The Peabody Memphis

About The Hotel

The Peabody Memphis at 149 Union Avenue is a 4.3-rated (6,501 reviews) legendary grand hotel in the heart of downtown Memphis, famous for its twice-daily marching ducks, with a pool, a full spa, multiple restaurants, and a storied lobby steps from Beale Street. The marquee historic stay in the city; the pool and spa are the water features, with jetted-tub suites a category to confirm at booking. Guests love the duck march, the historic charm, the pool and spa, the great service, and the legendary status.

What Guests Are Saying

“When you walk through those huge doors, you just know this is no ordinary hotel- there’s a ‘feeling ’ that i can’t explain. It’s grand and old but it feels like home, welcoming-like an embrace from an old friend. Walking into the lift and hearing that ding tells you that you’ve arrived at your floor. I opened the door to my room which instantly made me smile, well set out and extremely comfortable- that bed!!! Oh my days! It’s like sleeping on a marsh mellow! The linen is beautiful and of course I loved the duck embroidery. The artwork and colour is classy and restful. The coffee machine was very welcome and good quality coffee. The bathroom was compact but functional with complimentary toiletries which were replenished as required, hair dryer included, I felt that the bathroom lacked the standard of the rest room in that the seal around the sink required replacing, the shower fixiing felt loose, the door had been painted without filling and sanding so finish was poor, toilet seat wasn’t clean initially but there were no further issues regarding cleanliness throughout my stay - i found cleanliness to be very good throughout the hotel. The Peabody will also do your laundry and a price list and laundry bag are included in the closet as are an ironing board and iron, there’s a safe to. Room service is available- food was very good but took around an hour to arrive ( pizza, sandwich, cheese board, juice, tea- hefty price tag at over $100 which included service charges of course) The lobby bar is a lovely place to sit after a long day sightseeing, the deli if you’re peckish does really tasty sandwiches and of course you can choose from an array of scrumptious desserts including a Peabody duck -well you have to don’t you. Side note- menus being better displayed would be beneficial. The Corner Bar is a quiet chilled space, a JD flight was $24 which i felt was good value, cocktails are excellent. The bar states closing time is 11pm but the bar tender began removing the candle from our table and generally giving off the vibe it was time to leave at around 9pmish, after a long hot tiring day i just wanted to relax. Again the bar was beautiful and clean. I’m going to include Lansky Bros in this review because they are so much a part of The Peabody. Chad was welcoming and is a mine of history and information. Don’t be afraid to go in and look around, there’s lots to see, i won’t spoil it for you - they still make clothes fit for a king, beautiful design and fabrics, price tags to suit your pocket, they even have the cologne that was a favourite with Elvis - a figure that is as much a part of Lanskys as the little boy in the picture who now stands a man in the shop. Lanksy Bros also have a ladies wear shop within the hotel, again beautiful designs. Last but certainly not least The Duckmaster , the ducks and Mr Will - there’s a zillion reviews for the daily duck march so I’ll skip that bit except to say it’s a much loved tradition enjoyed by all. As preparation begins for the duck march a very smart looking gentleman appears, Mr Will quietly and efficiently ensures that everyone has a good view of the ducks , particularly children who are given priority to sit in a duck gaurd of honour if you will . The Duckmaster Mr Kenon Walker appears splendid in his red duckmaster livery, he is eloquent ,amusing and holds everyone’s attention. The duck march over and Mr Will continues to support the Duckmaster as guests request photos, Mr Will takes excellent photos that make you smile once you’re back home wherever that may be, both gentleman give each guest their attention and no matter how long that line everyone has their moment. I highly recommend the hotel history tour with the Duckmaster, it’s interesting and explains more about the hotel, the ballroom when the lights come on is beautiful but the brightest light was Kenon himself. Thankyou . While The Peabody may not be the lowest cost option I feel that every dollar i chose to spend was worth it. The Peabody Hotel still holds old-fashioned values befitting of it’s status as the oldest hotel in Memphis but it is those inside including those we don’t see who will ensure that The Peabody goes from strength to strength, service with a smile is everything. N.B. I’m sure there’s the question of why i didn’t raise the minor niggles at the time of my stay - because i didn’t feel it necessary, they’re not complaints but merely a nudge for reference. Thankyou Peabody - i hope I’m able to come home again sometime.” — Blueskiesandsmiles, 5 stars

“The Peabody bills itself as the grand hotel of the south. It lives up to that billing. It is quite beautiful, especially the lobby with its central sitting area, multiple shops, and gorgeous bar. The ducks have been thoroughly described, but if you have small children, it is an essential event. The “duck-master” really plays it up and makes the kids welcome. Our room was quite nice and well-appointed, but the bathroom was a bit small. I love the hotel’s proximity to Beale Street. We ordered milk and cookies for our room, and they were delicious-especially after one too many beers at BB King’s club. We ate at the Italian restaurant in the lobby and had coffee and pastry in the coffee shop. Both were fine if a bit over-priced.” — Lee C., 5 stars

“Our stay could not have been better. My wife was honorary Duckmaster on June 4. The Duckmaster could not have been more pleasant and helpful. Thirty friends came to the lobby to celebrate a big birthday for my wife. The room was great. Every staff member was pleasant. What a memory!” — Nineiron, 5 stars

Pros & Cons

Pros:

• A 4.3 across 6,501 reviews — the legendary Memphis grand hotel
• The famous twice-daily Peabody duck march
• A pool, a full spa, and multiple restaurants
• A storied, beautiful lobby and bar
• Steps from Beale Street and the river

Cons:

• A grand historic hotel — character over modern minimalism
• A premium downtown price plus parking
• A jetted-tub suite is a specific room type — confirm at booking; the pool and spa are the shared amenities
• A busy, much-visited landmark

The Location

In downtown Memphis steps from Beale Street and the riverfront. You can find more details or book your stay on TripAdvisor.