The Peabody Memphis
Legendary historic hotel in Memphis, famed for its resident ducks, elegant lobby, and prime downtown location.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Duck March spectacle
The Peabody Memphis
Best Time
Duck March spectacle
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Legendary historic hotel in Memphis, famed for its resident ducks, elegant lobby, and prime downtown location.
"The Peabody Memphis offers a bridge between the blues city's celebrated past and cosmopolitan present."
🎯 Arrive Early for Duck March
Get a prime spot for the Duck March by arriving an hour or more before.
🤫 Request a Quiet Room
If street noise is a concern, ask for a room away from the street or construction.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Peabody Duck March
Hotel Lobby
Witness the charming daily procession of the hotel's resident ducks, a tradition since the 1930s.
The Grand Lobby
Hotel Lobby
An opulent space that serves as the heart of the hotel, featuring a stunning fountain and elegant decor.
Chez Philippe
Fine Dining Restaurant
Experience exquisite fine dining with a renowned 7-course tasting menu or elegant afternoon tea.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
The Iconic Duck March
Historic Charm & Modern Comforts
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Arrive Early for Duck March
Get a prime spot for the Duck March by arriving an hour or more before.
🤫 Request a Quiet Room
If street noise is a concern, ask for a room away from the street or construction.
☕ Coffee in Room? No.
Coffee is available downstairs, but not typically in rooms. Plan accordingly.
🐾 Pet-Friendly Perks
The hotel welcomes pets with a gift bag including a duck toy!
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Arrive Early for Duck March
Get a prime spot for the Duck March by arriving an hour or more before.
🤫 Request a Quiet Room
If street noise is a concern, ask for a room away from the street or construction.
☕ Coffee in Room? No.
Coffee is available downstairs, but not typically in rooms. Plan accordingly.
🐾 Pet-Friendly Perks
The hotel welcomes pets with a gift bag including a duck toy!
🦆 Duck Palace Sneak Peek
Ask about viewing the ducks' rooftop Royal Duck Palace, a unique feature.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Guests rave about The Peabody Memphis's historic charm, the iconic Duck March, and its prime downtown location. The staff is frequently praised for being first-class, kind, and responsive. However, some visitors have noted issues with room temperature, noise from the street or construction, and the distance to the parking garage. +1
"The hotel is lovely.
However the fact that they silently comply with the various carriage vendors who use their coveted curbside to park & solicit customers but — all the while never water those poor horses is criminal.
We arrived at the hotel seeing several carriages vendors, they had used those animals in several long carriage rides but parked them curbside outside the Peabody and as we spent many more hours dining & walking…. Those vendors had not watered those poor animals!!! And they admitted it while they grew angrier & aggressive when we kindly appealed to them to water those poor animals.
Yes, while the management of the Peabody say they “can’t do a thing those are city vendors” - that simply condones the animal abuse. Silence is compliance!
They could easily exert a request that if these vendors want to avail themselves to the highly desirable Peabody curbside & their customers, then they need to provide good, humane care for these poor creatures.
How horrible that these vendors abuse these animals…. And that The Peabody closes their eyes to it. Shame."
judy tiberi
"It's a wonderful place to stay. The staff is first class. Very kind and responsive. The rooms are very clean. The duck show is worth the stay. The location is very walkable to many sites and restaurants. The hotel can be noisy due to street and construction. Ask to be placed in a quiet part of the hotel and you should be fine."
E Todd Fowler
"Right the heart of Memphis and has the famous duck walk! You can actually see the duck walk at the second floor but if you want pictures up close as they come out the elevators, then come early (an hour or more before) to get a good seat. Otherwise, you can just wait until all the busy entry is done and take pictures of the ducks as they enjoy their time at the fountain.
We ate at the restaurant near the lobby and it was great food and quiet. Very different from the lobby restaurant where we couldn’t even hear each other.
Overall a good experience and worth a try if you’re in Memphis."
Ariel Lacsamana
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Peabody Memphis is located at 149 Union Avenue in downtown Memphis, TN. It's easily accessible by car and is a walkable distance to many attractions. If arriving by air, Memphis International Airport (MEM) is about a 20-minute drive away. +1
Yes, there is a parking garage available. However, some guests note that it's a walk to the lobby and parts of the walkway are not climate-controlled.
Room keys can be used for the parking garage, though some guests have reported initial issues that were resolved by the front desk.
Absolutely! The hotel's downtown location makes it very walkable to many sites and restaurants, including Beale Street.
Taxis, ride-sharing services (Uber/Lyft), and hotel shuttles are common options for getting to The Peabody Memphis from Memphis International Airport. The drive typically takes around 20 minutes.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, seeing the famous Peabody Ducks and their daily march is a free activity for hotel guests and visitors alike. +1
The iconic Duck March happens daily at 11 AM and 5 PM. +1
The tradition of the Duck March began in 1940, though the idea of ducks in the lobby fountain started as a prank in 1933.
Yes, visitors are welcome to enter the lobby to witness the Duck March and experience the hotel's ambiance, even if not staying overnight.
The Peabody Memphis often has special events, especially around holidays like Christmas. Keep an eye on their official website for announcements.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Beyond the famous Duck March, you can enjoy fine dining at Chez Philippe, relax by the pool, visit the spa, or explore the hotel's elegant common areas. +2
The hotel offers several dining experiences, including the upscale Chez Philippe, a lobby restaurant, a cafe, and a bar.
Some guests report noise from the street or ongoing construction. It's recommended to request a room in a quieter section of the hotel.
Yes, The Peabody Memphis features a beautiful indoor pool for guests to enjoy.
Yes, the hotel offers a spa for guests seeking relaxation and pampering.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Chez Philippe is the most renowned restaurant, offering a sophisticated fine dining experience and a popular afternoon tea. +2
Ironically, duck is not served at The Peabody Memphis and has not been on the menu since its 1981 reopening.
Dining at The Peabody can be pricey, especially at Chez Philippe. Some guests suggest exploring nearby restaurants for more budget-friendly options.
The lobby restaurant can be lively and noisy, while other dining areas, like the one near the lobby, offer a quieter atmosphere.
Yes, afternoon tea is a popular offering at Chez Philippe, providing a delightful and elegant experience.
📸 📸 Photography
The hotel lobby with its fountain and the area around the Duck March are prime photo opportunities. The hotel's architecture and decor also offer many picturesque moments.
To get unobstructed photos of the ducks, try to capture them in the fountain after the morning march or before the evening march. Arriving early for the march itself can also yield great shots.
The hotel's downtown Memphis location provides opportunities to photograph its exterior and the surrounding historic architecture.
Yes, photography is encouraged during the Duck March, but be prepared for crowds if you want close-up shots.
The most unique photographic subjects are the resident ducks and the elaborate Duck March ceremony. The hotel's historic interior is also very photogenic.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Beyond the ducks, the hotel offers a beautiful pool for family fun. While there isn't in-room coffee, the hotel's central location makes it easy to access kid-friendly dining options nearby. The pet-friendly policy is also a bonus for families traveling with their furry companions.
🐶 Pet Travelers
This pet-friendly policy, combined with the hotel's historic charm and central location, makes it an excellent choice for travelers who don't want to leave their furry friends behind. You can explore downtown Memphis with your pet, knowing they'll be well-cared for at The Peabody.
🥂 Couples & Luxury Seekers
The hotel's luxurious ambiance, beautiful rooms, and excellent service create a memorable experience. Consider booking a suite for an extra special stay, or simply enjoy the grandeur of the lobby and the refined atmosphere throughout the property.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Legendary Peabody Ducks
+1The current Duckmaster oversees the care and daily march of the ducks. The ducks live in a luxurious rooftop Royal Duck Palace, a $200,000 marble and glass structure, when they are not in the lobby. It's important to note that despite their name, duck is not served on the hotel's menus.
The daily Duck March, occurring at 11 AM and 5 PM, sees the ducks led by the Duckmaster from their palace via elevator to the lobby fountain, and then back again. This charming ritual is a must-see for any visitor to Memphis and a testament to the hotel's enduring legacy.
A Glimpse into History and Luxury
Beyond its historical significance, The Peabody offers a luxurious experience. The hotel features beautifully appointed rooms, some of which have undergone recent renovations. Guests can enjoy amenities like a fitness center, a swimming pool, and a full-service spa.
Dining at The Peabody is also a highlight, with Chez Philippe offering a refined culinary journey. The hotel's prime downtown location makes it an ideal base for exploring Memphis's vibrant music scene, historical sites, and culinary delights.
Experiencing Memphis from The Peabody
History buffs will appreciate the proximity to significant sites like the National Civil Rights Museum at the Lorraine Motel and Sun Studio, where music legends recorded. Graceland, Elvis Presley's iconic home, is also a relatively short drive from the hotel.
For those looking to experience the local flavor, the hotel's surroundings offer numerous dining and entertainment options. Whether you're interested in music, history, or simply soaking in the Memphis atmosphere, The Peabody provides a central and elegant starting point.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit