Hotel Pontotoc Memphis: Explore Memphis in Style

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With its walkable Beale Street location, spacious suites made for gathering and a private garden and speakeasy bar, Hotel Pontotoc is a stylish, soul-filled Memphis hideaway perfect for an unforgettable girlfriend getaway.

Highlights:

Private, intimate setting with just ten rooms, a hidden speakeasy bar and a gated garden patio that feels tailor-made for girlfriends to gather, relax and celebrate together.
Spacious, personality-filled suites featuring wet bars, ample seating, music-inspired décor and historic details that turn nights in into part of the fun.
Car-free Beale Street location steps from live music, restaurants, museums and nightlife, making it easy to explore Memphis on foot and focus on time together.

Editor’s Note: The writer was hosted.

First Impressions

I entered my suite at the Hotel Pontotoc in Memphis, Tennessee, as bluesy tunes emanated from the Victrola radio and floorboards creaked. Preserved charm and modern luxury welcomed me.

An intimate 10-room property steps away from Beale Street, the hotel makes a perfect base for exploring. Heading out on foot, I took in museums, parks and cafes, soaking in the sights of Beale Street without a car.

The garden patio and hidden speakeasy bar offer safe, private spaces to gather, making it a great option for a girls’ trip, bachelorette party or even a wedding.

Pros:

Suites with ample seating
Historic charm
Walkable location
Secure entrance and private patio
Continental breakfast
On-site bar/restaurant

Cons:

No elevator may be difficult for some
Counter space in the bathroom is limited
No onsite gym

SheBuysTravel Tip: Don’t forget to place your order by 10 pm for a complimentary breakfast delivered to your room.

History of the Hotel Pontotoc

An upside down metal bedframe hangs from the ceiling surrounded by three hanging lamps. — A hanging metal bed frame in the stairwell pays homage to the hotel’s past. Photo credit: Kirsten Harrington

Built in 1906, Hotel Pontotoc has been thoughtfully revived, with stories to tell from its past as a brothel, a Turkish bathhouse and a recording studio. Rumor has it that Elvis Presley lost his virginity in this fabled spot.

I love the fact that the renovation preserves the past with a player piano in the entrance, a box spring bed hanging from the ceiling and pinball machine parts adorning the hallway.

An outdoor patio with orange umbrellas table and chairs sits in a garden next to the hotel. — The garden patio at the Hotel Pontotoc offers a private place for girlfriend gatherings and special events. Photo credit: Hotel Pontotoc

With just two floors, you could bring your whole tribe and enjoy rooms close together. Imagine your own private sleepover! Enjoy the private garden patio for drinks and catching up on gossip.

Are you ready to explore off the beaten path? Let us inspire you!

Rooms with a Memphis Vibe

An old fashioned Victrola radio sits on the table with a Hotel Pontotoc post card. — The Victrola radio in the room at the Hotel Pontotoc plays bluesy tunes, setting the tone for a musical weekend in Memphis. Photo credit: Kirsten Harrington

Each guestroom has its own personality with a nod to music history. Road signs, microphones and memorabilia set the tone.

Studios average 330 square feet, and the Grand Suite measures 589 square feet. An ADA accessible suite sits on the first floor.

A hotel suite with a bed easy chair and glass doors leading to a sitting area. — My spacious suite at the Hotel Pontotoc made me wish I’d brought my besties. Photo credit: Kirsten Harrington

My spacious suite made me wish I had my tribe with me. The sofa and sitting chairs, along with a wet bar, begged for a girlfriends’ gathering. We’d crank up the tunes on the radio and maybe sing along.

A sitting area with wet bar small sofa round table and easy chair looks into the sleeping area. — The generous sitting area with wet bar and refrigerator invites hotel guests to relax or gather with friends. Photo credit: Kirsten Harrington

Subway tiles, spacious showers and a pull-chain toilet add charm to the bathroom. Sections of exposed brick and wood floors capture the Pontotoc’s historical essence.

Amenities

A coffee maker ready to brew with a Hotel Pontotoc mug under the filter. — Fresh filter coffee and a ceramic mug elevate standard hotel coffee to something worth getting out of bed for. Photo credit: Kirsten Harrington

Good coffee elevates a hotel from solid to super. The compostable filter coffee maker means no pods or plastic heading to landfills. I savored the ethically-sourced brew in a real ceramic mug.

I timed my breakfast of fresh fruit and yogurt to arrive after my morning walk – such a treat.

A tray holds silverware a coffee mug yogurt and fresh bowl of fruit. — Complimentary light breakfast is delivered to the room each morning. Photo credit: Kirsten Harrington

Rooms also feature:

Wet bar with refrigerators
Microwaves
Robes
Strong wifi connection
Bluetooth speakers
Luggage storage
Bottled water and water filling stations in the common area
Continental breakfast delivered to your room

Where to Eat

A lounge area inside the Dame bar with semi circular sofa and easy chairs. — The Dame Bar and Restaurant offers an onsite gathering space for cocktails before a night out, or small plates and drinks for a relaxed evening in. Photo credit: Kirsten Harrington

Onsite:

The Dame Restaurant and Bar on the lower level beckons with shareable snacks, desserts and cool vibe.

Don’t miss the Warm Spinach Dip with Parmesan. Creative cocktails include some standout non-alcoholic options too, like the Blues Musician and the Church Fan.

Cocktail in a glass tumbler with a cucumber garnish. — The Dame serves creative cocktails, mocktails and small bites. Photo credit: Kirsten Harrington

SheBuysTravel Tip: Reserve the Dame for a bachelorette party or start your girls’ night here before heading to Beale Street for a night on the town.

Nearby:

Walk to casual barbecue spots, upscale dining, coffee and cocktails around the neighborhood. It’s easy to develop a favorite in just a short stay.

A blue and white porcelain plate holds hold four deviled eggs topped with caviar. — Deviled eggs with caviar at Felicia Suzanne’s, an elegant restaurant within walking distance. Photo credit: Kirsten Harrington

Hive – Breakfast bagels, coffee, salads and sandwiches just around the corner.
By the Brewery – Come for brunchy filling biscuits or healthy lunch fare.
Central BBQ – Smoky meats, traditional sides and must-try BBQ nachos.
Felicia Suzanne’s – Elevated Southern fare worthy of a dressy outfit.
Libro – Extensive lunch and dinner options and Sunday brunch inside Novel bookstore.

SheBuysTravel Tip: Visit the Dixon Gallery & Gardens and Memphis Botanic Garden before lunch at nearby Libro.

Safety Features

A living room with piano sofa and easy chairs serves as the hotels lobby. — Just inside the main entrance, this cozy lobby sitting area is accessed by a security code given to guests. Photo credit: Kirsten Harrington

Ample sidewalks, street lighting and vibrant restaurants, shops and attractions make the hotel’s South of Beale neighborhood feel safe. The cozy lobby is for guests only, secured by a code.

Additional features:

One main entrance accessible only by guests
CCTV security cameras in common areas and entrance
Private outdoor patio with gated entrance
On-site bar for an evening nightcap without leaving the property
Room doors with keyless entry and deadbolts

What’s Nearby

Located in the heart of Memphis, music, culture and nature surround the hotel.

A view of the Mississippi River with a bridge in the background. — A ten-minute walk from the Hotel Pontotoc takes you to the Mississippi River. Photo credit: Kirsten Harrington

Here are a few must-sees:

The National Civil Rights Museum – Thought-provoking exhibits and the spot of Martin Luther King’s assassination.
Beale Street Entertainment District – Blues and Rock and Roll music waft from clubs and bars on this neon-decked, high-energy street.
Tom Lee Park – Urban green space along the Mississippi River with sports courts, hammocks and interpretive displays.
Memphis Brooks Museum of Art – Over 10,000 works of art from ancient to modern.
Metal Museum – The only metalwork museum in the U.S.
Stax Museum – Immerse yourself in soul music history.

Getting There/Parking

Hop in an Uber or Taxi from the Memphis International Airport and you’ll be at the hotel in 20 minutes. Expect to pay $30-$40, depending on traffic. You can also rent a car at the airport.

The Hotel Pontotoc offers parking at a nearby garage for a daily fee, with unlimited ins and outs. Pick up a parking pass when you arrive, and don’t forget to return it or you’ll pay a hefty $100 fee.

SheBuysTravel Tip: Save money on parking by taking a ride share to the hotel. Explore on foot or use Uber to get around.