This place is a true southern original-perhaps the only hotel in the world where ducks live on the roof and ride the elevator to the main floor and promptly march to the lobby fountain every day at 10a. Restored to its late 19th-century elegance, the Peabody is the heart that pumps Memphis social life. On any given weekend, you can sit in the lobby bar and watch people come and go from charity events, weddings and high school proms. With its central location two blocks from Beale Street and its two superb restaurants, Capriccio Grill and Chez Phillippe, the Peabody is well worth the cost. Famous guests that have stayed here include Robert E. Lee and William Faulkner.

This hotel is the place to go for those tired of cookie-cutter chains. This small all-suite hotel in the historic Gayoso district is like having a pied a terre in downtown Memphis. It is minutes from Beale Street, the Civil Rights Museum and the Mississippi River. Every suite is decorated differently, with Gothic iron or four-poster beds, and exotic furniture such as fainting couches. The personal service is unparalleled in Memphis. This is where some major celebrities stay when appearing or filming movies in the area.

This hotel is set well off the Interstate 240 perimeter around Memphis and overlooks a wooded area. The tall cylindrical structure with a blue glass exterior is an east Memphis landmark. The lobby bar with its live jazz music is one of the hottest spots in East Memphis, and the restaurant's wait staff often breaks into song while shuttling plates to the kitchen. With all the amenities of a luxury hotel, the Hilton is very popular with visitors.

This place is a popular choice for newlyweds spending the night after their reception. You can sit in the lobby bar and watch horse-drawn carriages drive up with brides in beautiful gowns. However, if love is not in the air and the trip is all about business, then this place can meet the needs of the mobile office. Each room includes two-person whirlpools and French decor. Jazz music is featured in the bar on weekends, while the nearby theaters, restaurants and shopping of Overton Square provide additional reasons to choose this all-suite hotel.

This hotel is located way on the east side of town, technically within the city limits, but maintaining a suburban feel. This hotel has all the amenities you expect from a Hilton, with the added advantage of being right across the street from the Racquet Club, host of the annual St. Jude Tennis Classic. The hotel is noted for its collection of modern sculpture outdoors and in the lobby, which adds to the property's exclusive feel.

This ideal location is directly across the street from the historic Peabody Hotel, next door to Rendezvous(Memphis' best-known barbecue restaurant) and two blocks from Beale Street, with its jazz and blues nightclubs. The rooms are pretty much standard fare, but are comfortable and feature numerous amenities for the business traveler including a work desk. An executive floor is also available. Watch the horse-drawn carriages go by from your room window, or hop into one for a leisurely tour around the River City.

Situated at the north end of the trolley line, this hotel is an easy ride to Beale Street, the Civil Rights Museum and other downtown attractions. It is close to the recently restored Pinch District, with its funky, friendly bars and restaurants. Formerly a Crowne Plaza, this hotel has open, sun-filled public spaces, and each room was remodeled with the business traveler in mind. A covered walkway leads to the Memphis Convention Center or you can just ride the glass elevator to the top floors for a spectacular view of downtown.

In virtually the same location as the Peabody Hotel but with less expensive rooms, this place is a great value. Walk two blocks to Beale Street to eat in the Elvis Presley restaurant, listen to some great blues at B.B. King's, then have a drink in the Peabody lobby while you watch the socialites and prom-goers go by. Or instead, work out in the weight room or relax on the roof top swimming pool.

Located near a number of company headquarters and the St. Francis Hospital, this hotel is just outside the perimeter of freeway I-240. With the light, airy decor and the Victorian gazebo in the garden, it seems more like a country resort than a city hotel. The East Memphis location means getting there is easy, and driving in the area is relatively stress free, with the notable exception of rush hour. A shopping center next door with banking, photo developing and restaurants makes this a convenient location.

With a garden atmosphere and suites at hotel-room prices, this hotel will make you feel like you are staying at a country house. The plant-filled atrium has a running stream and duck pond, along with space for casual dining in its outdoor-like setting. With a complimentary breakfast in the morning, hot hors d'oeuvres every evening and one of Memphis' best Italian restaurants located on site, you will never have to leave the hotel. If you do, however, you will find yourself a few steps away from one of Memphis' most upscale shopping malls, with more shopping and restaurants nearby.