The vibrant city of Memphis is experiencing a remarkable boom in the hotel industry after a successful year in 2022, with over 11 million visitors and a record number of 4 million hotel rooms sold throughout the year. The annual report by the tourism board showed that downtown was particularly a popular spot, in which the number of rooms sold within the area was the highest in over 10 years.
The constant allure of the Tennessee city has continued to attract global tourists, who are drawn to the city’s unique offerings, cultural richness, and warm hospitality, resulting in a substantial influx of visitors and a surge in demand for world-class accommodation.
Staying on top of this demand, the city of Memphis currently has 49 hotel projects with a total of 6,834 rooms, either under construction or in the pipeline through 2026. Some of the more notable confirmed projects include the soon-to-be-opened Grand Hyatt as part of the One Beale district development, the first Tempo by Hilton hotel and the first of Marriott’s Aloft Hotels in Downtown.
Tempo by Hilton – The collection of thoughtfully designed spaces was curated to serve a growing segment of “modern achievers” who seek a hotel experience that reflects their ambition. The Tempo Hotels amenities include the one-of-a-kind Power Up and Power Down collections; curated assortments of morning and bedtime rituals, such as a finely tuned sleep environment and a dedicated Get Ready Zone. The Tempo by Hilton Downtown Memphis will be located on the corner of Union Avenue and 4th Street, close to the attractions of Downtown.
One Beale is planned to become a central entertainment district of Downtown Memphis, offering locals and tourists alike the opportunity to enjoy high-class accommodations, fine dining and entertainment with direct access to all the famed Beale Street has to offer. Part of the development is already finished, with hotels such as Caption by Hyatt and Hyatt Centric already opened and ‘Fancy’ One Beale restaurant established as one of the best spots for riverfront views. The planned Grand Hyatt will further establish One Beale as a cornerstone for tourists visiting Downtown Memphis.
Marriott’s collection of modern boutique hotels is opening an Aloft Hotel in Downtown Memphis this year. The hotel uses tech-savvy robotic bellhops and mobile room keys, to provide guests with a seamless stay. Guests can sip & spin at the WXYZ bar with specialty cocktails, snack-attack menu and tunes ranging from acoustic sets to DJ mashups.
The booming hotel industry in Memphis is not only elevating the city’s status as a premier travel destination but also significantly contributing to its economic growth. The surge in hotel development has generated a plethora of job opportunities across various sectors, further bolstering the local economy.
Some recently opened hotels include:
- Arrive Memphis: This boutique hotel is a food destination as much as a fabulous city stay. Guests can enjoy freshly-made pastries at the hotel’s very own bakery, decadent cocktails at the Lobby Bar Hustle and house-made sausages at the downstairs restaurant Longshot.
- Central Station Hotel: This hotel opened just prior to the pandemic and quickly became a local favourite. It was converted from a 1914 rail hub in downtown Memphis’ Central Station and has been designed with Memphis’ rich music culture in mind.
- The Memphian: Located in the arts and culture quarter of Memphis, the Memphian pays homage to the culture of its neighbourhood with its eclectic décor, two restaurants and a rooftop bar.
- The Rambler: This boutique apartment hotel is the perfect spot for families or larger groups wanting a convenient as well as stylish option while visiting Memphis. The hotel is located in South Main Arts Districts, the trendiest and most walkable neighbourhood in Memphis.
- Canopy by Hilton Memphis Downtown: Located a short walk from Beale Street, the Memphis Music Hall of Fame, the Memphis Rock n’ Roll Museum and a short drive to Graceland, this recently opened hotel was designed with nods to the traditions of music, barbeque and bourbon that the city is so famous for. The hotel also won the Liv Hospitality Design Awards in the Interior Design Hotel – Midscale & Lifestyle category in 2021.
- Caption by Hyatt: The first of its kind, Caption by Hyatt is a contemporary-meets-urban collaborative experience. The hotel regularly hosts acoustic concerts in the courtyard and the all-day hangout spot is in the restaurant Talk Shop, which gives an upper-end hostel vibe.
- Hyatt Centric: Right next door to the Caption by Hyatt lies Hyatt Centric, which is the perfect spot to enjoy the sun in a private cabana at the only resort-style pool area in Memphis and grab a cocktail or two at the hotel’s Beck & Call Rooftop Lounge, which is one of the only rooftop bars with a view of the river.
Explore more of Memphis here: https://www.memphistravel.com/
Memphis quick facts
Tennessee’s second-largest city, the vibrant city of Memphis is famous for its music, great food (and we’re not just talking about the amazing BBQ), and its significant place in America’s history of civil rights. Exceptional hotels, and something to please every type of traveller await in Memphis.
New Zealanders can travel to Memphis via:
Air New Zealand via AKL – Houston – Memphis
American Airlines – (Oct 2023 – March 2024) via Auckland – Dallas-Fort Worth – Memphis
Delta Air Lines – via AKL – LAX – Memphis
