DoubleTree by Hilton Memphis Downtown

The high-ceilinged lobby has an open feel to it and a slight industrial-chic vibe, but many features compete for attention. This includes a huge, freestanding storefront that's been erected inside of the lobby and built with the original bricks to match the original structure on the site. There is lots of colorful Memphis-themed art hanging in recessed areas throughout. Seating areas are arranged all around, with modern couches, armchairs, and small tables surrounded by chairs, where guests can sit and read the free newspapers the hotel provides, and there's even a stage area with a grand piano. Warm cookies offered on arrival are a DoubleTree touch that's popular with guests, who are mostly tourists, but given its downtown location, the hotel attracts a good share of business travelers too. 

Located in downtown Memphis across the street from AutoZone Park, the minor-league baseball stadium where the Memphis Redbirds play, and about a 10-minute walk to the bars, restaurants, and music clubs of Beale Street, the hotel is conveniently located for tourists and business travelers. The FedEx Forum sports and entertainment complex is about a seven-minute walk from the hotel, as is B.B. King's Blues Club. The Memphis Rock 'n' Soul Museum and the Cotton Museum are about five minutes away on foot. Elvis Presley's Graceland and Memphis International Airport are both about a 15-minute drive, depending on traffic.

The 280 guest rooms come with flat-screen TVs with satellite channels, desks, irons and ironing boards, coffeemakers, and a generous amount of closet space. Most rooms are fairly large, with either a king-size bed or two double beds and large windows. The cream-and-brown color scheme, swirl-patterned carpets, and dark-wood furniture looks more dated than fresh, though, and guests have complained about room maintenance, including faulty plumbing, warped bathroom doors, underwhelming air-conditioning, and broken blinds. King Corner Rooms are larger and more like suites, with separate seating areas and two bathrooms. White-tile and beige bathrooms, with large mirrors over the granite vanities, have shower/tub combos, hairdryers, and Neutrogena toiletries. 

A medium-size rectangular rooftop pool with plenty of rattan-style lounge chairs opens during the summer months, and the hotel also has a small fitness center with a few treadmills, exercise bikes, and free weights. A T.G.I. Friday's franchise, owned and operated by the hotel, is located off the lobby, and serves breakfast (included in the room rate for Hilton Gold members), lunch, and dinner; room service is available 24-hours a day, and there’s a small bar mixing drinks into the evening. There's a Connectivity Zone, with computer stations and printing available in the lobby, and five meeting rooms with audio-visual services available to rent. The hotel has an on-site gift shop, and Wi-Fi is free throughout. The front desk is staffed around the clock and laundry and dry cleaning services can be arranged; tour and sightseeing packages can also be booked along with rooms.