Memphis, TennesseeSouth Main
The Central Station Memphis, Curio Collection by Hilton
Audiophile rail depot
South Main Memphis, Tennessee
Opened
2019
Price
$$
Rated for
Heritage Local DesignOutside the door
The house
HiltonAudiophile rail depot
Amtrak trains still pull in below, while upstairs the former rail depot revolves around vinyl and nightly DJ sets.
“The 123 guest rooms, some with views of the Mississippi River, come with custom EgglestonWorks speakers, which are made right in Memphis.”
What it’s good at
Notable
A 1914 Beaux-Arts passenger terminal with an active Amtrak rail platform downstairs.
Listed
Midcentury modern furnishings set against preserved stone columns and soaring waiting-room ceilings.
What they say
Michelin Selected
Michelin
Also in AFAR.
Memphis’s Central Station is, in part, just what it sounds like: a functioning rail and trolley station, right in the heart of the newly redeveloped downtown.
Right in the middle
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
The Main Street trolley stops just outside, linking South Main galleries to the historic blues clubs along Beale Street.
The rooms
Custom Memphis-built speakers tune straight into the lobby DJ, and several rooms look out over the Mississippi River.
At the table
Eight & Sand pours cocktails beneath a vintage concourse sign, with a dedicated listening room tucked behind the bar.
How it began
The Beaux-Arts terminal served as the Illinois Central Railroad headquarters from 1914, handling over fifty passenger trains a day at its peak.
Memphis
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Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.