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Hotels · Tennessee, Tennessee

The Peabody Memphis

  • Price$$$
  • CategoryHistoric Luxury
  • Rating★ 4.6

The Peabody Memphis at 149 Union Ave is one of the American South's most storied grand hotels, operating continuously in the heart of downtown Memphis, Tennessee since its current building opened in 1925, though the Peabody name has anchored Memphis hospitality since 1869.

The Peabody Memphis

The Peabody Memphis at 149 Union Ave is one of the American South's most storied grand hotels, operating continuously in the heart of downtown Memphis, Tennessee since its current building opened in 1925, though the Peabody name has anchored Memphis hospitality since 1869. The hotel's Renaissance Revival exterior and lobby — featuring a magnificent travertine fountain and soaring coffered ceiling — have earned it status as a symbol of the city itself; an often-cited regional saying holds that the Mississippi Delta begins in the lobby of the Peabody. The property is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The hotel's most celebrated tradition is the daily Duck March: each morning at 11 AM, five resident mallard ducks travel by elevator from a penthouse rooftop enclosure and parade across a red carpet to the lobby fountain, accompanied by John Philip Sousa's King Cotton March. A reverse march takes place each day at 5 PM. The tradition has been unbroken since 1933 and draws large gatherings of visitors and Memphis residents to both showings. The Peabody offers 464 guest rooms and suites across Deluxe King, Corner Suite, and Junior Suite categories. Rooms are appointed with Peabody-branded bedding, mahogany furniture, and classic detailing consistent with the hotel's historic character. Chez Philippe, the hotel's fine-dining restaurant, offers French-inspired cuisine in an ornate formal dining room. Capriccio Grill provides casual Italian-American fare, and Ducks On The Roof, the penthouse bar, offers outdoor views across downtown Memphis toward the Mississippi River. The Peabody Spa provides a full menu of therapeutic and beauty treatments. A rooftop pool, fitness center, and rooftop bar complete the leisure facilities. The location on Union Ave places guests one block from Beale Street's blues clubs and a few minutes' walk from FedExForum and the Bass Pro Shops Pyramid.

Room types

  • Deluxe King
  • Corner Suite
  • Junior Suite

Amenities

  • Famous duck march daily at 11 AM and 5 PM
  • Chez Philippe restaurant
  • Capriccio Grill
  • Peabody Spa
  • Rooftop bar
  • Fitness center

Location

149 Union Ave, Memphis, TN 38103

35.1441, -90.0493 View on map

Highlights

  • Daily Duck March in the lobby fountain at 11 AM and 5 PM, a tradition since 1933
  • Chez Philippe fine-dining restaurant serving French-inspired cuisine in a historic ornate setting
  • Landmark 1925 Renaissance Revival building listed on the National Register of Historic Places
  • Ducks On The Roof penthouse bar with panoramic Memphis skyline and river views
  • One block from Beale Street blues corridor and walking distance to FedExForum

Tips for visiting

  • Arrive at least 20 minutes early for the Duck March — the lobby fills quickly at both the 11 AM and 5 PM showings
  • Ducks On The Roof penthouse bar is ticketed on popular evenings; check the hotel event calendar before arrival
  • Chez Philippe is one of Memphis's most formal restaurants; dinner reservations should be made well in advance for weekends
  • The hotel is within easy walking distance of Beale Street, FedExForum, and the National Civil Rights Museum
  • Parking is available in an adjacent garage; valet service is offered at the Union Ave entrance

Accessibility

The Peabody Memphis provides ADA-compliant guest rooms with roll-in showers, grab bars, and accessible bathroom configurations. Elevator access is available to all guest floors, and the main lobby is wheelchair accessible. Guests requiring specific accommodations should contact the hotel directly when booking.

Frequently asked questions

What is the Duck March at The Peabody Memphis?

Each day at 11 AM and 5 PM, the hotel's five resident mallard ducks travel from a rooftop enclosure by elevator and parade across a red carpet to the lobby fountain. The tradition began in 1933 and is one of Memphis's most recognized attractions, open to the public free of charge.

How old is The Peabody Memphis?

The current building opened in 1925, though the Peabody name has operated in Memphis since 1869. The hotel is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and has hosted a roster of US presidents and entertainers across its history.

Is The Peabody Memphis near Beale Street?

The hotel sits one block from Beale Street's blues and entertainment district, making it one of the most convenient downtown Memphis bases for evening entertainment.

Does The Peabody Memphis have a pool?

The hotel features a rooftop pool along with the Peabody Spa, fitness center, and rooftop bar as leisure amenities.

Can non-guests attend the Duck March?

Yes, the Duck March is open to the public free of charge. Non-guests are welcome to witness both the morning and evening marches in the hotel lobby.

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The Peabody Memphis

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