com.
The trolley runs on Main St. and you could ride it instead of walking to Beale, but check the run times, it may stop running around 11pm. However, near the Marriott is also the Pinch District, which has several bars and bar/restaurants- the High Point Pinch, TJ Mulligans (Irish) and Jake's. There is also a Sleep Inn on court square (in between the Beale area and the Marriott) that faces Front St. but backs up to Main so you could do the same trolley thing there.