The 4 Best Neighborhoods in Memphis + Best Hotels for Where to Stay in Memphis, TN

Last Updated on: 3rd February 2022, 01:51 pm

Memphis is a city located on the Mississippi River, in southwestern Tennessee, Memphis is an incredible destination, known for the amazing influence it has had over different music genres, including blues, soul, rock, and country. 

It’s a perfect destination for music aficionados and artists, yet it’s also a welcoming place for families and ideal for a romantic escape too.

The city, which is the second-most populated in Tennessee, has become a cult pilgrimage site for those seeking to discover everything related to Elvis, his life, and his music. In this guide, you’ll be able to find a clear description of all the neighborhoods that offer the best stays. 

Whether you’re up for a stay in the center of town, or more into a relaxed, familiar atmosphere, read on and check out the coolest districts to stay in Memphis.

Best neighborhoods in Memphis

The first place that comes to mind when trying to concentrate the best of Memphis in a short visit is downtown. Downtown Memphis is the vibrant heart of the city and a perfect location for any kind of traveler. Besides, the area is the most walkable section of Memphis where you can find all the facilities you need, from convenience stores and shops to fantastic, top-rated hotels, restaurants, galleries, and famous attractions such as the Beale Street, the National Civil Rights Museum at the Lorraine Motel, or Sun Studio. For Elvis fans, Downtown Memphis is only a few kilometers from Graceland, in case you were wondering…

Midtown, instead, is located just minutes from downtown, the area hosts the Brooks Museum which exhibits a huge collection of European and American sculptures and paintings. 

Featuring all manner of art forms, Brooks Museum’s collection includes both sculptures and paintings. Midtown Memphis is also home to beautiful green areas, for instance, Overton Park with two unique adventure playgrounds for children that make the area perfect for families too.

Head right to Graceland if you intend to immerse in an Elvis-themed experience. Graceland is the place to go for rock and roll music fans. This district got its name after the famous musician’s mansion which is located in the glorious Elvis Presley Boulevard. The main thing to do in the area is to take a tour of Presley’s famous estate, including its car museum.

Your place of choice will be East Memphis if you are seeking to experience a more authentic journey. The area offers easy access to Graceland and Downtown Memphis but it’s also residential enough for a more relaxing feel. 

Families exploring Memphis will certainly like this district to experience the Children’s Museum of Memphis, an interactive adventure that will teach kids all about life. One more place to visit over here is the Memphis Botanic Garden.

Let’s now check the best hotels, resorts, and rental homes in each of the Memphis districts

Downtown Memphis

Heart and soul of Memphis, the downtown district is a magnificent place to stay if you want to experience the city to the full. Downtown Memphis is the beating heart of all of Memphis with its impressive Beale Street Entertainment District, the place to be to breathe the authentic essence of the town. 

Lined with music stores, entertainment venues, and music bars, Beale Street is ideal for fans of blues and rock. It runs for more than 2 kilometers from East Street down to the Mississippi River.

The National Civil Rights Museum is another key place to visit in the district, it’s both the site where Martin Luther King Jr was murdered back in 1968, but also an insightful museum to learn about the historic fights for black liberation and civil rights.

Downtown Memphis is good for…

• Curious travelers as well as fans of music and national history
• Discovering Beal Street, Sun Studio, the Statue of Elvis Presley, and Memphis Rock’n’Soul Museum
• Checking iconic places such as Orpheum Theater
• Exploring plenty of museums including the National Civil Rights Museum, Woodruff-Fontaine House Museum, Withers Collection Museum & Gallery, W.C. Handy House Museum, and more

Budget places to stay Downtown Memphis

La Quinta by Wyndham Memphis Downtown 

Right in the heart of the Downtown Memphis district of Memphis, La Quinta is a comfortable and convenient hotel just minutes from Beale Street, Sun Studio, and a 12-minute walk from AutoZone Park. The hotel is only 15 kilometers from Memphis International Airport.

In the hotel, guests will find a fitness center and free WiFi throughout the property. Morning start with a choice between continental and buffet breakfast options. The hotel also features convenient free parking facilities. Pets are also allowed at an extra fee.

Rooms are ample and stylish, some of them accessible, equipped with modern features and amenities. And, for further convenience, there is a well-assorted mini-market on-site.

>> Check the property and book here

Comfort Inn Memphis Downtown

Ideal for those who want to travel on a budget but are not willing to give up on comfy amenities and relaxing facilities. The Comport Inn Memphis Downtown is a gorgeous accommodation overlooking the Mississippi River and Mud Island River Park. 

The hotel is located in historic downtown, right on the trolley line for easy access to the main nearby areas. Beale Street and the National Civil Rights Museum are also close by. The hotel is in a lively zone, with a variety of restaurants and cocktail lounges nearby. A short walk takes visitors to some of the best of Memphis BBQ and Blues.

At the hotel, there’s no shortage of full-service amenities, including free USA Today newspapers, free local calls, a fitness center, and an outdoor rooftop pool. You will also have the possibility to enjoy a sumptuous free hot breakfast featuring eggs, meat, yogurt, fresh fruit, cereal, and more.

Dedicated for business travelers, conveniences like free high-speed Internet access in the business center, free high-speed Internet access in all rooms, and access to copy and fax services are just a few of the perks. 

In addition to standard amenities, guest rooms offer coffee makers, ironing facilities, a microwave, and a refrigerator. There are also business class suites available with a wet bar, two-line telephones, and a DVD player.

>> Check the property and book here

Mid-range places to stay Downtown Memphis 

SpringHill Suites Memphis Downtown

One of the prettiest and most convenient places to stay in the area, SpringHill Suites Memphis Downtown features an outdoor pool and complimentary breakfast to all its guests.

Studios come with free WiFi and are furnished with a refrigerator and a microwave. Coffee facilities are included along with a flat-screen cable TV and premium movie channels. There is an on-site gym as well as a business center available at the hotel.

Beale Street is within walking distance and the hotel is steps from the trolley line at Court Square. Memphis International Airport is 20 km from the hotel.

>> Check the property and book here

Hampton Inn & Suites Memphis-Beale Street

A place with an unbeatable location, this Hampton Inn is situated in the heart of the entertainment district, Downtown Memphis, perfect for those who don’t want to depend on public transport and prefer to reach every landmark in the area on foot. 

The hotel features rooms with a work desk and ergonomic chair, while selected suites also come with a separate living room area, a microwave, and a refrigerator. Guests can enjoy a delicious complimentary daily breakfast and free WiFi throughout the property There is an indoor swimming pool on the premises, as well as a modern fitness center.

Parking, in-room service, and an ATM are available at the property as well.

>> Check the property and book here

Upscale places to stay Downtown Memphis

Peabody Memphis 

One of the most famous hotels in Downtown Memphis just steps away from Beale Street, this venue celebrates the Southern tradition and charm of its past while providing luxury accommodations, including fine dining options, an indoor pool, a fitness center, and a full-service spa.

On the premises, guests will be amazed at the elegantly styled room with luxurious bathrobes, an executive work desk, and a plush seating area.

Dinner time is a feast at the on-site gourmet French restaurant, Chez Philippe, featuring the signature elegance and prestige of the hotel’s dining room. 

A second restaurant, Capriccio Grill, serves southern specialties for breakfast as well as premium steaks and seafood for dinner. Peabody Corner Bar offers a more casual, cozy setting for guests to enjoy a drink or a snack.

>> Check the property and book here

ARRIVE Memphis

Modern and stylish, this unique Memphis hotel is less than one kilometer from Orpheum Theater, as well as close to the Memphis Rock and Roll Museum, and Beale Street.

ARRIVE Memphis features a very good restaurant, private parking, luggage storage space, and a perfect bar to chill out and relax after exploring the city center. 

Among the facilities at this property, guests can enjoy free WiFi throughout the property. All the rooms come with a desk while the luxurious bathrooms include top-quality beauty products and lavish bathrobes. Certain rooms also come with a seating area.

>> Check the property and book here

Midtown 

This Memphis area is just back from the Mississippi River and not far from the Downtown neighborhood, however, even when being fairly close to the main attractions downtown, it is conveniently quieter, and perfect to explore a more tranquil area in the city.

Among the local attractions, you can pay a visit to Brooks Museum or even relax with a leisure walk in the spectacular Overton Park. This city oasis includes two adventure playgrounds for children, a nine-hole golf course, and a 126-acre forest. 

Midtown Memphis is ideal for…

• Outdoor enthusiasts and active travelers but also for families with small kids
• Staying close to the city center but not in the heart of it.
• Discovering landmarks such as Memphis Zoo, Overton Square Shopping Mall, and the High Cotton Brewing Company

Budget places to stay in Midtown Memphis

Best Western Plus Gen X Inn

This Midtown hotel features accessible rooms as well as convenient amenities, such as cable TV with HBO and free Wi-Fi, a refrigerator, and tea- and coffee-making facilities.

On the premises, there’s a modern fitness center, and a well-equipped business center if you’re combining pleasure and work during your trip. The Best Western Plus Gen X Inn is less than 15 minutes from Graceland and a five-minute car ride away from the National Civil Rights Museum.

>> Check the property and book here

Retro Inspired Apt – Great Location Near All The Fun

This is an incredibly gorgeous retro-style apartment in Midtown Memphis, in a nice and quiet area. The place has recently been fully remodeled with new flooring, a new kitchen and bath cabinets, including new countertops, stainless steel backsplash, and brand-new appliances. 

On the premises, there is also a picturesque courtyard with BBQ grills and gated, controlled access. Private parking area in the rear with gated, controlled access as well.

It’s located within walking distance from Kroger, Baskin-Robins, Pizza Hut, and more, only 9 minutes from downtown Memphis. There are bikes for rent only 1 block from the apartment while public transportation can be found in the nearby Union Avenue as well.

>> Check the property and book here

Mid-range accommodation in Midtown Memphis

Garland home, a Quiet Getaway

A family-friendly accommodation that can host up to 6 people, this rental vacation home is located 3.6 kilometers from Sun Studio, 4 kilometers from the Fire Museum of Memphis, and 5 kilometers from Beale Street.

Equipped with 2 single beds and 2 large double beds, the property provides everything you need for a stay in a homely environment, including a TV, a kitchen with a microwave and fridge, a coffee machine, and heating.

>> Check prices and book here

An upscale place to stay in Midtown Memphis 

The Memphian a Tribute Portfolio Hotel 

A unique and very stylish property in the Midtown district of Memphis, The Memphian a Tribute Portfolio Hotel is about 10 minutes away from key landmarks including Sun Studio, Stax Museum of American Soul Music, Brown Park, and the FedExForum. For those traveling with their vehicle, private parking can be arranged at an extra charge.

The hotel rooms feature a work desk, a TV, and luxurious amenities. Besides, every morning, the hotel kitchen offers both American and à la carte or breakfast.

>> Check prices and book here

Graceland

An ideal destination for rock music aficionados and, most of all, for Elvis Presley fans, Graceland is a beautiful, historic destination about 15 minutes by car from Downtown Memphis. Graceland got its name after Elvis’ iconic mansion which you can tour during the visit. In this area, you can also visit the Grave of Elvis, located along Elvis Presley Boulevard.

There’s more than Elvis to the district though, including unique diners and eateries, serving the most in authentic Tennessee dishes.

Graceland is the destination to choose if…

• You’re an Elvis Presley fan but also if you love blues and rock music, visit Elvis Presley’s Graceland Estate, the Grave of Elvis Presley, or Elvis Presley Automobile Museum
• You’re interested in contemporary history.
• A good dish of Southern-style fried chicken makes you happy. In that case, check Dodge’s Memphis Fried Chicken Store, Best Wings of Memphis, and the Rock N Roll Cafe.

A budget place to stay in Graceland 

Super 7 Inn

This is a typical Memphis motel located just a 10-minute drive from Memphis International Airport, not far from the famous Elvis Presley Boulevard.

Featuring regular guest rooms as well as family rooms, the property also offers a launderette area, free parking, while the very friendly staff will answer every question you might have at the 24-hour reception.

Free WiFi is available in each room of this Memphis hotel, while there is also a flat-screen TV for added entertainment. A microwave, refrigerator, and ironing facilities are also provided in all rooms for further comfort during your stay.

>> Check prices and book here

A mid-range place to stay in Graceland 

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Memphis Arpt Elvis Presley Blv, an IHG Hotel

Very near Graceland, this Memphis hotel offers the traditional comfort that all Holiday Inns share. There is a seasonal outdoor swimming pool, free private parking, and a fitness center. Besides, guests can also take advantage of the 24-hour front desk. 

Complimentary services provided also include airport transfers, luggage storage space, and free WiFi throughout the property. Besides, every morning guests will certainly enjoy a continental or a buffet breakfast. On the premises, there is also a modern business center as well as numerous vending machines with snacks and drinks available on site.

The hotel is about 1 kilometer from Graceland, 8 kilometers from Stax Museum of American Soul Music, and 11 kilometers from Sun Studio. Memphis Rock n Soul Museum is 12 kilometers from the accommodation, just like Beale Street. The nearest airport is Memphis International Airport, about 15 minutes from the property.

>> Check prices and book here

An upscale place to stay in Graceland 

The Guest House at Graceland 

Less than a 5-minute walk from Elvis Presley’s Graceland Mansion, you’ll be able to stay in one of the prettiest properties in this part of Memphis. The Guest House at Graceland offers accommodation with 2 on-site restaurants, a theatre, and an outdoor pool with a pool bar. 

Among the unique perks offered by the venue, we highlight the convenient complimentary airport shuttle service as well as the original evening Peanut Butter and Jelly Bar.

Rooms include a flat-screen cable TV, a work desk, and a convenient coffee maker. There is also a seating area and a compact refrigerator, super handy in the summer months. Some select rooms offer views of the courtyard.

On the premises, you can enjoy the convenience of the fitness center, a business center, and a gift shop. There are several lounge areas around the property, as well as an outdoor lawn and courtyard area. Shuttle service to Beale Street entertainment district is offered as well.

The on-site restaurant, Delta’s Kitchen, offers an array of Southern comfort dishes, including contemporary twists on some of Elvis Presley’s favorite foods. Guests can grab a drink and a bite for breakfast, lunch, and dinner at EP’s Bar & Grill.

>> Check prices and book here

East Memphis

Choose East Memphis if you’re eager to experience more Memphis. The area is quite convenient since it allows travelers to be close both to Graceland and Downtown Memphis.

This residential area is also great for families with the Children’s Museum of Memphis where curious kids will learn about almost everything, from how banks work to the causes behind earthquakes and learn about life as a firefighter. 

Finally, if some green landscapes sound tempting, check the impressive Asian-inspired landscapes at the Memphis Botanic Garden.

East Memphis is just perfect for…

• Couples, families, and outdoor explorers, with the beautiful Wolf River Refuge Trailhead and the Shelby Farm Park
• Tranquil strolls in green areas such as the Memphis Botanic Garden or the Audubon Park Golf Course
• A shopping spree at Oak Court Mall or Eastgate Shopping Centre
• Visits to the Dixon Gallery & Garden and the Pink Palace Museum.

Budget places to stay in East Memphis 

Extended Stay America Suites – Memphis – Germantown 

This Extended Stay America – Memphis is located on Poplar Avenue in Memphis and it has been specially designed for longer stays, with all rooms featuring a fully equipped kitchen, including a microwave and a refrigerator, as well as WiFi throughout the property and a 24-hour front desk.

The hotel also provides guests with laundry and ironing facilities and upgraded bedding with extra pillows in every room. In the facilities, the guests can take advantage of the free onsite parking. There is also a grab-and-go breakfast served every morning that features delicious energetic bars, muffins, hot cereal, coffee, and tea.

Attractions within proximity to the hotel include the Memphis Zoo, the Gracel, and the Civil Rights Museum.

>> Check prices and book here

Homewood Suites by Hilton Memphis East

This convenient mid-priced hotel is located in East Memphis, near the Germantown area. It’s an all-suite hotel that offers spacious accommodations, relaxing amenities, and on-site dining options.

All its suites include full kitchens with full-size refrigerators, a microwave, and a convenient coffeemaker. After a busy day, guests can relax while watching cable TV or using the free high-speed Internet access. The property offers a free morning breakfast, as well as the Welcome Home reception, which serves a light meal and beverages on evenings Monday through Thursday. 

In the hotel, there is also a fitness center, a sports court, and an outdoor swimming pool.

>> Check prices and book here

Mid-range places to stay in East Memphis

Staybridge Suites Memphis-Poplar Ave East, an IHG Hotel 

The hotel features a gorgeous seasonal outdoor swimming pool, a fitness center, a welcoming shared lounge, and free WiFi throughout the property. It is located about 20 kilometers from Beale Street and approximately at the same distance from Graceland.

Staybridge Suites Memphis-Poplar features a business center, while vending machines with drinks and snacks are available on-site. The hotel also offers a selection of dishes for both its continental and buffet breakfasts.

>> Check the property and book here

Hampton Inn Memphis Poplar

The Hampton Inn Memphis Poplar is a phenomenal three-star venue located in the East Memphis district. The property is only 16 kilometers from the center and about ten minutes from the Pink Palace Museum, not far also from Memphis Zoo.

In the property, guests can take advantage of the outdoor pool and the gym or spend time relaxing in their rooms equipped with free Wi-Fi, a flat-screen cable TV, and pay-per-view movies. The rooms also have a coffee maker and free weekday newspapers. Daily breakfast is offered to guests every morning on the premises. 

>> Check the property and book here

Lux places to stay in East Memphis 

Embassy Suites Memphis

Family rooms and a deliciously assorted bar are some of the features that guests praise in their reviews of this East Memphis property. 

The hotel is located near Interstate 240, under 13 kilometers from Memphis International Airport. The property includes an on-site restaurant and spacious suites with two streaming flat-screen TVs. In addition to Free WiFi, guest rooms and suites are equipped with a microwave, a refrigerator, and a coffee maker. A seating area with a sofa bed is standard in all suites as well.

During your stay, you can take advantage of the free access to the indoor pool and fitness center. Finally, the property has an on-site restaurant, Frank Gristanti’s, which specializes in Northern Italian cuisine and is open for lunch and dinner. A breakfast buffet is available daily as well.

>> Check prices and book here

Hyatt Place Memphis Primacy Parkway

A perfect place to stay, ideal for families, and pet-friendly, the Hyatt Place Memphis Primacy Parkway boasts a seasonal outdoor swimming pool, a great fitness center for your daily workout routine, and a business center. 

Every room in the hotel includes a desk, a fridge, and a flat-screen TV, Some rooms also feature a spacious seating area.

The property is located 16 kilometers from Stax Museum of American Soul Music, and it’s also at approximately the same distance from Graceland, and Sun Studio.

>> Check prices and book here