A Stay at The Peabody Hotel in Memphis TN, During My Mississippi Delta Road Trip
A Road Trip Stop at One of the Most Iconic Historic Hotels in Memphis, Tennessee.
149 Union Avenue, Memphis, Tennessee 38103
The Peabody Memphis is a classic. A historical gem. A hotel with a story. I just HAD to stay here again. I’ve been before, so when a recent business trip brought me back through Memphis, I made sure to book a room.
The Tale
I wanted to stay here, but my schedule was up in the air. I was heading to Vicksburg from St. Louis because of a FedEx mix-up. I drove to deliver signs to a client after FedEx ruined the first batch. I wasn’t about to let them mess up the second set.
I planned to stay at The Peabody Memphis on my way home. David L. Cohn, an author, is famous for saying the Mississippi Delta starts at the lobby of The Peabody Hotel and ends at Catfish Row in Vicksburg. Yep, I passed through Memphis on my way to Vicksburg (Saw Catfish Row), but I saved my stay for the return trip.
I didn’t make a reservation. I wasn’t sure about my timing. When I’m on a road trip, I sometimes like to keep things flexible, especially if I’m not sure how long a meeting will be or, once back on the road, if I will need to stop sooner than anticipated. I just hoped there would be a room available when I got there, and luckily, there was.
The Lobby Bar
The Hotel
The hotel is historic, but you wouldn’t guess it from how nice it is. It feels elegant and comfortable, making guests feel welcome and special. It is on the Historic Hotels of America list.
The Peabody hotel brand dates back to 1869, but this location opened in 1925. In the 1930s, the general manager began the famous duck tradition. You’ve heard of the ducks, right? After a hunting trip in Arkansas and, as the story goes, after ingesting some Tennessee whiskey, he and a friend put live duck decoys in the fountain, and the tradition stuck. Now, every day at 11 am, the ducks march through the lobby from the rooftop, spend the day in the fountain, and head back upstairs at 5 pm.
A guest room- A cocktail at The Lobby Bar
The fountain where the ducks hang out during the day
The Lobby Bar
The Lobby Bar at The Peabody Hotel in Memphis TN is a great spot to unwind after a long day of travel. Enjoy a well-made cocktail or glass of wine and take in the classic hotel charm. It’s an easy, comfortable stop before heading up to your room for the night.
The Room
The room was beautiful, comfortable, and luxurious. The bed was plush, and there were several types of pillows, so I could pick the one I liked best. Besides the bed, I loved the cute duck soaps, the artwork, and the stylish decor. My favorite feature was the automatic night light under the side table between the beds. If I got up during the night, the light would sense my movement and turn on softly, just enough to see where I was going. I’ve never seen that in a hotel before.
- Guest room
- Guest room
- Bathroom in a guest room
What Else?
They offer valet service, though I didn’t use it. There’s also garage parking, and the garage floor features duck prints painted to guide guests to the hotel. It’s a bit of a walk from the garage to the entrance.
The Peabody Memphis has plenty of dining options, and there’s also Feather’s Spa if you want to relax.
The Peabody welcomes pets and even offers a special room service menu just for them.
If you want to be the Honorary Duck Master for a day, you can purchase a special room package called the Ducky Day Package. It lets you help guide the ducks to and from the lobby fountain.
The Peabody also offers daily history tours.
There are many restaurants within walking distance of The Peabody Memphis. One of them is Charlie Vergos Rendezvous BBQ, which is a must-visit in Memphis. Beale Street, known as the birthplace of blues music, is just a couple of blocks away.
Final Thought
Staying at The Peabody Hotel in Memphis TN was the perfect way to wrap up a hectic road trip. With its historic charm, the famous duck march, the comfortable rooms, and location near Beale Street, it’s easy to see why this hotel has been a Memphis favorite for generations. Whether you’re just passing through or planning a weekend getaway, The Peabody offers a classic Memphis experience that feels timeless and welcoming.
