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The Peabody Memphis
Memphis, Tennessee, United States · Peabody Hotels · Core Luxury
The original Peabody opened in 1869 for Robert Brinkley, named for George Peabody. Walter Ahlschlager's Italian Renaissance house opened 1 September 1925 at 149 Union Avenue. In 1933 Frank Schutt dropped live decoy ducks in the lobby fountain; by 1940 Edward Pembroke, an ex-circus trainer, had them marching the red carpet at eleven and five. The ducks still own the fountain.
- 464 rooms
- Opened 1869
- Neighborhood: Downtown
- Architect: Walter W. Ahlschlager
About The Peabody Memphis
- Four hundred sixty-four rooms in a 13-storey tower listed on the National Register in 1977.
- John Grisham adaptations used the house: The Firm on the roof, The Client at Chez Philippe, The Rainmaker in the Continental Ballroom.
- A six-year, $25 million restoration reopened the hotel in 1981 after it had gone dark.
History
Robert Campbell Brinkley opened the first Peabody in 1869 at Main and Monroe, named for philanthropist George Peabody, and gave it to his daughter as a wedding gift. The current 13-storey Italian Renaissance building by Chicago architect Walter W. Ahlschlager opened 1 September 1925 at 149 Union Avenue. General manager Frank Schutt put live decoy ducks in the lobby fountain in 1933; bellman Edward Pembroke trained the daily Duck March from 1940. The hotel is on the National Register of Historic Places (1977) and reopened in 1981 after a multi-year restoration.
The setting
149 Union Avenue, downtown Memphis, a block east of Main Street.
Restaurants and bars
- Flying Saucer Draught Emporium — Bar · Bar
- Flavors of India — Restaurant · Indian
- Silly Goose Lounge — Bar · Cocktail bar
Experiences
- Peabody Ducks lobby march — Five resident Mallard ducks march through the lobby and visit the lobby fountain daily from 11am to 5pm.
- Hotel History Tours — Guided history tours of the hotel, bookable via the hotel's website.
- Feathers Spa — Hotel spa presented as the #1 Spa in Tennessee.
Amenities
- Expert meeting planners
- Catering team
- Peabody Weddings
- Corporate events (intimate breakfasts to large conferences)
- Milestone celebrations
- Hotel History Tours
- Gift Cards
Awards
- AAA Four Diamond (2026)
- Forbes Travel Guide Recommended (2026)
Open The Peabody Memphis in the atlas for live weekend rates, photos, and the full folio.
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