Riding the Rails of History: The Central Station Memphis, Curio Collection by Hilton

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The Central Station Memphis, Curio Collection by Hilton - Iconic Central Station Memphis
Iconic Central Station Memphis. Photo credit: Central Station Hotel

The writer was hosted.

The Central Station Memphis is not just an accommodation; it’s an immersive experience in the echoes of a bygone era of American train travel. Wandering through corridors that once buzzed with departures and arrivals in Memphis Central Station, the magic of train travel is, quite literally, etched in its architecture.

Read More: What to Do on a Weekend Getaway to Memphis

The Central Station Memphis, Curio Collection by Hilton - The speaker wall in the lobby honors the musical heritage of Memphis as the home of blues, soul, and rock and roll.
The speaker wall in the lobby honors the musical heritage of Memphis as the home of blues, soul, and rock and roll. Photo credit: Central Station Hotel

Railroad Hub Becomes Luxury Haven

A bustling regional rail hub until the 1960s, The Central Station Memphis, Curio Collection by Hilton, is now a chic haven where the past meets luxury.

The rail station, built in 1914 as Memphis’s Grand Central Station, still serves rail traffic. Today, it is a hub for MATA trolleys and Amtrak’s City of New Orleans route to Chicago.

The Central Station Memphis opened in 2019, offering 123 thoughtfully designed rooms. The stylish public area features an Instagram-worthy wall of EgglestonWorks speakers.

The Central Station Memphis, Curio Collection by Hilton - A wall of vintage vinyl records decorates the public spaces.
A wall of vintage vinyl records decorates the public spaces. Photo credit: Central Station Hotel

Memphis’ Living Room

In the Eight & Sand Lounge, the station’s history is brought to life by an original green neon track sign above the bar and a reel-to-reel deck, both mounted like objects d’art.

The lounge serves as Memphis’ living room. DJs regularly spin records and musicians perform amid original train station benches and a DJ booth crafted from an old Hammond organ. Behind the bar lies the Listening Room, a hidden gem for music lovers.

The Central Station Memphis, Curio Collection by Hilton - The Eight and Sand Lounge features an original green neon track sign.
The Eight and Sand Lounge features an original green neon track sign. Photo credit: Central Station Hotel

The Memphis hotel’s vinyl record collection numbers more than 4,000 records, each one with some connection to the city’s rich musical legacy. In some cases, the record was recorded here. In others, the recording artist or the song includes a bow to Memphis.

The Central Station Memphis, Curio Collection by Hilton - A cozy guestroom.
A cozy guestroom. Photo credit: Central Station Hotel

Guestrooms

My king room was a cozy sanctuary. The attention to detail, plush bedding, and custom artwork set the tone for my stay. The oversized windows offered views of Memphis’ charming South Main neighborhood.

Staying connected was a breeze with the free wifi, and the 49-inch HDTV provided entertainment at the end of my day. The workspace had plenty of USB outlets and the Keurig coffeemaker kept me fully caffeinated.

One of the highlights was the music playing on the custom-designed Egglestonworks speakers. It made my time in the room a delightful retreat.

I liked my room so much that I opted to order room service. It allowed me to indulge in a delicious meal in comfortable surroundings.

The Central Station Memphis, Curio Collection by Hilton
Photo credit: Central Station Hotel

In line with the hotel’s train station theme, the bathroom was a visual delight. The white marble sink, black metal accents, plush white towels, and premium toiletries echoed the charm of the early 20th century.

Read More: Fun Things to Do in Tennessee with Kids

The Central Station Memphis, Curio Collection by Hilton - A southern breakfast at Bishop with heavenly biscuits.
A southern breakfast at Bishop with heavenly biscuits. Photo credit: Sharon Kurtz

Dining at Central Station Hotel

The hotel boasts two outstanding on-site restaurants.

The Bishop is a brasserie with a contemporary French fusion menu highlighting fresh, locally sourced ingredients and innovative flavors.

At breakfast, the Southern biscuits were pure bliss thanks to their golden crust and fluffy interior.

The Central Station Memphis, Curio Collection by Hilton - Eight and Sand Lounge and Bar offers small plates, hearty mains, and libations
Eight and Sand Lounge and Bar offers small plates, hearty mains, and libations. Photo credit: Central Station Hotel

Eight and Sand, the hotel’s lounge and bar, offers an impressive menu from small plates to hearty mains, complemented by tempting cocktails, an extensive wine list, and craft beers.  

The Central Station Memphis, Curio Collection by Hilton - The 24-hour fitness center
The 24-hour fitness center. Photo credit: Central Station Hotel

Amenities at Central Station Hotel

Central Station Hotel is pet-friendly and family-friendly. Room choices at the 4-star hotel are two queen beds or a luxurious king bed, with options for connecting rooms and complimentary cribs for families.

The Central Station Memphis, Curio Collection by Hilton - Central Station Hotel is pet-friendly.
Central Station Hotel is pet-friendly. Photo credit: Central Station Hotel

Amenities include:

  • 24-hour fitness center
  • 24-hour front desk
  • business center
  • onsite ATM
  • gift shop
  • onsite self-parking
  • free wifi
The Central Station Memphis, Curio Collection by Hilton - The Stax Museum of American Soul Music is nearby. Photo Courtesy of Central Station Hotel
The Stax Museum of American Soul Music is nearby. Photo credit: Central Station Hotel

Things to Do Near Central Station Hotel

The hotel’s central location in the South Main District of Memphis makes it a great spot for sightseeing in the city’s arts district.

The Central Station Memphis, Curio Collection by Hilton - The Central Station Memphis.
The Central Station Memphis. Photo credit: Central Station Hotel

SheBuysTravel Tip: Before you book, join the Hilton Honors program for extra perks and to earn points for future hotel stays.

Sharon Kurtz is an accomplished travel writer and award-winning photographer with an unwavering passion for exploring the world and sharing her experiences through captivating storytelling. Her journey through life has taken her to 70 countries, allowing her to review numerous hotels, airlines, and destinations, offering invaluable insights to fellow travelers. With over 170 published bylines across various platforms, including print magazines, internet and mobile media-based outlets, and podcasts, she is also the proud author of a monthly travel column for Lustre.net, a platform designed for retired women who, like her, are not done, not old, and still incredibly cool. Sharon is not only a wordsmith but a visual storyteller, crafting arresting images that immerse readers in the realms of culture, cuisine, cruising, nature, wildlife, and travel. Her dedication to the craft has earned her recognition in professional writing associations such as SATW and IFWTWA, where she clinched awards for her exceptional photography in the 2022 and 2023 IFWTWA Photography Contests. At 59, Sharon made a courageous leap, selling her successful business to follow her dreams of traveling the world and writing about her experiences, genuinely living her best life. She calls Austin, Texas, her home with her husband and two furry companions. Her love for family extends to her role as a mother to two grown sons, a beautiful daughter-in-law, and a precious granddaughter. Family life promises to provide many multi-generational stories in the future. For the latest updates on Sharon’s travels and to get inspired for your own journeys, follow her on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn, where she shares her love for travel and food by exploring cultures and flavors at home and around the globe.
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